Simon Field: Somber amber coloring, then a nose that is slightly foursquare, a whiff of something from the chemistry lab surely out of place. Palate is that of the gawky adolescent in a room full of wisdom. 12

Richard Mayson: Mid-deep red-tinged mahogany. Musty nose (corky?). Second bottle similar, rather flat with casky overtones; not very clean and certainly lacking in freshness and vivacity. 10

Margaret Rand: A curious nose; not off exactly, but earthy and cellar-like. The palate is clean, with flavors of orange peel. It’s big and weighty, slightly solid; impressive, with a long finish. Very good, and yet there’s something slightly clunking about it. 16