Andrew Jefford: Slightly opaque russet-amber in color. Very raisin-sweet, extremely spicy... Liquid pain d’épices. Articulate, harmonious, graceful, unique. The precision with which it suggests ginger, cinnamon, licorice, clove, and citrus peels is almost uncanny. Lush, rich, moderate levels of concentration, lots more Christmas spice. Plenty of sweet, slushy central-palate fruit; licorice has the upper hand by the end. Not hugely aged, though no real freshness either. There is a sort of looseness or sloppiness or lack of focus to this wine overall as it sits in the mouth; pleasant rather than sublime 14

Richard Mayson: Turbid brick-red color with a tawny rim; medicinal mulled aromas, cloves and allspice; similar all-spice character on the palate, quite sweet, just verging on cloying, with a dusty tannic backdrop that lingers on to the finish. Perhaps not a wine to be taken too seriously but a great Bonfire Night wine 12 Jancis Robinson: Foxy tawny color, with a very evolved rim. Rather bizarre caramel aromas, with a paint overlay—quite a shock! Good, fresh, well-integrated acidity on the palate. Some tannins on the end. Nice construction and balance on the palate, but there is something very odd/distinctive about the nose. Drink 2008–18 16.5