Tim Atkin: Very deep color, opaque. Still youthful in appearance. Bold, smoky, spicy, lots of fruit, a touch of bonfire smoke. Quite soft tannins, sweet, smoky, high alcohol, some vanilla spice. Drinkable if a little overoaked. 13

Gerard Basset: Deep garnet. Quite open and also rich. Plum and sweet pastry. Round and smooth, sweet spices, medium-long finish. 17

Anthony Rose: Good youthful color; attractive paprika, smoky Syrah aromas; cool-climate Northern Rhône style, very good, intense, juicy ripe peppery and spicy Syrah-rich fruitiness, lovely freshness and flavor, powerful and opulently rich, with good succulence of tannin and freshness of acidity, so overall well balanced, even if on the powerful side and a tad dry on the finish. Still youthful for its age and needing the right food. 17