Simon Field | Gentle garnet, auburn, and hints of terra rosa, quite a rapid fade at the rim, despite the legs which appear to enjoy cascading around the glass; a touch of volatility on the nose; caramel and toffee, mocha and a strange, almost green character lurking beneath; the palate does not entirely shake this off; but the key note is now one of heaviness, and a lack of the lift presaged by the nose... The inherent contradiction of fine wine with age, it seems; perfectly at home with cigars and itself after the feast, but on closer analysis, maybe not from the first rank. Not far behind it, however. | 91

Andrew Jefford | Deep, clear oxblood red, fresh and translucent. The aromas are sweetly harmonious, with hints of lavender and cistus, of rosemary and rue, but all done very subtly over a becoming, gently toffeed base. Something just a little bit volatile as well, however (that suggestion of rue is related to this note); almost tomato-like. Rich, full, generously sweet, and long on the palate, but without the aromatic finesse of the best of its peers. It is, however, well proportioned and ample, with plenty of concentration; get the tape measure out, and it will certainly measure up. A good wine, in sum, that might win an even better score with more successful aromatic notes. | 90

Richard Mayson | Good mid-deep tawny hue; distinctly high- toned on the nose, and a bit funky, too, rather rustic; somewhat better on the palate initially, some firm dark cherry fruit but marred by a rather edgy volatile character which reemerges toward the finish. | 84