Stephen Brook | Very deep red. Brooding plummy nose with a sprinkling of Indian spice. Quite rich and svelte on the attack, with an attractive grainy texture and moderate tannins. Good concentration here, and ample vigor and verve. Lively and minty on the finish, but the ripe black and red fruits shine through. | 90

Alex Hunt | The rather dulled color matches a low-energy nose, showing traces of oxidation already. There’s more vigor on the palate, thanks to a combination of fresh acidity and fruit density, but the fruit is fairly raisined in style. A near miss, I feel. | 85

Andrew Jefford | Dark black-red with some opacity. Sweet, warm, fresh, and exuberantly fruity scents, almost intoxicating before you’ve even swallowed: rich black plum, moist vanilla, licorice root, even a hint of cola... On the palate, it is really super-sweet, surely with at least 5g/l residual sugars, and low acidity, and warm with it. But it’s gentle and toothsome, too, as friendly as a well-loved dog, and would be good fun to drink. | 83