Critics Ratings

2011: 'Exceptionally dark crimson. Pungent black pepper. Very luscious texture and already drinkable. Savoury and very dry on the finish but with some very attractive velvet on the way there.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com 16.5/20 (Nov 2014)

'Shows weight and depth, but maintains a distinctive purity as the core of plum, blackberry and anise flavors takes center stage, backed by hints of violet, iron and graphite. The lingering sanguine echo on the finish has deceptive length. Should cellar very well. Comparable in quality to the 2010, this bottling continues to improve. Best from 2015 through 2022.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Nov 2014)

2012: 'Bright violet color. Explosive aromas of black and blue fruits, smoky Indian spices and minerals, with a suave floral quality in the background. Fleshy and expansive on the palate, but with excellent clarity and spicy lift to its blackberry and licorice flavors. The dark fruit element recurs on the long, seamless finish, which is framed by supple tannins that fold smoothly into the wine's lush fruit.’ - Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Feb 2015)

‘Alluring, with a velvety feel to the raspberry pâte de fruits and blackberry compote flavors. Black tea and singed juniper notes stream through the finish, which is sneakily long and perfumed. Should stretch out more with some cellaring. 500 cases made.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Nov 2015)

2013: Deep ruby. Vibrant, sharply focused aromas of fresh dark berries, potpourri and licorice along with a smokey mineral overtone. Juicy and vibrant on the palate, offering concentrated boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter and spicier with air. Fine-grained tannins give shape to the impressively long, mineral driven finish, which leaves behind sexy floral pastille and spicecake notes.' – Josh Reynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Dec 2015)

'Fleshy in feel, with plum sauce and steeped cherry and raspberry notes gliding along over a backbone of bittersweet cocoa. There's a good chalky spine buried on the finish and solid, latent length. Built for the cellar. Best from 2018 through 2028.' – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 93/100 (Dec 2016)

'Smoked meat, dense black fruit, soft tannin. Potent, heavyweight, formidable – hardcore Syrah that needs time to open.' – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17+/20 (Apr 2016)

2014: Dark crimson. Smoky/charry reduction at first but mostly dark, dark fruit. That same charry character on the palate suggests this needs more time though there are already attractive notes of smoked meat and the tannins are remarkably silky. Serious, complex and finishes so fresh.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5++/20 (Dec 2017)

'Fresh in feel, with light bay leaf, pepper and dried violet notes leading a core of gently steeped plum and bitter cherry fruit. The long finish is inlaid with a smoldering alder detail. Very refined, with ample reserve for cellaring. Drink now through 2026' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Oct 2017)

Provenance

Private Client