Alex Hunt: A pale cherry-red color and bright blackcurrant pastille/menthol aromas immediately make this an unusual Mourvèdre. The surprising declaration of 11.5% ABV is confirmed by the super-lean, marathon-runner palate profile, but unfortunately the metaphor extends to an unwelcome sweaty tang that suppresses the fruit. This wine is certainly a statement—but not a very digestible one. 80

Andrew Jefford: Relatively pale red in color. Pungent plums and cranberries, holly and boiled strawberries: another hugely characterful nose, but I can’t say it smells of ripe Mourvèdre to me, and I’m a little nervous about the sip, but let’s keep an open mind… On the palate, in fact, it does seem a bit raw and short. The acidity is not excessive, so there is no biting sharpness, and nor is it herbaceous, but there isn’t a lot beyond what are relatively simple fruit flavours, which come across as a little “tinned” and junior in style. I’m just wondering about the strategy here: surely a little more ripeness would have paid dividends? What’s wrong with 13.5% or 14% ABV? 81

Peter Liem: This accents its tart, red-fruit flavors with a leafy herbaceousness, and while it’s zesty and lively in structure, it feels a little insubstantial on the finish. 84