Simon Field: Raw and even slightly green on the nose, a child-like disposition. Fennel and bayleaf also in attendance; the palate maintains this bucolic tension, the acidity especially impressive, the structure thereby taking on an unusual geometrical identity, linear in the face of the vintage. All in all, a source of great fascination; hard to gainsay its future, for all that. | 88

Andrew Jefford: Dark black-purple-red, though with less gleaming saturation of color than for some. Rather disappointingly mildly fruity aromas here, and an animal touch. The palate follows. A lack of precision and finesse to compete at the highest level, though there is lots to enjoy. | 84

Richard Mayson: Deep, opaque; still open, rich, ripe, and seemingly quite plump in style on the nose; soft and rather loose-knit in style, the tannins are spicy but seem underripe all the way through to the finish, which is hard and lean. | 84