Simon Field | A grippy example, almost browning at the core, notes of tar and farmyard threatening to succeed more unformed fermentation aromatics without yielding to halcyon summer fruits. The jury is out here, and there is little doubt as to putative credentials of authenticity... The only question, however, is whether this is the “wrong” kind of authenticity, which neatly encapsulates the entire Languedoc debate. Let’s see... | 86

Andrew Jefford | Dense, dark, saturated black-red. Rather gruff but not unattractive aromas: lots of dark, earthy fruits in an oaky, undergrowth-like frame. Sombre but somehow warming, winter-night kind of wine. The fruits are pure black plum. Grown on clays? A different varietal mix? The palate is much as the nose suggested... in other words this is a serious, ambitious, even outstanding wine of marked characterfulness and individuality. Lots of fine, brooding depth, with the dark sloe fruits bonded to rich tannins and almost-bitter extracts. No obtrusive oak at all, by the way. Very pure, within its own style. An intriguing wine that I would love to spend more time with and thus learn more about. 2018–26. | 92

Jancis Robinson | Dark, concentrated crimson. Tea leaves on a bramble brûlée. Very sweet start and a strong mineral/stony character running through it. Nice savory character. Dry, stony (not tannic) finish. A voluptuous wine with integrity. Good freshness, too. Pure pleasure. And already broachable, even though there is masses of sandy tannin. 2018–28. | 92