Simon Field | Squid-ink color, a nose of gum cistus, blackberry leaf, and Parma violets. There is a power to the mid-palate, informed by the spirit, of course, the sheer weight of fruit, too; a luxuriant mouth-coating richness, poised thereafter, nether acidity nor tannins overwhelming in what is a composed and poised piece of work, waiting to pounce like a very black jaguar. Lovely, resolved sweetness, beguiling ab initio ad infinitum. | 93
Andrew Jefford | Very exciting saturated black core out to a purple rim and lots of lazy, languid legs on the side of the glass. Lifted, pure-milled, and fine-grained aromas that gather spice, creamy blackcurrant fruits, vanilla, tobacco, and citrus peels alluringly together—a very exciting prospect. The palate doesn’t disappoint; this is hugely concentrated and close-textured, with depth-charge levels of fruit cloaked in fine tannins and lingering, provocative extract. This is wonderfully powerful yet poised Vintage Port. Very pure, too—not a single aromatic false note here. It rolls on and on in the finish. Astonishing depth and concentration here. | 96
Richard Mayson | Demure and tight-knit on the nose, with underlying depth and density opening up to reveal ripe berry fruit; firm and well defined, with structural tannins supporting some lovely naturally sweet berry fruit with bitter-chocolate intensity and a long, sinewy, tannic finish, where the freshness reemerges. Not the biggest wine here but wonderful poise. | 94
Details
Wine expert | Andrew Jefford Richard Mayson Simon Field |
Tastings year | 2021 |
Region | Douro Valley |
% Alcohol By Volume | 20 |