Simon Field | Youthful cardinal’s robe, ceding gently at the rim; hints of reduction blow off quickly leaving briary, woodsmoke, and hints of charcuterie. The palate is still tight, linear in a youthful, extracted, slightly sulky phase. Whispers from the garrigue, then a rainbow of alcohol coloring our perception with hopes of a bright development. | 88

Andrew Jefford | Deep though not opaque black-red. Sweet, warm, blackberryish fruits; supple and attractive. Just a little bit of reduction here. Deep, tannic, and full, though with less fruit sweetness than the aromas suggested. Supple, tobacco-edged— a sturdy, satisfying red Rhône. | 87

David Williams | Alluring herb and licorice nose that hints at the power of the palate, which is indeed big and structured, with a core of darker fruit and brawny, drying tannin, but with a hint of something stony, too. Attractively wild, with hints of kirsch (including a touch of spirity heat) on the finish. | 88