Wine Advocate (94-96)

The Cockburn’s Vintage Port is sourced from their two main vineyards, Quinta dos Canais and Quinta do Vale Coelho, plus a small contribution from Quinta do Cachao de Arnozelo. Around 55% of the blend is sourced from Touriga Nacional vines in Quinta dos Canais, the remainder of the blend 30% Touriga Franca, 5% Sousao and 10% a mixture of old vines. The fruit was picked between September 8 and October 5 at Canais and between September 12 and 30 at Vale Coelho. It has a lifted bouquet with raisin, fresh dates and some lovely tobacco and sandalwood aromas that lend the aromatic profile complexity, although it feels rather compact at the moment. The palate is very well-balanced with a spicy, black pepper-tinged opening and very good structure. There is wonderful focus here, with a refined, clove-tinged finish and a long, spicy aftertaste so you do not forget it in a hurry. The 2011 Cockburn harks back to those classics of yesteryear. Cockburn’s is back. Tasted May 2013.

We are thrilled to have secured a small parcel of 2011 casks from this rising Speyside superstar and to be able to present them with recent regauges carried out just this past August and compelling prices which combine to suggest excellent upside for the next ten-plus years.

Wine Advocate (92-95)

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.

Wine Spectator (99)

Powerful, refined and luscious, with a surplus of dark plum, kirsch and cassis flavors that are unctuous and long. Shows plenty of grip, presenting a long, full finish, filled with Asian spice and raspberry tart accents. Rich and chocolaty. One for the ages.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

The Fonseca 2011 is typically more forthcoming on the nose compared to the bashful Croft: a strident bouquet with lifted scents of freshly picked blackberries, kirsch, crushed stone and a dash of Hoi Sin and oyster sauce. It is very well-defined, very focused and direct. The palate is silky smooth with not a rough edge in sight, though not a typically voluptuous Fonseca because of the keen thread of acidity and the structure that lends this mighty Port wonderful backbone. A slight viscosity on the finish lacquers the tongue and indicates a core of sweet fruit is ticking away underneath that will surely explode several years after bottling. A tincture of salted licorice on the aftertaste is very attractive. This will turn out to become an outstanding Fonseca, the growing season taming its exuberance with spectacular results. So much potential, but just 6,000 cases were produced. Tasted May 2013.

Vinous (96+)

Bright, deep, saturated ruby. Liqueur-like ripeness to the deeply fruity aromas of kirsch, black raspberry and cassis. Thick, sweet and seamless, with a silky texture and great depth to its utterly primary dark berry and spice flavors. Wonderfully pure, intense young port with outstanding finishing sweetness, well-judged oakiness and big, ripe, noble tannins. Leaves behind exhilarating kirsch and violet notes on the extremely long finish, with a note of bitter chocolate emerging with extended aeration. This fleshy beauty boasts beautifully managed tannins and outstanding aging potential.

Wine Advocate (97)

The 2011 Vintage Port hasn't been seen in a while. It begins our mini-vertical this issue. Showing rich and gorgeous fruit, this is pure, young and elegant. There is still plenty of power here, but decanting a small portion for about three hours gave me some hope that it would be approachable a bit sooner than anticipated. Noval has mid-palate finesse all the time—so, too, here. It makes this very graceful, despite the power and the first lush impression. The pure power does not detract from the feeling of elegance at all, as this comes together well. Dried herbs, eucalyptus and a long finish make this special, the complexity on the finish sealing the deal. This is early in this wine's evolution, but it is beginning to open its eyes and peek out at the world.

Immerse yourself in the distinctive pleasure of the Springbank Single Malt Local Barley 11YO Bottled 2022 2011, a whisky that delivers a unique expression town's terroir. This rare single malt hails from Springbank, the oldest functioning distillery in Campbeltown, Scotland, respected worldwide for its traditional, hands-on production methods. What sets this whisky apart is the local barley that is grown, malted, fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled entirely on-site, creating an essence of true locality.

Aged in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks for 11 years to accentuate the flavours imparted by the barley, the result is a subtly sweet, creamy whisky, showcasing notes of orchard fruits, vanilla, and a hint of peat smoke, encased in the warming embrace of oak. The Springbank Single Malt Local Barley 11YO Bottled 2022 2011 is a testament to quality craftsmanship, evoking the spirit of its Campbeltown origins with every sip.

Dive into the world of high-quality spirits with the exquisite Springbank, Single Malt Local Barley 10YO Bottled 2022, Campbeltown 2011. Expertly made by Springbank Distillery, the only distillery in Scotland to perform the full production process on site, exuding traditional craftsmanship. This eloquent malt, distilled from barley exclusively harvested from the local Campbeltown farms, offers a window into the passion and unique terroir of this venerable whisky region.

Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2022, this 10-year-old single malt is highly sought-after, leading you on a sophisticated gustatory journey with a beautiful palette of multifaceted flavours. It echoes the vibrant notes of honey, orchard fruits, vanilla and subtle smokiness, a hallmark of Springbank's signature style. Unquestionably, Springbank, Single Malt Local Barley 10YO Bottled 2022, Campbeltown 2011 is an epitome of fine whisky craftsmanship that will delight any discerning palate.

Dive into the world of high-quality spirits with the exquisite Springbank, Single Malt Local Barley 10YO Bottled 2022, Campbeltown 2011. Expertly made by Springbank Distillery, the only distillery in Scotland to perform the full production process on site, exuding traditional craftsmanship. This eloquent malt, distilled from barley exclusively harvested from the local Campbeltown farms, offers a window into the passion and unique terroir of this venerable whisky region.

Distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2022, this 10-year-old single malt is highly sought-after, leading you on a sophisticated gustatory journey with a beautiful palette of multifaceted flavours. It echoes the vibrant notes of honey, orchard fruits, vanilla and subtle smokiness, a hallmark of Springbank's signature style. Unquestionably, Springbank, Single Malt Local Barley 10YO Bottled 2022, Campbeltown 2011 is an epitome of fine whisky craftsmanship that will delight any discerning palate.

Jancis Robinson (19.5)

This wine was placed immediately after the super-opulent Fonseca in the BFT tasting which may have been a mistake. This is restrained. Well mannered, discreet, keeps its powder very dry. But on the palate it opens out in the most superb, burgundian peacock's tail sort of way. Another wonderful wine from The Fladgate Partnership. Utterly different from the Fonseca. Upright and straight backed. But irreproachable. My gums are virtually impervious to sugar and acid but this wine set them vibrating a bit. Dried prunes ground up with rocks.