Andrew Jefford: Deep, dark, and dense black-red in color. Sweet grain-hopper scents, and rich strawberry fruits: another wine in which Grenache is clearly to the fore. Smooth, soft, rich, vivid— and much more complex than the aromas suggested it would be. A rich, masterful, finely composed wine of great breadth, but great grace, too, proving yet again that this is a place where Grenache can acquire a grandeur and dimension it never seems to acquire elsewhere. Magnificent flavor complexity here; I just wish the aromatic profile was a little more refined. Perhaps that will come with time… and no one will ever be disappointed with this wine as they sip it. 17.5

Simon Larkin : A reserved set of aromatics here hinting more to cherry than berry. The palate is relatively taut, with a hint of that sour morello —but a more enlivened sensation, without any heady excess. Certainly scented, layered in style, with a flowing finish of lightly garrigue-infused fruit. A little more spice than some, a well-balanced, well-made example. Hard to fault for a wine of this level, and again in need of some patience. A complete showing for a wine of this level. 14

John Livingstone-Learmonth: Handsome dark red; a bonny nose lies in waiting here—serene black berry fruits, plenty of potential, and a vision of harmony. It is admirably young for now. The palate links well to the nose, providing a similar, poised fruit and a consecutive run through to the finish. Shapely and enjoyable, well-balanced Châteauneuf. Very good length, the finish as tasty as parts of the earlier palate. No hurry, since time will up the tempo of variety and stimulus, but it is already great, thanks to the fruit quality and balance. To 2028/31. 18.5