Simon Field: Rich and regal color, close to deep purple. A forward yet attractive nose; violets, crushed rock; ripe, powerful, and assertive, tannins held in check by a linear profile, balanced acidity, and a beguiling purity. The silk road leads to velvet; a generous and eloquent testament to a seamless interplay between the wine and the winemaker, the vintage, and the man who has sculpted this vinous manifestation. | 91

Andrew Jefford: Saturated midnight black-red: one of the most deeply colored wines of this cohort. Lots of billowing black cassis fruit, but slightly obvious in style at this youthful stage. The palate is bright, intense, thrusting, and searching, with ample blackcurrant, sloe, and plum fruit; fair tannins in a slightly biting style, though the constitution of this wine is such that I hope we may assume that it will settle down with time. | 87

Richard Mayson: Very deep, opaque, inky color, thin crimson rim; super-ripe fruit evident, a touch of tar and still quite raw on the nose, much more yet to give; plump and supple initially, fresh berry and cassis fruit backed by broad yet fine-grained tannins, yielding to a broad finish. 2025–60. | 90