2009 - Croft, Vintage

The 2009 Croft has a tightly wound bouquet of blackberry, black plum, and touches of glycerine and graphite that are well-defined but persistently broody. The palate is full-bodied with a burly, powerful entry. There is real structure and presence here – a Croft packed full of spicy black fruit with white peppers generously sprinkled over the finish. This is an ambitious Croft that could become a future legend – or might trip over its untrammeled ambition! Tasted May 2013.

Saturated deep ruby to the rim. Superripe aromas of black fruits, bitter chocolate, licorice and minerals. Big, lush and sweet, with a lightly raisiny quality and a saline thickness to the pungent black cherry and dark plum flavors. This huge wine impresses most with its hedonistic texture but seems a bit youthfully monolithic today. I'd give it at least five to seven years in the cellar.

Blackish crimson. Mellow, well-behaved nose. Very soft, ripe and sweet. Quite different from the Fonseca and Taylor in terms of build – less concentrated. Then the tannin and, especially, acidity rise up and take you unawares at the end of the palate. Just very slightly scrawny on the finish with a tiny hint of greenness. I'd lash out on one of the more serious ports from this stable. (JR)