Simon Field: The colour is quite evolved and lacks the concentration of some. Attractive, albeit reasonably mature nose, wild strawberries and prunes. Simplistic, although far from disagreeable, the wine has a slightly oxidised feel to it. Drinking well now but not hugely challenging and probably not for the longer term. 16

Andrew Jefford: Much more evolved than the Dow’s and Warre’s, but still holding its red corpuscles attractively. A bit of a ’country cousin’ aroma: fat, leathery, hot straw. Not unpleasant, but not the attractive fruited purity one hopes for. Good, joshing, friendly, exuberant meaty Port, with plenty of tendon still on its bones. If you’re not hunting for that fruited purity and those chiselled tannins but like som ething generous to keep the night and the frost at bay, this is a good choice. (There is fruit, but it is more baked straw berry than anything.) 16

Richard Mayson: Mid-garnet centre, pink tawny rim. Stewed nose - not attractive - baked fruit. It tasted baked, too. Some depth but lacks definition. The rather stewed fruit is supported by firm tannins on to the finish. Let down by the fruit. Drink now to 2012.10