Lots of grape on the nose, with hints of dark chocolate and mahogany. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with chewy tannins and a long, raisiny finish. Shows outstanding potential. Best after 2012.

A single-quinta Port from Cockburn's vineyard in the Douro Superior. It is surprisingly fresh, despite its hot vineyard provenance; it's perfumed with flavors of hedgerow fruits. There is a structure, but the main character is elegance.

High-toned aromas of medicinal black cherry, licorice and walnut skin. Moderately sweet and juicy on the palate, with musky flavors of sweet plum and saddle leather. The finish hints at some old wood. I've seen positive reports on this wine elsewhere, but this sample was the best of the three bottles I was able to taste. (I similarly had a couple bottles of Cockburn's that also displayed high volatile acidity.)