Nicolas Belfrage: Deep, almost opaque, with early turn on the rim. An elegant nose of developing power, some woodsmoke, some mushroom/sottobosco. Big, ripe, unashamedly rich and concentrated wine, packed with spicy/fruity flavor and having impressive length. In some ways it could be drunk now, but better to leave it till 2019. 96

Bruno Besa: Deep garnet to orange rim. Closed black-fruit nose, with smoke, prunes, and leather. Tight, full-bodied palate with great complexity. Long and clean on the finish. This definitely needs some time to show what it’s made of. 90

Andrew Jefford: Deep, almost opaque black-red. Lots of warm, almost roasted red fruits in here, bubbling in their copper pot as the October moon rises outside. Not the most polished aroma on the table, but it can’t but bring a smile to the drinker’s face. Very much as the aromas suggested, this is a hugely enjoyable wine of uncomplicated generosity and ample texture, depth, and structure. Much wider in scope than many, and actually given time in the glass (and the mouth) you begin to see a complexity that wasn’t initially apparent, or at least that was hidden by the warmth and charm: iris, violet, roasted meat, licorice, bay leaf, cèpe. A super wine. 90