Tim Atkin | Crowd-pleasing, mocha oak and balsam nose, sweet yet structured palate, with some underlying tannins, bramble and wild-herb flavors, and a smoky finish. | 91

Simon Field | Dark ravens’ wing color; tight rim and near opaque at the core. Aromatics are dominated by oak, cedar, and a hint of graphite; then, on another level, dark fruit, cassis, cherry et al. The palate is dominated by oak, inevitably, yet there is such a beautiful line of citric acidity, such a wealth of red and black fruit and such a pleasing spicy back-story that one is very keen to keep reading and to find out what happens. | 93

Andrew Jefford | Dark black-red, though no longer opaque. Fresh, sweet, and meaty; lively and attractive aromas. Very classical, too—it just has to be Rioja. And super-attractive: One sniff, and you have to sip. Lively, fresh, affable, and soft on the palate. A classical appeal from hat down to shoes. Lovely straightforward drinking. | 89