Simon Field: Im perious colour, richly complex nose, plenty of ripeness, but tem pered by an attractive floral note and even a hint of white chocolate. In the mouth, a soft, rather gentle core, feminine grace under pressure in a potentially brutal year. Attractive, almost too accessible at such an early age, but that is probably unfair. 15.5

Richard Mayson: Again, good colour. Open, fragrant, floral nose, but slightly dusty. Attractive, sweet, ripe, fleshy fruit supported by fine, firm, spicy tannins. Tight tannic length. Well made, fresh and vibrant. Middle- to long-distance wine. 14.5

Jancis Robinson: Purplish crimson. Big, sweet, ripe - California style! Extremely opulent; such is the weight of sweet, ripe fruit that one has to search for the tannins that are there and, on closer study, turn out to have a very slightly green edge to them. Slightly stringy. This is all upfront in its impact. 13