93 pointsWine Spectator

This one is ready to go, with soft-edged plum sauce, blackberry compote and fig paste flavors that drape easily against a backdrop of cinnamon raisin toast and melted licorice notes. A flattering Port that’s at peak now. *Ranked #16 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2003* (JM, Web-2021)

90 pointsInt’l Wine Cellar

Good full ruby. Expressive aromas of black fruits, violet and nuts. Sweet, fat and dense, with rich, slightly medicinal dark berry and shoe polish flavors. Builds nicely toward the back, finishing with smooth but firm tannins, a note of dark chocolate and a touch of youthful austerity.(1/2003)

Jancis Robinson

Dark blackish purple. Rich, soft, black cherries. Very very sweet and powerful and alcoholic, so much so that it is quite difficult to even discern the tannins but they are there. Is this just a bit too brutal and raw? It is extremely young but it does have all the ingredients there. 18/20 points (JR)(10/2004)