Frederic Mabileau, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, Eclipse

Such a beauty - red cherries and peonies on the nose, then a savoury blend of wild strawberry and red cherry, with a little rosehip and redcurrant, and a long, persistent finish where the blackcurrant gives it just enough crispness. Silky elegance, effortless class - impressive though the Villeneuve was, this was clearly more attractive on the night

Much improved, this has turned into a quite delicious wine. Sweet red berries and peonies on the nose, then a beguiling attack of sweet red cherry, a cooler middle section featuring some blackcurrant and redcurrant, before a long, rising finish of cherries and strawberries. Perfectly judged, the acidity and crispness offset the fruit very well and it never sails anywhere near stodginess. One of the more enjoyable 2010s I've tried this year, from a very underrated producer.

Soft red berries, both nose and palate, with enough Roches Neuves-style crispness to steer it away from lushness, this doesn't quite have the class of the Amiraults in 2010, but it is definitely very fine.

Not quite ready yet, good red berry fruit on the nose and in the mouth, elegant and precise, quite silky, but a little heady and perhaps a little thin.

Juicy red fruits, still drinking well, but not for long keeping

Bouteille décevante, sèche, étriquée. Peut-être un léger 'bouchon'. En tous cas, un flacon problématique.

Wine Education Service - The Loire Valley (Imperial College) : Welcoming nose, fruity and a bit animal. Nice! Au point, lots of fruit and soft tannins, good length.

Slightly oaky nose. Fairly tannic and spicy wine.