Vinous (98)

It has a greenish, tawny rim, quite deep at its mahogany core more than you would expect for a Port of this age. The nose is quite arresting, does not hang about, delivering a cornucopia of aromas: grilled walnuts, espresso, smoke, antique bureau and dried fig, all extremely well defined. Monitoring this over three or four hours, it gains intensity, hints of liquorice and menthol joining the chorus line, just the right amount of volatility. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly viscous on the entry, very spicy with sweet honey and brown sugar notes, completely offset by the combination of natural and volatile acids. Despite its age, this is a fiery Port with extraordinary lingering notes of Japanese shiso leaf, fig jam, damson and stem ginger, clean and poised with that volatility kicking towards the finish. This has wonderful sweetness, with 218g/L residual sugar that counters any oxidation. At around £4,000 per bottle, it is not inexpensive. But you are paying to drink history, knowing that it will never be released again. Of course, this 1896 is ready to be drunk now, but such is its concentration and vigour, that it could be cellared if you insist on your fortified wine being at least 125 years old.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Blackish crimson with medium rim. Heady and ripe on the nose. Subtle and savoury. Satin-smooth palate entry and a very dry end but really exciting and herbal in the middle. Very much in the Taylor's idiom. Neat and ambitious.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite Textura, Pura, Dao 2018, a wine that exudes craftsmanship and attention to detail. Hailing from the heartland of Portugal’s famed Dão region, and meticulously crafted by Textura winery, this Portuguese red boasts a distinct character reflective of its unique terroir. The Wine Folly praises it for its elegant balance of tannin, acidity and minerality.

Every bottle of Textura, Pura, Dao 2018 is a testament to eco-friendly viticulture. The hand-selected grapes not only respect the environment but also bestow rich aromas of dark fruits and spices. Notably absent is any use of oak, allowing the pure expression of fruit and terroir to shine through, an ode to traditional winemaking practices it must be remembered.

Sip on the Textura, Pura, Dao 2018, a wine that celebrates the essence of artisanal winemaking. Savour every nuanced layer, every refined sip and appreciate the journey behind every bottle.

Discover 'The Society Exhibition Vintage Port 2011', a laudable port showcasing the exemplary winemaking skills of Quinta de la Rosa, located along the Douro River in Portugal. Known for laying down exceptional vintages, the year 2011 was no exception for this esteemed producer, it turned out to be an extraordinary year producing wines of impeccable structure and remarkable density. This enchanting port is evidence of such brilliance. On your palate, it unravels with deep layers of black fruit, mixed subtly with sweet spices and rich prunes, evolving slowly into an intense, long finish.

The fortification process was traditional: arresting fermentation with grape spirit to retain natural sweetness and boosting the alcohol level. Matured for two years in huge wooden vats to preserve its opulent fruit character, 'The Society Exhibition Vintage Port 2011' is a testament to a fabulous vintage and the time-honoured art of Port making. A delectable treasure that effortlessly combines fortitude with elegance.

Wine Advocate (86)

This house makes rather restrained yet rich, flavorful vintage port and a very good tawny called Nimrod. Their vintage ports seem slow to develop, and while they never quite have the voluptuous richness of a Dow, Graham, or Fonseca, they have a unique mineral-scented character that gives them their own complexity and style. The1975 is soft, supple and clearly mature.

Jancis Robinson (18.5)

Deep blackish purple. Lovely lift and savour. Slight hint of sawdust on extremely luscious fruit then some fine tannins. Pretty interesting, if non-classic wine. A real flatterer. Long but with great interest. Dry finish.

Vinous (92)

Deep ruby. Vibrant, expressive aromas and flavors of kirsch, dark chocolate and flowers. Very dense, fat and sweet, with excellent inner-mouth energy leavening the impression of lushness. Finishes long and sweetly tannic, with a bit of brandy to be absorbed. This has the density and tannic clout for a graceful evolution in bottle.

James Suckling (96)

Very complex with dried flowers and roses. Full-bodied, very layered and tightly wound. Chewy and powerful. Firm and off-dry. Needs five or six years to soften. Beauty. Try in 2024.