Tim Atkin: Very dense color, almost opaque. Ripe, high alcohol nose, touch of blackberry and smoky oak. Alcohol-dominated aromas, faintly Porty. Spicy, peppery, intense, the palate fresher wthan the nose. Bold and flavorsome, with fresh acidity underpinning the structure. Spicy, meaty, quite complex. Should develop further. 18.5

Gerard Basset: Deep ruby with purple rim. Reasonably intense nose. Ripe blackberry wrapped in a creamy texture. Round, with ripe tannin, delicious fruit, and a long finish. 17

Anthony Rose: Dense, youthful ruby; very attractive, delicately peppery aromas, Northern Rhône-like style, with a hint of bittersweet chocolate; fine, opulent, blackberry fruit quality mingled with spice and sweet vanillin oak, while the tannins are juicy, even silky; a classy Cape style with a good structure for aging for five years plus. 18.5