88/100 This Syrah-dominated blend is ripe, highly perfumed and has a lively mineral character. A ripe and vibrant wine flavored with dense, red fruits. — R.V.
87/100 A sophisticated, elegant wine with dusty tannins and new wood flavors of new wood and dark plum fruit. Fresh rather than powerful; drink now and over the next 18 months. — R.V.
86/100 A simple, fresh, fruity wine. Ripe Cinsault gives it some weight, but Syrah’s dark fruits spiced with pepper and herbal notes prevail. — R.V.
88/100 A ripe, juicy charmer of a wine, aromatic and perfumed. Raspberry flavors, acidity and soft tannins come together and are underpinned by flavors of new wood and sweetness. — R.V.
88/100 Packed with bramble, black plums, and leathery, dense tannins, this is strong stuff. Bitter cocoa flavors and pepper show the ripeness and firmness of the wine, which, at 14.5% alcohol, is no lightweight. —R.V.
87/100 This is big in all senses. It has dense, very rich, very powerful fruit and as a consequence of that, it has 14.5% alcohol. It’s finely perfumed, with black and violet flavors and aromas, and some good, spicy flavors. —R.V.
17.5/20 Lighter colour than most. Rich and slighty treacly – very appealing on the nose. Round and very fruity. Extremely soft with dry edges. Lovely for current drinking with a very mineral edge. Lots of character. 13.5%
16.5/20 Seems much better balanced than the 2003 even thought the fruit has obviously suffered a bit of drought stress in 2002 too. Good acidity and slightly hot on the finish.
16.5/20 Strong ripe Syrah nose. Very savoury and much less ripe than the 2003. Rather dry but very peppery. Not sweet at all, cf the 2003. Quite evolved. Very dry tannins.
16.5/20 Very savoury and appetising nose. Hint of tar and lots of Syrah, even verging on underripe Syrah!!! Not a characteristic savour in this line-up. Lovers of the 2003’s might call this a bit scrawny. 13%
