Simon Field: Profundity in color and resonance in aromatic, a serious example, well worthy of consideration, with savory smoky notes behind the fruit, rapier-like acidity and an appropriately steely personality that defies caricature. The palate is a little cloying, dense for sure, maybe overbearing in its putative generosity. | 88

Andrew Jefford: Saturated deep black-red. As with some other 2007s, this is very primary and fresh, blackcurrant-dominated and almost leafy, sweet and yet almost severe, and not hugely subtle (perhaps that will come with time). Bright, attacking; there’s a disconnect between the slightly biting tannins and the relatively slight fruit style, without a lot of roundness and depth. Nonetheless, this has better concentration of fruit than many of its peers. Oddly enough, despite the aromatic freshness, the wine seems a little taut and dry in terms of fruit characters on the palate: vintage style? | 88

Richard Mayson: Deep opaque color, thin purple rim; dense but with rather an ugly nose at this stage, perhaps just a phase. Soft and supple initially, full of ripe berry fruit, broad, supple tannin, and a dense, spicy finish with a slight green edge. Round and already very satisfying. Now (just) to 2050. | 86