Alison Buchanan: I will admit to a certain mental block. I find confected and ester marked wines difficult and this was one such. Never a great fan of dolly mixtures, I would prefer not to drink something that smells of them, though, in fairness, this may dissipate. Whilst writing, some more intriguing honeyed fruit came though on the nose, which was reflected on the palate. This was opulent and creamy with a lively acidity and a focused mineral layer. The palate made for a score that overlooked initial reservations on the nose. 16.5

Alex Hunt: Buxom apricotty fruit nicely offset by steely firmness. Plenty of weight on the palate, but nothing exaggerated or overblown. A good result in a fairly classical style. 15

Andrew Jefford: A fuller gold than most of its peers. A slight confinement initially. Afterwards, this is resourceful, full, sustained, almost honeyed, with a sense of peaceful summer warmth to it. Weighty and concentrated, deep and challenging. Another wine to avoid if you’re looking for the zesty pungency of typical youthful Sancerre, but a wine to seek out if you want something more complex, settled and meditative. I love its purity and line. There is true minerality, as well, in the sunset–slow finish. Profound and long. 16