Andrew Jefford | Deep, dark black-red: better depth and penetration of color than for most of its peers. Sweet and fragrant, and absolutely no lack of ripeness here: cream, nuts, and brandy-snaps as well as ripe though rather quiet plum, bramble, and damson fruits. Coffee, too; a protean aromas with lots of facets to it. To be picky, perhaps one might hope for the fresh fruits to be a little more prominent in a four-year-old wine, but that aside, this is very appealing. On the palate, this is concentrated and deep, with ample ripe fruits, generous tannins and lots of piled richness; it even has exoticism, with its coffee and sandalwood, its raisin, fig, and brandy snap. It will leave no head unturned—but for the time being lacks a little in classicism, purity, and freshness. But let’s give it time, as there is a huge amount here. 2018–28. | 93

Michael Schuster | fine, fresh, fragrant, complex, faintly herbal Cabernet Franc “aromatic” nose; full-bodied, fresh, and finely tannic wine; a fairly powerful presence, ripe in fruit, Cab. Franc aromatic, long and tasty in flavor, but clearly marked by its “warm” level of alcohol; long and spicy to taste, long and aromatic to finish; very good, but perhaps a touch powerful (for more sensitive palates anyway) for real class and harmony. 2026–35+. | 91