The 2018 Guimaraens Vintage Port, the first release since 2015, has a rich and opulent bouquet with black cherries, stewed figs and dates. It has a little more warmth than the Quinta da Roeda 2018 tasted alongside, certainly one of the more decadent aromatics. The palate is sweet and fleshy on the entry with black fruit, tar, desiccated orange peel, Xmas cake and juniper berries. I admire the harmony of this Vintage Port. The firm structure only becomes apparent towards the finish. Wonderful length on the aftertaste, the mouth stained with Port for 60 seconds after. Excellent.

Warm, soft-edged and generally open, with a core of steeped plum, blackberry preserve and blueberry reduction flavors leading the way, backed by hints of ganache and licorice root on the finish that add a grippier feel. More bass than treble, but well-packed and should age well. Best from 2030 through 2045. 4,700 cases made, 100 cases imported. — JM

This is a beautiful, luscious wine. It has all the characteristics of a fine Vintage from this producer, with richness and opulence masking powerful tannins. Here, though, is a Port that will also develop relatively quickly. It is likely to be ready from 2027.

The 2018 Guimaraens Vintage Port is a field blend that comes in with 98 grams of residual sugar. It was aged in large wooden vats for approximately 18 months. Elegant and aromatic, this is laced with a little eucalyptus up front. It is ultimately a focused Guimaraens that has a graceful demeanor and fine structure. On first taste, though, it was flat and seemed thin overall. Two days later, it fleshed out and demonstrated that it had enough mid-palate depth to match its pure power. It became more complex as well, although it is not exactly the most expressive Port that the house has made. Of the three from the Fladgate Partnership this issue, this is the least expressive today by far. Closed? Or just missing something? At the price, however, it is a very fine value, and the superb structure-it's best feature-gives this a chance to develop in the cellar. It may yet improve. The price references a full bottle, although this was tasted from a half bottle.