Stephen Brook | There’s a juiciness on the nose, which is not apparent on many other wines, and it’s very appealing, with the cherry and raspberry fruit leaping from the glass. The attack is direct and poised, with clean but pronounced tannins and good concentration of fruit. The balance is excellent, and the wine seems complete and harmonious even at this early stage, though I suspect it will be some more years before it shows its full splendor. | 93

Andrew Jefford | Deep garnet red. Sweet and gentle on the nose, with some hessian behind the glowing red plum and cherry fruits, and the sweetness of straw bales, too. Forceful and concentrated, vivid and exuberant: a mouthful of almost unrivalled generosity in this tasting, yet there is nothing overstated or vulgar, either. The tannins are soft-textured though ample, and the fresh damson acidity sets the wine racing. It’s not forbidding, despite the energy, though it will certainly last well. A super bottle for drinkers— all the drinking qualities are here. | 93

Michael Palij | Massive nose combining black fruit (cherry, currant, berry) and spice (cinnamon, clove, vanilla) with empyreumatic notes (char, wood smoke, ash). The palate is deceptive—the initial wave of ripe fruit is quickly supplanted by rasping tannins that needle the palate. It almost achieves balance but not quite, as the oak wins the sprint finish. Exceptionally attractive drinking now, I suspect that this will not stand the test of time. | 93