▸ 94 Points – James Suckling (Sep 2022)

“This is very classy with fantastic deep fruit and serious depth. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a long and complex finish. Drink or hold.”

–James Suckling (Sep 2022)

▸ 93 Points – Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (Aug 2022)

“The 2019 Ble Alepou ("Blue Fox") is a blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot aged in 30% new French barriques for 16 months (but for a 5% dollop of American wood) and comes in at 15.1% alcohol. This adds some Cabernet and takes away some Syrah from the Dyo Elies, but the profiles of these two are very different as well. This is bigger, more powerful and less ready to drink. The Syrah component still has a significant impact here on the flavor profile, adding a touch of beef and game, but here it is more of a nuance than a signature. In structure, this seems unequivocally built for the longer haul. This burly blend needs to demonstrate that it can hold its balance as it ages, and it is going to need some time to age. Clearly, it is not close to ready right now. When you trade up to the upper level, you certainly expect some ability to age and develop. This seems like a wine that can meet those goals. It is perhaps the most impressive yet in the brand. Let's be a little conservative just now on all fronts, but I wouldn't be surprised if it does better in both performance and aging ability than indicated.”

–Mark Squires (Aug 2022)