2003 Croft, Port, Portugal

Bright, saturated ruby. Brooding aromas of bitter cherry, violet and liquorice, lifted by a resiny nuance. Then densely packed, concentrated and fresh, with rich, fleshy kirsch and dark chocolate flavours. It finishes with big, broad, thoroughly ripe tannins and very good lingering black cherry fruit. This is surprisingly easy to taste today but should age well on its ripe tannins and sheer balance.Stephen Tanzer, Vinous.com.com (January 2006)

The 2003 Vintage Port is a field blend bottled in 2005 after 21 months in wood. It comes in with 85 grams of residual sugar. Although an oldie, this is about to be re-released. Gorgeous, this obviously once had bold and upfront fruit. It still does to some extent, but now you get more nuance and maturity and a big hit of complexity. That's not to say this is too old. In fact, it is rather youthful in many respects, with a couple of decades of life left. There sure is no rush to consume it, and it may do even better than indicated. In the meanwhile, you get something with some maturity and complexity at a very nice price. This is a great deal.Drink 2022 - 2055Mark Squires, Wine Advocate (August 2022)

It is still tight-knit but with underlying definition, fruit and intensity, a touch of tar and spice reflecting the heat of the vintage. Wonderful purity of fruit on the palate initially, backed by powerful spicy tannins with great definition on the finish. Just about ready to drink, huge promise.Drink 2019 - 2050Richard Mayson, Decanter.com (November 2019)

Chocolate, walnut and ripe berry aromas, with some figs and plums showing the heat of the vintage. Full-bodied and very sweet with dried fruits and a softness and lusciousness. Shows the unique character of the base of the blend, Quinta do Roeda. Drinking beautifully now but can improve with age. It's just starting to open.james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (February 2023)

The 2003 Croft has a relatively exotic nose for this Port, with cherry liqueur, peat, licorice and melted dark chocolate on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe black fruit. It is plush and heady, the acidity lower than the 2007 or 2009, so that the finish is rounded, decadent and spicy, without the tension and class of other vintages. It is a hedonistic delight, but it would not be my choice of Croft at the moment. Tasted March 2013.Neil Martin - 28/06/2013

Purplish crimson. Tarry nose. Very fresh impact on the front palate – very sweet and gorgeous. Where are the tannins? Answer: only on the very end of the palate, and then they are very fine. This is nice wine, I’m just not sure it’ll last that long. Clean and refreshing. The Fladgate Partnership’s new acquisition and the first time Croft has been foot trodden for 40 years. jancis_robinson_mw MW - JancisRobinson.com – May 05)

Dark ruby. A little muddy on the (not very intense) nose. Very sweet palate entry, and a bit of pruney, slightly overripe fruit on the palate. Fairly loose structure, but you wouldn’t turn it away! Brûlée and a bit hot on the end.Drink 2020 - 2035jancis_robinson_mw MW, JancisRobinson.com (May 2018)