Immediately more red-fruited than other recent vintages, it's warm, with lush stewed fruit scents, stewed plums in particular, and raspberry. Full-bodied, but without the mass of tannin of the 2016. It's warmer on the palate in terms of fruit ripeness and alcohol, and the tannins are a little fibrous. Some coffee bean on the finish. It's feeling a bit closed at the time of tasting - I would leave this until at least 2025 before opening.

60% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 20% Grenache. Exquisite raspberry fruit on the nose, then a surprisingly savoury palate with bitter cherry, firm tannin, full body, grainy tannin and fresh acidity. This is potent stuff that manages to be big in every dimension without being overworked. Very canny winemaking, with impeccable fruit purity. (RH)