Simon Field | Garnet amber, a touch smudged; legs and tears cling to the glass, as they always will; the spirit resides discreetly; dark chocolate, rosehip syrup, figs, and raisins; wild raspberry and an incredible residual sweetness; the spirit still does not impose too much; the wine could be 30 years younger, and, unlike most of us, could carry the deception well. Nothing deceives here; nothing flatters too much; but in terms of weight and potential, this is outstanding, and if it lingers for a few more years in the college cellar, so what? It will only get better; it’s almost disgraceful to serve a wine that is so young, is it not? | 95

Andrew Jefford | This is a lighter wine than many of its peers though still of sustained hue rather than actually “light”; it is also much browner, though the depth of hue means that is does not look tired. There is a sweet charm to the aromas, but not much more than that; hard to see much nuance behind the toffeed smile. (It is still Vintage Port, of course! And it has a freshness and a class than would elude lesser wines. These things are all relative.) On the palate, it is smooth, harmonious, serene, and gathered, with a kind of umami or sake-like complexity behind the sweetness. Lots in here and still a great drink, though the sweetness is amply loaded. | 91

Richard Mayson | Good mid-deep center, grading to a broad tawny rim; just a touch lifted on the nose, gentle, savory, with a heady floral character; soft and suave initially on the palate, lovely creamy milk- chocolate fruit, with tremendous freshness and considerable intensity but let down by a rather angular finish. | 90