BB | Deep ruby to pink. A touch closed on the youthful, earthy, black-cherry, and cassis nose, with hints of smoked red meat and aromatic herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with sweet, clean, black fruits, refined, noble tannins, and a long, lively finish. 93
MP | A pronounced but atypical nose, with candied red fruit, cherry fruit pastilles, plum, and some spicy overtones from oak. On the palate, the oak notes overtake the fruit (for now), with licorice, charred wood, and clove lying atop the strawberry, plum, and black olive. The palate is very tannic, and the question is whether or not the fruit has sufficient stuffing to go the distance; at this point it appears that the oak may be winning. 92
AJ | Clear, dark red. Juicy fruit scents, with a note that almost seems mentholated. Open and mellow; welcoming, with lots to offer in the early years. Straightforward in style terms; frank and full, with concentrated, dense fruits that carry the wine and give it conviction, drive, and follow-through. Power, length, depth—they've all come to the party, but it's a slightly raucous affair. Nonetheless, this is a serious effort and will last; indeed, maybe bottle age will compensate by engraving the wine with the aromatic finesse it lacks just at the present. 89