Simon Field: A big-boned beast, energy and drive to the fore; deep of color and flamboyant by inclination, somewhat monolithic thereafter, the tannins holding court with brutal efficiency, the ensemble held in the sway of rigid expectancy. I like the floral character (Sezão?) and anticipate that it will evolve with slow but assured dignity. | 88

Andrew Jefford: Saturated, deep black-red with purple glints; very intensely saturated and opaque. Warm, resonant aromas of black fruit, spice, and earth; powerful and thrusting, yet at the same time fresh and lifted. Licorice and brandy notes there, too, and a savory touch. Relatively soft-contoured, with very sweet fruit and almost no acidity, yet the tannin keeps everything brisk and shipshape. A superb young Vintage Port of intense muscular force and sweetness. Less fresh and svelte than some of its peers, yet for solar personality it is hard to beat. | 93

Richard Mayson: Deep, opaque, still open on the nose and quite opulent in style, with ripe, heady, warm-country fruit; similarly broad and rich initially on the palate, gloriously voluptuous, with broad, ripe tannic grip right through the finish. Complete. Magnificent. One for the long haul. | 95