Stephen Brook | This seems quite evolved and leathery on the nose, with aromas of wet leaves, as well as slightly cooked cherry fruit. Svelte but somewhat limp-wristed, this seems to lack energy and tension, so the tannins emerge as rather drab. Evolving fast, and perhaps this is a slightly faulty or oxidized bottle. | 85

Andrew Jefford | Deep, dark black-red. Grand secondary refinement here: seamless scents of dry oak copse and fallen acorn, dry mushroom, fine leather, and subdued red fruits. So European! Not a forceful or thrusting aroma, but supremely satisfying. Smooth, soft, open; innately complex, though not laboriously concentrated; refined and long; impressive harmony and completeness. And, again, a kind of summary of European wine virtues—the understatement, the drinkability, the countryside allusions, and the overall sensual appeal picked out via individual austerities. I’d love to sit down to dinner with this excellent Brunello. | 92

Michael Palij | Obvious, oaky nose, vanilla, spice, char, sandalwood, cinnamon, coffee, black cherry, tar, and tobacco. Very powerful palate, driven largely by the oak and the alcohol. Finish is good, but it’s a little monolithic, without much subtlety, and the vanilla cedar notes dominate the back palate. | 93