What Wine Critics say:
"Wine of the Year, Ficklin Vineyards Tinta Port... the one California wine that has pleased my palate consistently for the 30-some years I've been a serious wine fancier. Spicy, dark, ripe plum fruit flavor, with the beginning of complexity and perfectly balanced fruit, to sweetness, to alcohol... I really don't think you can buy a more satisfying bottle of Port anywhere for less money."
- Jerry Mead, "Mead on Wine"
"There is perhaps no greater testament to the viability of the [Central Valley] region for Port than Ficklin's rare older vintages, which only occasionally enter the market... they are impressively rich and ready to enjoy immediately. In that respect, Ficklin's treasures may be some of the best values in the world of rare and exotic American wines."
- The Wine Enthusiast
"Wine of the Week, Ficklin Vineyards Tawny Port. Ficklin Vineyards Tawny is gentle and sweet and represents a great tradition...Wood aging has given the wine depth and complexity, a soft golden hue and a sugary fruit taste that masks its tannin and alcohol. It shows to good advantage when served with blue cheese or fruitcake."
- William Rice, The Chicago Tribune
"FOUR STARS. Superb - Highly Recommended: Ficklin Vineyards Tinta Port & Ficklin Vineyards Aged 10 Year Tawny Port."
- F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
"Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port. Mature spicy flavors layer nicely with hints of tobacco and leather around a core of sweet plum and black cherry flavor. A soft, mature style of Port, delicious to drink now."
- The Wine Spectator
"THREE STARS. Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port, Madera. Among the handful of California wineries that regularly produce a vintage Port, Ficklin is the most consistent and hews the closest to the Portuguese model...The '88 is an outstanding example of the richness and balance that Ficklin can achieve. Plummy, with dark cherry undertones and good palate length, it has a clean finish."
- Robert Whitley, San Diego Union-Tribune
- Jerry Mead, "Mead on Wine"
"There is perhaps no greater testament to the viability of the [Central Valley] region for Port than Ficklin's rare older vintages, which only occasionally enter the market... they are impressively rich and ready to enjoy immediately. In that respect, Ficklin's treasures may be some of the best values in the world of rare and exotic American wines."
- The Wine Enthusiast
"Wine of the Week, Ficklin Vineyards Tawny Port. Ficklin Vineyards Tawny is gentle and sweet and represents a great tradition...Wood aging has given the wine depth and complexity, a soft golden hue and a sugary fruit taste that masks its tannin and alcohol. It shows to good advantage when served with blue cheese or fruitcake."
- William Rice, The Chicago Tribune
"FOUR STARS. Superb - Highly Recommended: Ficklin Vineyards Tinta Port & Ficklin Vineyards Aged 10 Year Tawny Port."
- F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal
"Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port. Mature spicy flavors layer nicely with hints of tobacco and leather around a core of sweet plum and black cherry flavor. A soft, mature style of Port, delicious to drink now."
- The Wine Spectator
"THREE STARS. Ficklin 1988 Vintage Port, Madera. Among the handful of California wineries that regularly produce a vintage Port, Ficklin is the most consistent and hews the closest to the Portuguese model...The '88 is an outstanding example of the richness and balance that Ficklin can achieve. Plummy, with dark cherry undertones and good palate length, it has a clean finish."
- Robert Whitley, San Diego Union-Tribune