Simon Field: Dense color, then nose of graphite, woodsmoke, and black cherry, noncommittal at the moment. The palate is straightforward, with pleasant blackberry fruit, supple energizing tannins, correct balancing acidity, and just a whisper of pepper at the finish. Self-assured in its evasion of indulgent treatment and therefore primed agreeably for the medium term - 16

Alex Hunt: Generous black-berry and peppery spice on the nose. Very inviting without being soppy. Mouth-filling almost to excess —the structure is covered by puppy fat. And alcohol is perhaps a little prominent. But there is enough drive and savory character to make this knit. This wouldn’t look out of place in a lineup of avant-garde Californians - 15.5

John Livingstone-Learmonth: Dark red, full robe; liberal sprinkle of pepper across the nose bounces out of the glass, with cooked blackberry and roasted meat. The palate pings out on its black pepper, with a live, chalky thrust toward the finish; implications of alcohol on the finish, a little burn there. Ends rather raw: This is a bracing wine, not for the faint-hearted. Oaking resides on the aftertaste. A mixed bag of cellar and a few local implications. 2014–21 - 13.5