Simon Field: Powerful in every respect; dark of hue and then the nose, which recalls ripe plum and damson; tannins and sweetness perfectly married, perfumed appeal to the fore, balanced acidity and a long, impressive finish. Encyclopedic flavors in praise of the essence of the genre that is Vintage Port... Even a touch of tar. Plenty of fascination— for the longer term. | 93

Andrew Jefford: Deep, dark black-red, just inching away from opacity at the heart of the wine. Quite a lot of herbal and camphor notes in the aroma, but it has the force and presence so typical of 2003 here. Graphite and bitter orange, pounded together in a pestle and mortar: a superb nose, in truth. In the mouth, this is dramatic and superb, too: intense, riveting, gathered, sweet-fruited, yet so gathered as to almost squeeze that sweet fruit into dryness. The tannins are, yet again, ample, preserving, and the main source of balance in this astonishing vintage. A very good waymark in the amazing 2003 story. | 93

Richard Mayson: Very deep, opaque, black color, thin purple rim; tight-knit and withdrawn on the nose, but with underlying definition, fruit, and intensity, a touch of tar and spice; lovely purity of fruit initially, gritty tannins, still a bit raw around the edges but showing huge promise, with lovely definition on the finish. Drink 2025–60. | 94