Andrew Jefford: Deep black-red in color, but not opaque. Very Grenache on the nose: that warm, sweet wind that seems to carry the scent of trampled grapes in it. Strawberries and ripe cherries set the fruit tone, and you can imagine them in the bubbling copper jam cauldron, though the fruit definition is too good to describe this profile as “jammy.” Totally classy Grenache-based red, in sum. On the palate, the wine has a density and an extract that you rarely find in Grenache from any other location; there’s a meatiness, almost a ferrous quality to the wine, which provides just the ballast you want for all that fragrant sweet fruit. The finish stays fragrant, almost nutmeg-like. Exemplary. 17

Simon Larkin : Sweet, ripe-scented aromatics here—all perfumed vibrant dark red fruits. Immediately on the palate, there is a flowing languid feel to this abundant, succulent Châteauneuf. Gently baked fruits, spiced raspberry/ loganberry, wonderfully ripe without any excessive headiness. Soft, textural: a well-made tradition style. Again there is a bright nature to the acidity that enlivens the finish. An accomplished, polished example—with a note of refinement. 13.5

John Livingstone-Learmonth: Quite dark plum color. Nose has the airborne quality of 2010, a shuffle of flowers present, but hasn’t yet got going. Shows subdued cooked red fruiting. Palate is limited in declaration and substance; skims along pleasantly enough; has a fresh-stroke finale. Still shows acidity on the aftertaste. Decant this, but better from late 2015. Time will shore it up, provide more depth. To 2025/26. 15.5