Croft Vintage Port 2016

97 points Wine Spectator: "[$100 list] Very expressive, this unfurls with mouthwatering licorice snap, fruitcake, apple wood and violet notes, which are quickly followed by a wave of mouthfilling plum, blackberry and fig paste flavors. This is packed but well-defined, and the energy allows the fruit to ripple through the long finish. Built for the long haul, with distinctly dry cut at the end. Best from 2035 through 2055. (12/31/18)"

97 points James Suckling: "Extremely perfumed with dark-berry and currant aromas. Hints of earth and spices. Full-bodied, round and medium sweet. Hints of resin. Opulent yet restrained. Shows ripe and beautiful fruit with clarity. Try in 2025. (5/29/18)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$100 list] Juicy, luscious and with excellent ripe fruit, this is a balanced wine with a fine future. Its tannins are almost sweet to match the sweetness of the berry fruits. As it ages, this will be a lovely wine. Drink from 2027. Alcohol 20%. (Dec 2018)" 95 points Anthony Dias Blue (The Tasting Panel): "[$100 list] Inky and rich with not-too-sweet and toasty flavors; spicy and incredibly nuanced; fresh, generous, and ageworthy from a late-ripening season in the Douro Valley. (Sep 2018)"

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "[$100 list] The 2016 Croft Vintage Port has a taut bouquet at first that demands a good 20 or 30 minutes to get into its stride. It eventually reveals scents of blackberry, bilberry, chimney soot, clove, and just a hint of scorched earth in the background. The palate is spicy and vivacious on the entry: black fruit, clove, white pepper and curry powder (almost like a Balti!) I love the personality imbued into this Croft, a Vintage Port that seems to be wearing its heart on its sleeve. Excellent. Production is 3,050 cases. Drink: 2026-2055. (Jun 2018)"