Tim Atkin: Mid-purple; aromatic, quite alcoholic. Red-fruits nose. Palate dry and tiring out, with the tannins starting to take the upper hand. Dry finish. Leafy, some sweetness, but age is an issue here. 14.5

Gerard Basset: Deep ruby, with a purple rim; medium intensity. Black fruit, with blueberry and blackberry, followed by herbal undertones. Ripe and juicy; nice retro, with predominantly black fruit. Medium-long finish. 16.5

Anthony Rose: Good mid-ruby freshness of color; nicely evolved aromatic profile. Quite chunky tannins and firmish, slightly astringent red-and pruney-fruit flavors. Just starting to yield nicely into a resolved spicy/peppery red whose chewy tannins demand food. On its own, this is still a tad chewy and dry, but with the right kind of Gers food, it could be very good. 15.5