Nicolas Belfrage: Quite evolved colour, more than the 1996. Some Bovrilly notes, coffee too, spice. Lots of sweet ripe fruit on the palate; though tannic, almost supple, with Porty fruit on the finish. Reasonably long but lacks a touch of complexity. Give it another year in bottle, then another six to seven. 15

Simon Larkin : This offers a sense of greater evolution than the 1996 [Mosconi], the nose revealing notes of beef stock, with roseate nuances overlaid. The palate shows high-toned qualities, not just simple cherry but vibrant, almost red currant-like acidity. The tannins are fine and masked by ample fruit that is quite pure in style. A pleasing, persistent fruit to the finish. Good, harmonious example, this will benefit from five to ten years. 14