Tim Atkin: Mid-ruby/purple; meaty, aromatic, some resin. Very tannic, dry, powerful, but almost Italianate tannins. Dry, quite austere. Firm finish, dryish tannins. Extraction and dryness on the finish. Brunello-like. 16

Gerard Basset: Deep ruby, with purple rim. Medium intensity. Sweet black fruit, with pepper and other spices. Firm and square, but with ripe black fruit, especially cassis, in retro. Long finish. 17.5

Anthony Rose: Deep color; quite tough and lean tannins here. Very chunky, chewy, and unyielding; too lean for its own good. 15.5