1977 Croft
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Tasting notes
Two bottles tasted. Mid-deep brown. Quite fusty, a little volatile and old-looking. Probably not the finest example. Lacking intensity on the palate and feeling on the decline. The second bottle has a bit more life on the nose, with demerara sugar and hazelnut notes, and carrying a little more depth on the palate. Still not an exceptional vintage port though. (TJ)
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1977 Croft Vintage Port has a clear garnet core. The nose is ripe and attractive, but lacking the complexity of the 1977 Taylor's: hints of cherry, brambly red-berried fruit, ginger and honey, though improving with time in glass as more blackberry leaf element begin to appear. The palate is sweet, ripe, very primordial considering the vintage, rounded in texture, supple with a lushness that I was not expecting. This should improve with more time, but I would prefer more grip and persistency towards the finish that I cannot help feeling is rather…ersatz? Tasted in the Factory House in Porto for "Taylor's - The Story of a Classic Port House" book.
Some ruby richness with real colour gradation. Intriguing nose of bake and wood. Interesting. Layers of rather wild, countrified flavours here. A vigorous wine with lots still to give even if the finish is currently a little dry. Definitely not one of the sweetest ports but a good, valid style. (JR)
Crimson, healthy colour and autumnal undergrowth perfume. Clean and lively, finely etched. Good mid-palate fruit still. Refreshing. Drier than most. Quite long but with no tannin evidence. (JR)