Simon Field | Slightly muddy garnet; the gradation a little compromised; then a nose which is tar, bitumen even, gum cistus, and rosehip syrup, volcanic ash and caramel, figs and clove behind that, and yet further behind wonderfully ripe red fruit, its message almost dulled by the indulgence of plenty. The voice gains clearer definition with patience and is especially strident on the finish, which has a sappy energy and unfurling layers of texture; forthright, assertive tannins will not seduce the uninitiated; for those in the know, the need to wait and watch, slowly, gradually, is clearly and eloquently signaled. | 92

Andrew Jefford | Like [Niepoort 1992], this is also a little lighter and more translucent than our two 1991 wines, though it is slightly darker in hue than [Niepoort 1992]: near-saturated red-black, with the translucence only just penetrating the core hue. It is firmly fruited: deep-pack plum, damson, and sloe, with some juicy raisin, too, and a sense of brandied warmth behind (stylistically speaking; the wine is not in any way spirity). Some classic tea leaf, too. Warming and exuberant aromas, finished with a little vanilla. On the palate, this is a plusher and slightly deeper wine than [Niepoort 1992], with slightly fresher fruits: juicy and articulate. Fair tannins provide some support, and this will make good drinking over the next decade. | 89

Richard Mayson | Good, mid-deep center, withatawny rim; open, attractive, lifted aromas, with heady, minty ripeness and good definition; ripe, a touch of dark- chocolate intensity, firm, tight-knit tannins rising in the mouth, leading to a powerful finish with the bitter-sweet intensity once more apparent. At the start of its drinking life, with many promising years ahead. | 90