Simon Field | Near opaque at the core, and only reluctantly ceding chromatographically thereafter, this shows all the signs of being a robust and powerful wine! The aromatics betray the use of barrique, some apparently new, and an impressive quota of ripe, seductive fruit. The texture in the mouth is appropriately velvety, hedonistic, and demotic; not vulgar, however. The savory complexity puts paid to that: tapenade, hints of briary and seaweed, forest floor, and an embarrassment of fruit—plum, wild strawberry, mandarin, even. Thereafter, the enchanting billow of sophisticated tannin and the resolve of the home key. Plenty of plush, but without forsaking a sense of place. Plenty of power; an ethereal charm likewise still prevalent. | 93

Andrew Jefford | Deep, dark black-red. Juicy, up-front fruits (poised black cherry) and sweet oak combine to attractive effect. On the palate, too, this is a crowd-pleasing, sweet-hued, smiling wine that brings sweet cherry and sweet oak into congress. | 89

Anthony Rose | This is a medium-ruby in color, just starting to show signs of evolution. It’s pleasantly fruity and spicy in aroma, with some red-fruit ripeness in the mouth, and a pliable texture that makes it accessible even if it’s a wine to be enjoyed sooner rather than later, thanks to a slight lack of vibrancy. | 87