Simon Field: Big colour. A ripe, expressive wine, with plenty of grip and an elegant structure. Minerality frames the finish, and figs, liquorice and kirsch adorn the mid-palate. This has all the hallmarks of the vintage and all the breeding of a fine proponent of its virtues. 16

Andrew Jefford: Dark red-black, medium viscosity. Fruit still dominates the aromas, though there is a slight toffee edge to this. Thick-textured, fiery, thrusting and masterful flavour, with huge levels of extract and unleashed tannic power. An ambitious, domineering Port, yet for me it slightly misses the fresh-fruit component, which seems to have gone missing along the way. This is a roar. But you can’t ignore the roar... 17.5

Richard Mayson: Deep opaque centre, thin crimson-purple rim. Not as expressive as the Noval Nacional. Closing down but with underlying intensity and firm, tight, bittersweet fruit and firm, spicy tannins. Attractive if rather one-dimensional length. It needs time. Drink 2015 plus. 15.5