Simon Field | Russet, foxy, seductive color, a pale rim, but long legs; discretion assured. Nose of incense, forest floors, and hearth-side; assertive still; complex without doubt; this gently beguiling behemoth does not disappoint on the palate; spirit, alcohol, acidity—you name it—all perfectly balanced, a slow-build adagio, then a fine, satisfying finish; resolved, for sure, powerful without doubt, but who is to say when resolution may cede to greater ambition and achievement? The unfurling continues apace... | 93

Andrew Jefford | Mid-depth of garnet and oxblood red, and thus par for its age, though I don’t find the russet glints in this wine that were present in [Krohn’s 1963], which otherwise has the same hue. This is another wine that I suspect (the Vintage Port problem!) has an inadequate cork, and there is some damp cardboard, too, but not so much as to hide the warm, hedgerow fruits and jam-pot bubble of cherry and plum. The wine seems very lively and youthful still. On the palate, there is plenty of vigor and force, though the flavor repertoire is out toward the sweetest end of the spectrum: crystallized cherry, some raisin and fig. Succulent and good. A second bottle? If not, this is a provisional score for what is obviously a serious and accomplished ’63. Second bottle: a slightly different problem, with some bottle stink, which will need time to clear, but it will. The description still holds. | 92

Richard Mayson | Lovely mid-deep brick-red at the center, with a pale tawny rim; fine, slightly lifted, ripe, spicy aromas, just lightly roasted round the edges (second bottle distinctly muddy and oxidized). Lovely, gentle, milk-chocolate intensity, with spicy tannins to back it up, still firm and fresh, even tight-knit on the finish, which hangs together quite well. Gentle but rather lifted fruit makes its presence felt on the finish. | 88