Simon Field: Multifaceted, quite complex nose of roasted nuts and iron next to the cherry fruit. The palate is gloriously hedonistic, an extraordinarily rich and ripe potpourri that exemplifies the power of this vintage and more than justifies its declaration. Young, but already knowing. 17

Andrew Jefford: Dark red-black, handsome and glowing. Vivid, fresh, close-knit, lots in there - lots of sweet blackcurrant with some cindery depths to start with. Evolution in the glass is slight disappointing: it turns a bit caramelly. Mouth-filling, dense and spicy, with excellent tannin qualities. Am ple and plump, yet approachable. The fruit is very warm, creamy and friendly. A lovely mouthful of Vintage Port and likely to hold well, too. 16

Richard Mayson: Very good deep opaque centre, thin crimson-purple rim. Quite sullen and withdrawn on the nose but with underlying depth and richness; tight, solid foursquare flavours. Big, bold, but perhaps lacking a little grace and elegance at this stage. Rich, ripe length, though again perhaps lacking a little in definition. Better in five years. Drink 2009-2025. 16.5