Simon Field | Attractive purple: the robe of Raphael’s Pope Julius II. A strident, dark chocolate and leather aromatic, a touch sweaty if not oxidized. The palate has definitely entered a soft-bellied middle age, with no lack of angst in the resister of self- definition. A minor key, with hints of strained tea, stock, and flowers threatening to turn. Maybe a wine with more gastronomic potential, this will not lack for adherents in those who seek a certain more evolved style after six or seven years. | 88

Andrew Jefford | Dark purple-red, though just easing away from opacity; still purple at the rim. Warm and sweet, quite open now, with blackberry fruits and a little attractive hay and herbs. The nose grows more articulate with time in the glass, as if it was glad to be out and mingling with the air. Soft, sweet-toned, open, and mature now, the fruits amply modulated and harmony achieved. | 88

Anthony Rose | Deep in color, the evolved aromas are showing a combination of dark fruit and more savory notes, a hint of tea, licorice, spice, and cocoa. The fruit is rich, ripe, and sweet, with lots to enjoy in an unfurling of sweet plum fruit and chocolaty flavors. The texture is at just that palate-coating level that’s bringing innocently seductive pleasure, and while you can feel the power, there’s some glory in the overall balance. | 93