SF | Imperious and uncompromising in colour, facets no doubt relayed to the rest of the ensemble...the nose marries terroir, fruit and savoir faire in equal measure, a persuasive floral incline ( violets and iris) elegantly juxtaposed with herbs and spice; licorice, star anise and cardoman especially prevalent. Lofted on the palate, and if not precisely ethereal. at the very least elegant and light on its feet , not too insignificant an accomplishment for a youthful port. Timeless, therefore, but that will nor prevent us form mentioning that it is just approaching its apogee. 95
AJ | Very promising in the glass: midnight black still, with wonderful purple lingering among the black and glas-clinging purple in the swirl, too Terrific aromas here, and exactly what you want to find in a serious vintage-style port: pristine driving fresh fruits (blackcurrant and blackberry), ground stone, a hint of cistus and herb. Spot on and an invitation to plunge in. Very generous and complete on the palate: robust and rounded. I'm trying to hunt down the core of sumptuously defined fruit and having a little difficulty with that: wine 21 has finer fruit for sure. But this is a total generosity package, storming your palate to hugely gratifying effect. I guess purists may find it a little warm, but when winter comes knocking on the window pane we might all be grateful.Drink Dates: 2027 - 2036. 90
RM | big, deep and opaque, focused with density on the nose and much more to give; lovely purity of fruit on the palate, beautifully defined and focused berry fruit with good grippy tannins and structure which lingers on the finish, tannins just a little green at this stage but this will come together as a wonderful wine in ten years or so.Drink Dates: 2034 - 2055 plus. 95