Simon Field | Only the slightest whisper of evolution on the rim; big, dense color, near opaque at the core. Nose maybe just a hint oxidized; beyond that, tar, camphor, prunes, and pencil graphite. The palate seems to have unfurled quite quickly. Neither the power nor the definition is evidenced, and the finish is therefore compromised, if only quite subtly. | 88

Andrew Jefford | Deep, clear black-red. The expansiveness of maturity, but some aromatic evidence of mixed ripeness here: herbaceous notes with the ripe plum. Very sweet oak, too: a vanilla smear. Unsubtle, though there are things to like. This is soft and relatively light on the palate, with little tenacity of fruit remaining. Rather unimpressive, I’m afraid. | 81

Anthony Rose | With a ruby garnet evolving color, this is showing quite a lot of smoky/charry oak in the aroma, and the oak carries through to a dark fruit richness, bringing a gran reserva Rioja-like feel to an almost chocolaty richness of fruit that’s framed by equal quantities of tannin and acidity in a wine whose traditional feel will delight some, less so others. | 90