Simon Field: The nose is smoky and quite dusty with a palate dominated by liquorice, pepper and black cherry. A ripe, rather forthright wine that flatters without deception. Ripe, voluptuous and approachable. A sweet child of a ripe vintage; weight and structural integrity promise a long life. 17.5

Andrew Jefford: Black-purple, mid-depth. Composed, rounded, gently enticing, settled. No sense of aromatic insistence or seductive overdrive, but no complaints either. At this mid-way point in its life, and as suggested by the aroma, this is a well-crafted, finely balanced Vintage Port whose fruits are now settling down into a satisfying, gently meaty maturity. Nice tannin backup; medium finish; everything that one could wish for... but just a sense of quietness and reticence that holds it back from a really top mark. 16.5

Richard Mayson: Good deep colour, with a purple rim. Rather an earthy nose - feral, withatouch of animal. Ripe if bittersweet flavours. Finishes with firm tannic length and lovely fruit liquorice. Drink 2008-2025. 12