Croft, Vintage Port 2003

Croft has remained true to its distinctive vintage port style, characterised by a powerful, ripe fruitiness and a round luscious palate. Croft vintages develop great aromatic complexity with age and a soft velvety texture. The 2003 Croft has a relatively exotic nose for this Port, with cherry liqueur, peat, liquorice 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.