RP92+ Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 27th Jun 2013
"The 2011 Croft is initially taciturn on the nose, even after allowing it 20 minutes in my glass. A light swirling immediately awakens the aromatics to offer blackberry, Seville orange marmalade, blueberries and dried fig — complex and quite compelling. There is real mineralite within this bouquet that, returning after 30 minutes, offers alluring ocean spray scents rolling in off the ocean. The palate is medium-bodied with a velvety-smooth opening that belies the fine, structured tannins underneath. It clams up a little towards the finish, shuts the lid tight and consequently there is the sensation of less persistency here compared to the Taylor’s or Fonseca. But Croft has a knack of filling out with bottle age and becomes both gentle and generous with the passing years. Tasted May 2013." (92–95 pts.)
ST90+ Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar May/Jun 2014
"Bright medium ruby. Slightly reduced, spirity aromas of kirsch, blackberry, boysenberry, licorice pastille and mint, plus a suggestion of nutty oak. Densely packed and quite sweet, but the slightly disjointed black fruit flavors are tough going today; this struck me as more like a ruby port. Quite closed and tannic on the back end, in need of patience to display its personality. Many other critics rated this wine considerably higher than I did." (90+? pts.)
WS93 Wine & Spirits December 1, 2013
"When it purchased this historic brand in 2001, the Fladgate Partnership was reunited with the Quinta da Roêda, which John Fladgate’s daughter brought with her in marriage to Charles Wright of Croft in 1875. Sited on the north bank of the Douro adjacent to Pinhão, Roêda is the heart of Croft vintages. It has been a major focus for António Magalhaes, charged with viticulture for the Fladgate Partnership, who has been working with David Guimaraens to restore the vineyard to its former glory. Each vintage release has improved on the last until this 2011, which is a jump shift in depth and brings Croft back to its rightful place among the elite of the Douro hierarchy. It has the distance and restraint of a great young vintage, the density of the fruit and the mouthwatering tannins held tight, youthfully closed. Hinting at its future in bright scents of roses and dark tones of freshly turned earth, this is a wine of significant weight and depth. It should reach its prime around 25 years from the vintage." (93 pts.)
WE95 Wine Enthusiast 11/1/2013
"This shows very sweet fruit that’s ripe, dense and already delicious. That doesn’t mean the tannins don’t bring out the firmness at the core of this powerful wine. It is integrated, packed with black plum flavors, and full bodied. For long-term aging." (95 pts.)
SP95 Wine Spectator Oct 15, 2013
"Effusively juicy, rich and concentrated, showing plenty of snap to the crisp and well-spiced flavors of wild berry, dark currant and plum tart. Orange-infused chocolate notes linger on the exotic, mocha-filled finish. Best from 2020 through 2045. 5,000 cases made." (95 pts.)
