Simon Field: Soot, well-attended but well-stocked libraries, intimations of grandeur. Quite a racy number, its acidity crisp, surprisingly so given the vintage, riding above the palate profile somewhat, with seductive floral voices, a siren call to indulgence, coaxing and overwhelming, with a strong and entirely credible message. | 90

Andrew Jefford: Dark, opaque black-red but less saturated than some of its peers. The aromas here are a little extreme and seashore-like, with lots of salted leather; intriguing nonetheless. But it does smell a little hot and bothered. An extraordinary thing on the palate, almost treacly and raisiny: Vintage Port meets PX. The massive tannins will ensure it has a long life. The baroque character here, however, is too much even for me; there are many other 2003s that have almost as much density but a much fresher and more balanced style. Nonetheless, all Vintage Port lovers should try this amazing wine at least once. | 89

Richard Mayson: Good deep color, thin purple rim; stewed and a bit oxidized on the nose, withatouch of Bovril; fresher on the palate, but still stewed and lacking in definition, hot-country fruit, firm tannins but lacking freshness and with a green edge to it on the finish. Unbalanced. | 84