Simon Field: Dense colour; nose already promising, juxtaposing violets, blueberry fruit and hints of mocha. Palate sweet and spirity, quite assertive tannins and firm acidity on the finish to underw rite the putative excesses of the vintage. A voluptuous wine held in check by very strident tannins that will hopefully not dominate the wine forever. 16.5

Richard Mayson: Good opaque colour. Ripe, plummy aromas, full, sweet and spicy. Big dusty-peppery tannins with plenty of ripe, juicy fruit. Dusty tannic length. Well made and well balanced. Mid- to long-distance wine. 16

Jancis Robinson: Deep purple. Very heady and intense - quite high volatility. Some prunes, some wood. Very dry, tannic finish. An ‘upright' rather than fleshy style of Port. Neat and furled. 15