Alex Hunt: Very perfumed—not just with vanilla oak, but intensely floral, almost potpourri aromas. The palate is the same: oak and flowers more than fruit per se, but not too tannic, very clean, with a mineral undertow. Unusual and quite impressive- 15

Andrew Jefford: Dark black-red in color. Fresh, cool, inky, a walk in a woodland copse: very typical Loire Cabernet Franc. There is some sweetness and plumpness of fruit behind—sour cherry rather than raspberry. Dark fruits, with the tanninacid balance coming together here to create a sense of high tension, resolved a little later as an inner sweetness of fruit emerges. Very typical of its place, full of the energy and vim of this variety in Loire soils. This shocking loveliness is probably not for all, but aficionados will adore this wine- 17

Simon Larkin: Deep in the glass, not the same purple rim of the more youthful examples. Reserved on the nose, with discreet nuances of dark berry discernible. The palate is well structured; background toast frames a succulent, juicy core of dark berry fruit with a dry, minerally accent. There is a scented lift to this style and a very appealing vibrancy. A long, lingering, slightly savory finish, again with that appetizing rasp of lively acidity. A good example offering good potential- 15