Simon Field: Inky rich colour. Complicated, unresolved nose: plenty of pepper and spice and macerated fruit; a pleasing perfume, too. On the palate, the wine is similarly opaque, its sheer warmth and power at the moment so much in control of the piece that it is hard to predict its future, but plenty of concentration and an intensity on the finish, both boding well. 17

Richard Mayson: Rich and opulent on the nose and palate with some big, bold tannins to counterbalance the fruit. Finishes well. Satisfying. A touch of bitter chocolate. 16.5

Jancis Robinson: Purplish crimson. Neat, medium impact - a bit savoury and burly. Quite racy and confident. Savoury overall but very neat. A bit lightweight - tucked in rather than opulent - but should deliver lots of pleasure. 14