Andrew Jefford: Deep-hued, almost purple, but translucent nonetheless. Faintly reduced aromas though red fruits apparent beneath; I’ll give it five minutes. The air resolves somewhat and the wine grows more cherryish and generally intriguing; sweet- toned overall. Concentrated, bright, and arresting in the mouth, with a lance of cherry-drenched acidity giving the wine thrust and energy. There is sweetness to the fruit, and wealth, too; there are soft tannins and a vinous warmth to the finish to keep it grown-up and “French.” Wholly enjoyable and it may well merit a higher score with more age. | 91

Jasper Morris: A vigorous dense purple, a more extractive style of Pinot with considerable density but hiding any sense of detail in its youth. Firm, vigorous fruit but there is a suggestion of heat at the finish alongside the sweet strawberry fruit and somewhat hard tannins. This will need to soften to make it enjoyable but the plus point is the length of the finish. | 86

Catherine Petrie: Medium ruby, with a brilliant clarity to its purple rim. An intense, ripe concentration of dark fruit on the nose suggest a richness to follow on the palate. This wine has impressive structure, with a sophisticated layering of tannins that show the good phenolic maturity of a warm vintage, and the grippy tension of well-managed extraction. The palate is rich, as the nose suggested, but Sancerre’s naturally low pH balance gives the finish a salty, lingering freshness. The oak here has supported the structure without dominating it, and even at this young stage is well integrated with the wine. The wine is dominated by its fruit at the moment, but I suspect it will develop some complexity. | 86