Allen Meadows - Score: 88-91 (42278)

Strong reduction flattens the nose but there is good freshness, volume and intensity to the solidly concentrated middle weight flavors that are finer than what one typically finds from this appellation, all wrapped in a balanced, attractively dry and lingering finish. This is also tight but once again I would expect it to flesh out rapidly once it has been bottled.

Vinous - Score: 90+ (42339)

(Lafon bought seven hectares of east-facing vines on clay-rich soil in Viré in 2009, including some that date back to the 1930s; the youngest vines here are at least 30 years of age): Bright lemon-yellow. Intriguing aromas of pear, white peach, flowers, minerals, menthol and white pepper. Pliant and thick but very juicy and fresh; lovely lemony cut (4.4 acidity) gives a light touch to the fruit. Shows strong spine and structure without especially high acidity. Lovely fine-grained wine with class. This vineyard needed a lot of work, noted Gon. "And we need to pick early to capture the floral aromas of Viré."