Simon Field | Dark granitic, foursquare and rigorous, bilberry, cassis, and underripe plums, Calvinistic tannins, but then, deep in contemplation of darker things, a redemptive light, floral and haloed; an appealing denouement after the unavoidable longueurs of a cautionary tale. Things do not necessarily fall apart. | 90

Andrew Jefford | Deep, dark, black-red, and just opaque. Fat, warm, stony, slabby, faintly savory aromas; very “terroir” and little palpable fruit. Just a touch of menthol to freshen what is a powerful and hugely characterful aromatic profile of hot rocks pounded to a paste. Mouth-filling and grandiose, though very dense, brooding, and elemental, with ample acids, as well as tannins; a wine that demands respect and is not to be opened on a whim to sip in the front of the TV. Indeed, I would give it at least five or six hours’ decanting. Super-serious stuff that makes a great case for Grenache in its vineyard(s): depth, density, power, extractive force, fruit subdued to the non- fruit flavors we call “mineral”—it’s all here. Not everyone will like the savory, mentholated style, but I love it. | 92

David Williams | Beautifully captured black fruit, just ripe, and so alluringly attractive, then a real pull and grip on the palate taking you past vanilla and cherry to something that hints at stone and warm earth. There’s energy here, too—the feel plush but not without grit; the finish long. | 93