94 points Wine Spectator: "A powerful, full-bodied red from Portugal, oozing with kirsch, dark plum and dark cherry flavors that are flanked by concentrated dark chocolate, bourbon and tobacco leaf flavors. The long finish features rich spice and smoke notes. Tempting now. Best from 2010 through 2015." (11/09) 94 points Stephen Tanzer: "Saturated black ruby to the rim. A black hole on the nose, hinting at crushed dark berries, licorice, violet and woodsmoke. Still an infant on the palate, with penetrating graphite minerality and notes of pepper and spice giving energy to the wine's utterly primary fruit. Wonderfully elegant and fine-grained wine that's just hinting at the complexity to come. A slightly high-toned quality adds personality, but this intensely fruity port needs at least a decade of patience." (01/10) 94 points Wine Enthusiast: "With its delicious juicy character, and blackberry jelly sweetness, this is a ripe wine, packed with fruit. It is sustained by a core of tannins and some herbal bitterness offering a good contrast to all the opulence and richness." (12/09)