Oz Clarke: Mid-weight and yet slightly stewy fruit. Almost damson and tobacco, as though someone has heaved in a wodge of Malbec, but the result is a pleasant wine with attractive and atypical flavours. But this is a Meritage – it can taste like whatever it wants to! 16.5

Alex Hunt: Smells profoundly overripe – pruniness obscures varietal or terroir expression. Low acid, flabby fruit, prunes-in-Armagnac feel. Very unrefreshing. 12

Margaret Rand: Juicy fruit, simple, soft, a touch of boiled sweets. Tannins have a hard edge. The finish is not remarkable; it’s okay, but a bit clunking. Perfectly attractive, but I can’t see that this wine is going to go anywhere in particular. 13.5