Simon Field: Episcopal purple, firm at the rim, neatly constructed and poised; the nose recalls the hot house, lifted and assertive, still a touch ungainly after all these years. But it was a precocious child, and the early promise has not been entirely abandoned. The tannins, if not rustic, are still angular, harboring a minty intent and buttressing a firm intent; spirited and fascinating, this will be good to review over the next decade or so. | 89

Andrew Jefford: Dark black-red in color, with no opacity but little visual sign of age yet—all clear scarlet at the meniscus. Savory fruits, closely woven, on the aromas, withatouch of mint and eucalyptus. Moderately forthcoming, though there are other 1994s with more sheer aromatic force. On the tongue, this is powerful though contained, shapely, almost elegant now, and we are well beyond the primary-fruit phase; indeed, what distinguishes this Port is the wealth of secondary allusions— licorice, bay, menthol, tar, crushed peppercorns. It is concentrated and deep, even though it isn’t flamboyant, and there is a latent freshness here also. Intellectually satisfying, as well as sensually so; an outstanding 1994. | 93

Richard Mayson: Mid-deep in hue, just turning on the rim; first impression of being a touch stewed on the nose, with a lifted edge, some dark-chocolate intensity underlying; impressively big, bold, and ripe but lacking elegance and focus at this stage, just a touch of rusticity, possibly just a phase, big, brash, bittersweet tannic finish. A bit disjointed, possibly needing time to knit together. | 86