Tim Atkin: Mid-garnet/ruby; grubby, dry nose, with some evidence of rot? Old-fashioned style. Pretty tannic stuff—quite lean, high acid. There is a little bit of fruit, but you need a trowel to get at it. Dry, mean finish. Unimpressive. 13

Gerard Basset: Medium-deep ruby, with black-cherry rim; expressive nose, with red and black fruit. Herbal nuances. Very juicy and lively, soft tannin, excellent retro-olfaction of stony fruit. Medium-long finish. 17.5

Anthony Rose: Mid-ruby; pleasing violety floral aroma, with slight vegetal undertones, and even a light beefstockish undertone, too. This is juicy and approachable; ripe and cherryish on the palate, with very supple, easy tannins and nice balancing acidity. Not a blockbuster, but with its slight licorice spiciness and dark-cherry fruit, this is a very pleasing, approachable style. 15.5