Dow's, 1985 Vintage Port

Vintage Port (Trafalgar Edition)

Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 20%

Price:

£139.00

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Description

The 1985 Dow’s Trafalgar Edition Vintage Port is a rare and distinctive release, created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Bottled and released in 2005, it uses the classic 1985 vintage but features special Trafalgar-themed packaging, including label artwork based on dramatic paintings by W.L. Wyllie R.A., depicting HMS Victory and HMS Temeraire engaged in battle. This edition not only marked a historical naval victory but also supported maritime charities, with Dow’s contributing a portion of proceeds from each case sold.

The wine itself is drawn from one of the finest vintages of the late 20th century. The 1985 Dow’s Vintage Port was declared universally and is celebrated for its depth, structure, and ageing potential. At release, it was bold and tightly wound, with powerful tannins and concentrated black fruit. Now, after decades in bottle, it has evolved into a wine of great finesse, displaying aromatic notes of violets, eucalyptus, liquorice, and dried cherry, with the hallmark Dow dryness on the finish. It remains a benchmark for the house.

Tasting notes specific to the Trafalgar Edition highlight its integration and balance. Auction descriptions and collector reviews refer to it as “nicely developed,” “juicy and ripe,” and possessing a “beautifully mellow yet structured palate.” The additional historical context and artistic presentation make this not only a wine of quality, but also a piece of storytelling—evoking both maritime heritage and oenological tradition.

The 1985 Trafalgar Edition thus stands as both a collector’s piece and a fully mature vintage port. It represents the quiet strength and longevity of Dow’s style, wrapped in a tribute to Britain’s naval history. Decant it with care, pair it with mature cheeses or chocolate desserts, and enjoy a taste of both craftsmanship and commemoration.

Condition

excellent

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Gold Cardboard Presentation Box - £4.45

Single bottle cardboard presentation box. Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Single Bottle Black Wooden Box with Sliding Lid - £7.95

Sliding lid wooden gift box with straw lining. Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Single Bottle Dark Mocha Leather Effect Gift Box with Silk Liner - £11.95

Send your wine in a beautiful silk-lined, Dark Mocha Leather Effect gift box.
Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

2 bottle Wooden Gift Box - £13.95

Create a unique gift package with our two bottle wooden gift box with sliding lid.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit two 75cl bottles (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Deluxe Gift box with Accessories - £14.95

Send your wine in a beautiful silk-lined gift Box with an accessories set inlaid into the lid. Includes: Corkscrew; Wine Pourer; Thermometer and Wine Stopper.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit a 75cl bottle (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Two Bottle Dark Mocha Leather Effect Gift Box with Silk Liner - £15.95

Create a unique gift package with our luxury Dark Mocha Leather Effect presentation box with silk liners.

Select this option for your first wine and then standard packaging for the remaining wine.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit two 75cl bottles (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Three Bottle Wooden Wine Gift Box - £16.95

Select this option for your first wine and then standard packaging for the remaining two bottles.

Includes tasting notes and a personal message (can be input in the Personal Gift Message Box at the basket stage).
***Please note this product is manufactured to fit three75cl bottles (50cl and 37.5cl bottles can also be packaged inside this box).

Six Bottle Oak Gift Box with Protective Insert - £30

Send your port or wine gift in a six-bottle oak gift box with protective Insert.
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