Allen Meadows - Score: 89 (2017 Jan.)

Deep ruby color. The sheer density of fruit is impressive with a broad-ranging nose of black fruit, spice, violets and pungent earth that is trimmed in just enough wood and menthol nuances to notice. The density of the fruit is confirmed on the palate as there is equally impressive concentration to the intense and muscular flavor that coat the palate with dry extract that also buffers the very firm tannic spine on the mineral-driven and built-to-age but not rustic finish.

Vinous - Score: 89-92 (2016 Jan.)

(from vines ranging in age from 50 to 105 years old; the crop level here was just 23 hectoliters per hectare, according to Dugat): Deep ruby-red. Very dark aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, violet and crushed rock. A step up in intensity and sweetness from the Evocelles, communicating a juicy quality to its black cherry and bitter chocolate flavors. Has the stuffing and size to support its substantial ripe tannins. Just a touch of finishing dryness to be absorbed.