Simon Larkin : Restrained, but sweet and seductive aromatics. The palate shows tightly knit, red cherry fruit-quite austere. An overriding sense of drying tannins, though the fruit beyond shows good density and purity. This is a very tight example showing considerable restraint. Ideally five to six years of cellaring before assessing it further. A monolithic effort as it stands. 16.5

Nicolas Belfrage: Interestingly, the 1996 is less charming than the 1997, as one would expect. But the elements of good winemaking are there. Tannins are tougher, acids are firmer, longevity will be greater, but this one is less ready now. Not sure it will arrive. 15