This impressive vintage port, from a firm that has not been numbered among the great port houses of the last century, may turn out to be the most impressive wine from Croft in decades. The healthy purple/black color is followed by copious aromas of licorice, chocolate, and over-ripe black fruits. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with layers of juicy, succulent, full-throttle fruit, glycerin, high alcohol, and powerful tannin, this large-scaled, youthful vintage port will benefit from 7-10 years of cellaring. It should drink well for 30+ years. Importer: Palace Brands, Hartford, CT; tel. (800) 729-3372.

This impressive vintage port, from a firm that has not been numbered among the great port houses of the last century, may turn out to be the most impressive wine from Croft in decades. The healthy purple/black color is followed by copious aromas of licorice, chocolate, and over-ripe black fruits. Full-bodied and unctuously-textured, with layers of juicy, succulent, full-throttle fruit, glycerin, high alcohol, and powerful tannin, this large-scaled, youthful vintage port will benefit from 7-10 years of cellaring. It should drink well for 30+ years.Importer: Palace Brands, Hartford, CT; tel. (800) 729-3372.

Deep, opaque, just turning on the rim. Still quite a dense nose with underlying plummy fruit and floral maturity just starting to emerge. Full, rich and fleshy with some bitter chocolate intensity at the core and a firm tannic grip building towards the finish. Alc: 20.5%.