Nicolas Belfrage: Medium-deep with garnet rim. Berry and tobacco on the nose, reasonable persistence. Firm acidity and tannin base, somewhat evolved, dried fruits and mushroom. Quite good persistence. Drink now for 10 years. 15

Andrew Jefford: Somber brick-garnet in color. Refined yet earthy aromas; black-cherry fruits, modulating toward more secondary aromas; spicewoods, too. Quite a woody wine; this becomes more evident with time in the glass. A little confined in style, aromatically; lacks a little spring and lift, but satisfactorily complex. Amply ripe, deep, long palate, though without quite the flavory width of the very best. Satisfying rather than sublime. The palate flattens a little with time in the glass. 14

Franco Ziliani: Dark ruby color. Rich Nebbiolo in the glass. Characterful nose, ripe but not overripe fruit. Earthy and licorice notes, good intensity, with tobacco hints. Good structure and intensity, warm on the palate, rich and consistent, with a long finish. Tannins are not aggressive; good quality but not special. Still very good and young. 15.5