Simon Field: Rather a dull, uninspiring colour. The nose is equally ponderous, perhaps not entirely clean? On the palate, the wine is laborious and lacks charm, holding on with a robust structure that is quite meaty and uncompromising. It seems to have lost sight of the finer things that should come with maturity. 14

Andrew Jefford: Promising colour, with lots of darker stone-red still hanging on. (Once again, a sense of cork-induced inhibition about this bottle, but no second one available.) Quite a firm, sober style of aromas with blackcurrants rather than the sweeter, squashier fruits dominant. No sign yet of caramel or herbal notes, but with just a touch of violet for charm. A shame about the aromatic shadow. Obviously a grand wine, since the tannin structure here is still very good and the fruits are still lithe and youthful. What time has brought is great harmony and sumptuousness to the whole. Overall, a commanding achievement, though I would love to see a completely clean bottle, since it would probably merit an even higher score; it's very deft and complete, with perhaps more harmony than the Smith Woodhouse. 18

Richard Mayson: Mid-deep youthful ruby colour, ruby pink rim. Strangely withdrawn. Slightly green, stalky aromas - reticent. Similarly reticent on the palate initially. Some fine, firm fruit, opening mid-palate to reveal a well-defined finish. Good now, but better in 2-3 years' time and drinking over the next 20-30 years. 17