Simon Larkin : Dusky deep notes, leathery and herbal too. The aromatics here express anything other than simple fruit. The palate shows admirable harmony, masculine and structurally yet still revealing a pure-natured core of deep, well-expressed dark fruit. The tannins show a pleasing refinement, creating a silky texture, while the follow-through shows very fine length. A pleasing sense of harmony and the structure to reward beyond the medium term, eight to ten years and more. 16

Nicolas Belfrage: The house style seems to suit 1996 better than 1997. Lean, with very correct fruit but little in the way of fireworks. Some tough tannins, better concentration than the 1997. Needs three years then another seven. 15