Potentially one of the most compelling wines of the vintage, this inky black/purple-colored 2000 exhibits notes of scorched earth, melted asphalt, blackberry liqueur, and a pungent, penetrating intensity that reverberates in the mouth as well as the head. Full-bodied, massive, and concentrated, with a 45-second finish, this thrilling effort should drink well between 2010-2035.

Incredibly juicy and fruit-filled, with mixed berries leading the charge, backed by cocoa, chocolate and dried spices. It's deceptively easy to drink now, but the structure should become more obvious in time. Côrte-Real considers it "one of the best vintages ever made." Worth cellaring some for 50 years to see how it compares with the '27 and '55. Hold.

Saturated black-ruby. Superripe but vibrant aromas of crystallized black fruits, tar and mossy earth. Thick, dense, seamless and very young, with complex notes of espresso, bitter chocolate and earth. A rather powerful wine with chewy extract. Slightly exotic but firm-edged on the long, slow-mounting finish, which features compelling sweetness and late notes of mocha and pipe tobacco.

Nicely made. Very subtle aromas of crushed berries, roses and lavender. Full-bodied, lightly sweet, with big juicy tannins and a long fruity finish. Best after 2010. 5,000 cases made. - JS