Wet weather during winter and spring of 2003 was followed by a very hot August. This produced grapes which showed a high concentration and sweetness with relatively low acidity. The result of which is this award-winning Port - rich, powerful and complex.

Retaining a deep and youthful colour, the nose has intense black fruit characters, with notes of sweet spices, liquorice and vanilla. The palate has structure and concentration, with rich, ripe plum and cherry flavours, more spice and firm tannins.

It is drinking well now, but still has many years ahead if you want to lay this down for a special occassion.

Wiese & Krohn

Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two Norwegians - Theodor Wiese and Dankert Krohn - shipping initially to Scandinavia and Germany. In the century and a half since its foundation, Krohn has built up an outstanding reputation.

Long renowned for the quality of their sublime Colheitas (single vintage tawnies), they produce a remarkably complete range for a small house, and each wine excels in its category. Much of the secret lies in the high quality of their vineyards - the magical combination of terroir, locality, aspect, incline and low-yielding vines.

Their Quinta do Retiro Novo estate in Sarzedinho, in the Rio Torto valley (where vinification takes place), is all A grade vineyard. Indeed Krohn only work with grapes from A-graded vineyards across all of their ports, and their top wines are still trodden by foot.