Stephen Brook | Distinctly vegetal on the nose, though not violently so. It’s a bit excessive for my taste, though many will consider it shows welcome Sauvignon typicity. Assertive on the palate, and less herbaceous than the nose, with firm acidity that gives it drive and flair. This has power and grip and concentration, but the fruit character is austere. Long, with ample extract on the finish. | 91

Andrew Jefford | Steel-gold. Another wine with the typical Grande Côte aromatic breadth and expansiveness, summery warmth and plant wealth; almost a cow-byre intimacy, too, here, though I mean a milky warmth rather than anything “savory.” This has a brisker acid profile than the other two Grande Côte wines, but behind that briskness and poise you will see the same slow summer-afternoon breadth unfolding, and the same yellow fruit and glowing stone. Yet another outstanding wine from this fascinating cru, surely the “Le Clos” of Sancerre. The brisker acidity adds an extra dimension here, though I think there is also a faint touch of sweetness to offset it. | 94

Stephan Reinhardt | Pure, deep, and flinty on the nose, this is the most “aromatic” of the Grande Côte trio. White stone-fruit aromas intermix with warm, bright stone scents, making for a very complex, elegant, and charming nose. On the palate, this is fruity and lushly textured, both concentrated and elegant, with ripe acidity, fine tannins, and a subtle power. The finish is very intense, long, and salty, as well as crunchy, fresh, and concentrated: very promising. I’d serve it with fish and stewed green paprika. | 94