97 points Wine Enthusiast: "The legendary Vargellas Vinha Velha comes from the oldest vines of Quinta de Vergellas. This 2009 vintage is concentrated and impressive, its beautiful ripe fruits and dark chocolate backed by an immense structure. The gentler side of the wine comes through in its perfumed character. A wine that deserves many years of aging. Cellar Selection. abv: 20.5%. (Apr 2012)"

94 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "The Taylor Vargellas Vinha Velha 2009 has a more introverted than Taylor’s Vintage, an earthy bouquet with touches of orange essence developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good backbone, quite reserved and composed at the moment. This is not a flamboyant Vinha Velha, but there is a very attractive, slightly biscuity quality towards the finish. Superb. (May 2011)"

93 points and 'Top 100 Wines of 2012,' Wine & Spirits: "From the oldest vines at Taylor’s Quinta da Vargellas in the Douro Superior, this smells like schist and builds past its sweetness to a schist-driven finish as well. It starts off as a black fruit jam, gaining detail with air as the seemingly soft tannins yield their mineral power and the big-fruited richness takes shape. Formidable wine, this should thrive in the cellar for 20 to 30 years. (Dec 2011)"

5 stars, 19/20 points, Decanter: "The essence of Quinta de Vargellas: still aromatic with a touch of wild hedgerow character; dense, tight-knit, ripe berry fruit and powerful, rapier-like tannins. A keeper. Drink: 2030-2055. Alc: 20%. (Jun 2012)"