Simon Field | Imposing color, well-treated mahogany and a hint of obsidian; the nose has a rich fruitcake grandeur, ripe, allusive, and generous; chocolate, figgy pudding, and wild strawberry; cinnamon and a hint of clove; expressive and assertive. In the mouth, the sweet generosity does not abate; it is, indeed, unrelenting. The spirit clings vividly to the ensemble; overripe red fruit and hints of compote and liqueur de cassis; rich and approachable, maybe a touch one-dimensional, the telltale heat of alcohol somewhat overpowering on the finish— a more than valiant effort, for all that. | 90

Andrew Jefford | Dark, black-red in color, and still opaque at the core, with scarlet at the rim, this looks promising. The aromas are lively and sweet-fruited, if somewhat mentholated, with pressed eucalyptus oils, too. Since it is tarry as well, the effect is a bit Antipodean. The tea-leaf note is a little sweeter though no less fragrant, and there are black- pastille fruits. A decided style, and the fruits are in the background, but very resonant and articulate and enticing. On the palate, this wine proves very sweet, with ample raisiny fruits melting away into dark treacle and syrup of raisins, as if it had a small infusion of PX. It is, though, savory, too, with extracts and earthy flavors; there is some acidity; black-pastille fruits once again (not super-subtle). In the final analysis, I feel it is overripe, but it is a substantial, seriously crafted Vintage Port that won’t disappoint over the short to medium term. It has a fragrant aniseed finish. | 88

Richard Mayson | Lovely deep color with attractive, open, ripe, minty aromas showing plenty of well-defined fruit; rich and supple, with fresh, spicy berry fruit, a firm tannic backbone, and a good, gripping finish, with lithe fruit reemerging. Good length. Ready to drink and enjoyable now, but still with many years ahead. | 92