Allen Meadows - Score: 95 (2018 Jan.)

A moderately high-toned nose combines notes of dark cherry, plum, lavender, earth and a lovely array of spice elements. The sleek and intense middle weight plus flavors possess terrific delineation as well as evident minerality before concluding in a racy finish that is even more powerful than usual. This is impressive and the mouthfeel is one of class and grace thanks to the notably fine-grained tannins shaping the finish. This is seriously good high quality juice that is definitely bigger and more full-bodied than usual but even so it is perhaps less marked by the elevated ripeness level of the 2015 vintage despite the presence of a subtle hint of backend warmth.

Vinous - Score: 93+ (2018 Jan.)

Good medium red. Deep aromas and flavors of raspberry, mocha and minerals lifted by spicy high notes; very ripe but not at all cooked. Sweet, penetrating and fine-grained, with firm acidity contributing to its impression of structure. This solidly tannic wine is quite closed today (Cyrielle Rousseau described it as "a baby bully") and will need patience.