Simon Field | Black and blacker, a faithful Cahors color for sure! Nose of cassis, violets, and end-of-the- season roses, maybe just a little overworked; we shall see... The palate confirms generous extraction but adds extra dimensions: oaky grip, with herbs and a hint of spice; aniseed, maybe a touch of mace. This is old-school Cahors and therefore traditionally very appealing to the Anglo-Saxon palate; whether that is still the case is open to debate. Has the caravan moved on; or, on production of a magret de canard or a cassoulet, will this be just the ticket? Both answers apply, I should think. | 91

Andrew Jefford | Dark, dense black-red, with some opacity still. Rather simple, vegetal aromas without a lot of pure fruit lift. Muddled aromatically, though not unpleasant or faulty. Deep but a little murky on the palate here. Good-quality fruit, but questions of full ripeness and handling? | 85

Anthony Rose | Youthfully primary in color, the depth of sweet cherry fragrance draws you into this wine with its ripe, rich, dark-cherry and damson-sweet fruit. The damson brings not just sweetness but a freshness that adds backbone and, ultimately, a savory quality to a wine whose supple tannins add another layer of juiciness and drinkability. And so, though it’s still youthfully primary, you feel there’s promise here and no fear in sticking a few bottles away for five to ten years. | 92