Stephen Brook: Rich intense nose, but fortunately the fruit dominates the oak. Sleek, pure, and intense; less massive than in some other vintages and enlivened by good acidity; not very expressive so hard to assess, but seems complete and balanced. 17.5

Andrew Jefford: Relatively light scarlet. Great fruit roundedness initially, with lots of warmth and charm. Behind this attractive front, though, there is a vein of slightly drier, more reedy fruit. Deep and grippy, though the fruit is redcurrant rather than raspberry, cherry, or plum. Slightly abrupt, dry finish: doesn’t have the wealth of flavor or the glycerol of the Cazetiers, despite its earthy forcefulness. 15