Allen Meadows - Score: 92 (2018 Jan.)

There is just enough reduction present to push the ripe mix of earthy dark fruit and underbrush aromas to the background so I would suggest decanting this for half an hour first if you're tempted to try a bottle young. There is ample dry extract on the robust, muscular and intense flavors that display a distinct gaminess on the textured and solidly long and dusty finish that is supported by ripe tannins. This will require at least a decade for this full-boded, rustic and very serious effort to come together.

Vinous - Score: 91+ (2018 Jan.)

(two of the three barrels were new): Bright medium red. Tighter on the nose than the Perrières, showing more spices than fruit in the early going, along with complicating licorice and mineral nuances. Not a thick wine but juicy and intense, showing very good cut for the year. More concentrated than the Perrières. Finishes with serious length and floral lift, the tannins quite firm but not dry. Forey said he would wait seven or eight years to start drinking this wine.