Andrew Jefford: Saturated black-red. Sweet, warm, open; generous milk-chocolate scents. Or is it honey? A charmer, either way. After you’re charmed, and as you continue to swirl, a little bay-leaf complexity becomes evident; decant it, you feel, and this almost pretty young wine might grow into a different beast altogether. On the palate, the wine is altogether drier than the nose suggested: pure, fresh, and long; very shapely; poised and fresh to finish. Not massive in girth; both drinkable and intense enough to command attention. Intrinsically complex in flavor, too, with lots of meat juice, pounded stone, and swept underbrush. 16

Simon Larkin : Less giving on the nose than others in this flight, the nose reveals notes of ripe cherry and spiced raspberry (and a hint of new oak). A generous wine—the palate shows a slightly sour morello-cherry note, open and mouth-filling, without much sense of precision. The alcoholic warmth of such a vintage is more evident on the finish, too. A headier style, without the elegance or precision that I would look for. 10.5

John Livingstone-Learmonth: Shiny, handsome dark red. Free bouquet, pleasing lift in the fruit, and a joli substance below that; is shapely and has potential. Soft floral notes, a good start. The quality of the fruit—its loose, silken nature—is a prime card; modern, good-flow Châteauneuf, serves ripeness, and may be an early- rather than late-drinking wine. Tannins are well tucked in. Easy to taste and appreciate. Now to 2022/23. 16.5