SF | Deep saturated black, its nose equally inscrutable, sepulchral in its quiet intent. Crushed rock, ground pepper and extremely ripe blackberries, maybe the faintest hint of oxidation...this suspicion is rejoined on the palate and undermines and otherwise impressive display, diminuendo ceding to a raw crescendo of colour, only slightly marred, in this instance, by a hit of volatility, which, would, in any event, normally dissipate with time. 89
AJ | Dense, opaque dark black-red. This is another of our 2022 cohort which is lagging the peloton: coarse aromas, without any of the fruit precision, wealth and incipient charm of the best. It has loads of stuffing and will reward in that sense, so the site is a propitious one, but either the season got the better of the vines or the post-harvest handling wasn't as gentle as it might have been ... I don't know. Whatever the truth, this just doesn't have the perfumed poised and irresistible chic of the best of these 22s. Lots to chew over and enjoy, as I say, so at the right price this might be an excellent mid-term buy.Drink Dates: 2027 - 2034. 87
RM | Deep, opaque with baked, hot country fruit and stewed plum aromas, more definition on the palate with broad sweet plummy fruit but still a touch stewed mid-palate with soft, dusty tannins and a rather soupy finish though it does show some verve.Drink Dates: 2030 - 2045. 86