SF | Attractive ruby, with a hint of carmine at the rim. The nose is leafy, elegant, crushed raspberry and a hint of iodine. A nicely composed child, resourceful in the face of a tricky year. Medium alcohol and a spicy, slightly restrained mid-palate, with peaty notes shrouded in lap sang and a whisper of cardamom. Lacks the concentration or energy of the first rank, but a worthy and honest journeyman from an important enclave. 88
DW | Classic Loire Cab Franc nose of pencil lead and fragrant red and black currants, a hint of fleshier cherry - the palate, too, is classically and appealingly structured in that lighter Loire style in this difficult vintage, with a sprinkling of fine gravelly dry tannin and a refreshingly tart but long finish carried by just-ripe currants and berries in a compulsively drinkable fashion.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2028. 91
AR | Bright and youthfully vivid in colour, this is delightfully fresh and fragrant in aroma with a herbal leafy uplift typical of Cabernet Franc; on tasting, the wine is equally bright and vivid with a good degree of underlying acidity and tannins that are supple enough to make this an early drinker, assisted by the fat that with no obvious oak in the way, it's all about fresh vivid red fruit, and all the better for it.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2028. 92