Andrew Jefford: Unquestionably the darkest wine of the 134 I have looked at so far, so I guess in the running for the darkest wine of this light vintage. The scents are complex and charming: ripe black fruits without a trace of greenness, finely milled spices, a little violet: shy but attractive, and hugely impressive for a vintage with this level of complication. On the palate, it is deep, wealthy, full, resonant, allusive, and complete, with very fine depths and tannins. A wine destined to compete at the very highest levels whenever tasters want a serious look at 2013, and unquestionably a tour de force for the year. It doesn’t perhaps have quite the personality and profile of some of the other top wines of the year, but it is nevertheless classy, long, and amply satisfying, the epitome of craftsmanship with raw materials in the face of adversity. Now to 2028. 92

Stephen Brook: Good depth of color. Muted black-cherry on the nose but there is no sign of greenness; indeed, solid with an underpinning of oak. Quite rich, supple, concentrated, even dense, with admirable fruit and freshness. There is spice and complexity on the mid-palate and a vigorous if not long finish. 92