Tim Atkin | Big, powerful, deeply colored. Richly oaked, suggesting a wine aimed at an international audience. Dense, yet sweet, lots of plum and bramble fruit, and the oak seems better integrated on the palate, backed up by medium weight but supple tannins, fresh acidity, and good length. The oak is just a little drying on the finish. | 14.5

Alex Hunt | Quite an interesting nose, which starts simple and raisiny, but then more layers emerge, including a smoky Islay quality, licorice, and herbs. The palate is round and generous, but here the raisins do threaten to overwhelm, and I was wishing for a bit more freshness, vigor, and length. | 14

Stephan Reinhardt | Dark and dense ruby. Excellent ripeness of fruit, slightly sweet, with some graphite notes. This appears to be a Blaufränkisch from a warm, if not a really hot, spot, and cool-climate, wine hunters might criticize a certain super-ripeness or plumminess of the grape material. The palate is velvety, very intense and well balanced; the fruit is sweet and tends toward licorice and nuts. But here is acidity and a silky freshness. The finish is succulent and very attractive. This is a rich and very powerful wine of elegance and great potential. (From slate soil?) | 17