Deep purple in color and loads of red fruit on the nose as well as notes of chocolate, and leather. The final is exceptionally long with notes of black pepper. This a big and full-bodied vintage with lots of acidity and concentration. It will age for decades. 23,280 bottles, 5,500 halves and 300 magnums

Roy Hersh (2005): 96 points. "A complex core of leather, anise, chocolate, brambly berries and earthy scents make this one of those rare treats to keep sniffing and going back to smell again and again. Chewy, ripe and massively build, it's an intense sexy beast with dark cherry and cassis fruit that is smooth in the mouth, but really takes grip when the tannins become aggressive late in the game."

Wine Enthusiast: 94 points. "This port is a great success for Portal. It is dark, dry and very firmly tannic. A great wine for maturing.

Jancis Robinson: 18.5/20

International Wine Challenge: Champion Fortified Wine of the Year