This was an exceptional tasting on a very narrow theme from one region, one grape, and for the most
part one style. However, the nuances and differences found in all the wines were fantastic. Each
vineyard/commune demonstrated it's true colors and showed everyone what this great wine can do. I
don't remember having such varied and high quality Sancerres all at one time. The gourmet preparations
of Roxy Trotter and her sister Sabrina paired magnificently with the wines, and made for a very enjoyable
evening.
1. 2007 Patient Cottat, Sauvignon Blanc VdP
This was a great deal--culled primarily from Sancerre grapes from Verdigny, the wine showed clean, tart,
bright citrus fruit (grapefruit and lemon) as well as slight hints of green grass and chalk. Mouthwatering,
very lively, and a great simple quaffer. Great for an aperitif or with oysters. $11. My score: 88
2. 2007 Gerard Boulay, Sancerre, (Chavignol)
This was so MINERALLY! Reminiscent of seashells, with slight mandarin orange notes. I also picked up a
touch of white pepper and lime, making me think of a Gruner-Veltliner. This had a slightly richer mouth,
and a long lime finish. The "Terres Blanches" (Kimmeridgian and chalk) gave it the fuller body, more
concentration, and tons of mineral character. The flavors are pure, well defined, and complex. One of
my favorites of the night. Pair this with white fish (trout), and asparagus. $22. My score: 92
3. 2008 Hypolite Reverdy, Sancerre, (Verdigny)
Continuing our vineyard comparison, this wine was produced from grapes grown on Caillottes soils
(compact chalk, pebbles and limestone). It showed citrus, lemon, pineapple, and candied fruits, with a
dab of fresh green grass. It was slightly tangy with a sweet candied sensation and made me think of a
handfull of Lemon-Heads. Very appealing, but farther away from the mineral-infused style of Sancerre. It
was great with the crab cakes, and I can imagine this going nicely with lemon chicken, calamari, and crab
salad. $24. My score: 91
4. 2008 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy, Sancerre, "Les Coutes" (Maimbray)
This Sancerre was incredible and really stood out from the pack. It was not filtered, nor cold stabilized,
with a slight yellow-brown hue to show for it. Right off the bat I got whiffs of earth, smoke, crushed rock,
and minerals spilling out of the glass. I imagined rocks stuffed inside a preserved lemon. Such an
elegant, silky mouth as well, with a sort of saltiness, amazing acidity, and a huge, long finish. Reminded
me a bit of a salt-pepper-lemon dip for crab. Amazing stuff and really wowed everyone. And how
fortuitous to have this paired with the amazing scallop, poppyseed and cucumber concoction we had.
Smoked salmon, or oysters and caviar would also be a natural for this. A real stunner. Les Coutes
comes from a single hillside plot of 50 year old vines, harvested at 45 hl/ha. $22. My score: 93, WA 92
5. 2007 Gerard & Pierre Morin, Sancerre, "Chene Marchand" (Bue)
The Chene Marchand is a vineyard composed of Caillottes soils, and here produces a wine that is more
delicately perfumed, but has an understated power. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth and incredibly
silky, yet is so well balanced, with a super long, beautiful finish. It's like a wave swelling up and finally
coming to shore and crashing on the rocks. The white floral notes, iodine, and grapefruit flavors were
delicious. $25. WA 93. My score: 92
6. 2007 Gerard Boulay, Sancerre, "Les Monts Damnes" (Chavignol)
The renowned Les Monts Damnes vineyard is in Chavignol and consists mostly of "Terres Blanches"
soils. And it shows in this extravagant, complex, mineral-and-fruit laden wine. It is not a wall flower. My
notes listed green bean, asparagus, rocks, sweaty sock (I guess I was thinking salt and earthiness...),
tangy citrus notes, salty fish, mandarin orange, chalk and wildflowers. I was probably a bit tipsy at this
point, so don't feel bad if you didn't get the salty fish or sweaty sock. My point is, this was complex and
beautiful. The mini shrimp tacos were killer with this. White meat, salmon and dill, and even a (spinach,
or mushroom) quiche would work well with this. $30. My score: 93
7. 2007 Franck Millet, Sancerre Rouge
This was a simple and straight forward but classic Sancerre rouge. It had bright cherry and violet floral
notes, good acidity, a touch of earthy spice, and maybe a little cinnamon as it opened up. With even
more air it also showed juicy raspberry notes. It had a medium light consistency, and really showed what
red Sancerre is all about: Lighter, food friendly, simpler reds that are not out to compete with Burgundy.
They are the younger, eager and fresh-faced cousin to the more sophisticated well-to-do uncle to the
east. This went really nicely with the succulent herb chicken. $17. My score: 89.
part one style. However, the nuances and differences found in all the wines were fantastic. Each
vineyard/commune demonstrated it's true colors and showed everyone what this great wine can do. I
don't remember having such varied and high quality Sancerres all at one time. The gourmet preparations
of Roxy Trotter and her sister Sabrina paired magnificently with the wines, and made for a very enjoyable
evening.
1. 2007 Patient Cottat, Sauvignon Blanc VdP
This was a great deal--culled primarily from Sancerre grapes from Verdigny, the wine showed clean, tart,
bright citrus fruit (grapefruit and lemon) as well as slight hints of green grass and chalk. Mouthwatering,
very lively, and a great simple quaffer. Great for an aperitif or with oysters. $11. My score: 88
2. 2007 Gerard Boulay, Sancerre, (Chavignol)
This was so MINERALLY! Reminiscent of seashells, with slight mandarin orange notes. I also picked up a
touch of white pepper and lime, making me think of a Gruner-Veltliner. This had a slightly richer mouth,
and a long lime finish. The "Terres Blanches" (Kimmeridgian and chalk) gave it the fuller body, more
concentration, and tons of mineral character. The flavors are pure, well defined, and complex. One of
my favorites of the night. Pair this with white fish (trout), and asparagus. $22. My score: 92
3. 2008 Hypolite Reverdy, Sancerre, (Verdigny)
Continuing our vineyard comparison, this wine was produced from grapes grown on Caillottes soils
(compact chalk, pebbles and limestone). It showed citrus, lemon, pineapple, and candied fruits, with a
dab of fresh green grass. It was slightly tangy with a sweet candied sensation and made me think of a
handfull of Lemon-Heads. Very appealing, but farther away from the mineral-infused style of Sancerre. It
was great with the crab cakes, and I can imagine this going nicely with lemon chicken, calamari, and crab
salad. $24. My score: 91
4. 2008 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy, Sancerre, "Les Coutes" (Maimbray)
This Sancerre was incredible and really stood out from the pack. It was not filtered, nor cold stabilized,
with a slight yellow-brown hue to show for it. Right off the bat I got whiffs of earth, smoke, crushed rock,
and minerals spilling out of the glass. I imagined rocks stuffed inside a preserved lemon. Such an
elegant, silky mouth as well, with a sort of saltiness, amazing acidity, and a huge, long finish. Reminded
me a bit of a salt-pepper-lemon dip for crab. Amazing stuff and really wowed everyone. And how
fortuitous to have this paired with the amazing scallop, poppyseed and cucumber concoction we had.
Smoked salmon, or oysters and caviar would also be a natural for this. A real stunner. Les Coutes
comes from a single hillside plot of 50 year old vines, harvested at 45 hl/ha. $22. My score: 93, WA 92
5. 2007 Gerard & Pierre Morin, Sancerre, "Chene Marchand" (Bue)
The Chene Marchand is a vineyard composed of Caillottes soils, and here produces a wine that is more
delicately perfumed, but has an understated power. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth and incredibly
silky, yet is so well balanced, with a super long, beautiful finish. It's like a wave swelling up and finally
coming to shore and crashing on the rocks. The white floral notes, iodine, and grapefruit flavors were
delicious. $25. WA 93. My score: 92
6. 2007 Gerard Boulay, Sancerre, "Les Monts Damnes" (Chavignol)
The renowned Les Monts Damnes vineyard is in Chavignol and consists mostly of "Terres Blanches"
soils. And it shows in this extravagant, complex, mineral-and-fruit laden wine. It is not a wall flower. My
notes listed green bean, asparagus, rocks, sweaty sock (I guess I was thinking salt and earthiness...),
tangy citrus notes, salty fish, mandarin orange, chalk and wildflowers. I was probably a bit tipsy at this
point, so don't feel bad if you didn't get the salty fish or sweaty sock. My point is, this was complex and
beautiful. The mini shrimp tacos were killer with this. White meat, salmon and dill, and even a (spinach,
or mushroom) quiche would work well with this. $30. My score: 93
7. 2007 Franck Millet, Sancerre Rouge
This was a simple and straight forward but classic Sancerre rouge. It had bright cherry and violet floral
notes, good acidity, a touch of earthy spice, and maybe a little cinnamon as it opened up. With even
more air it also showed juicy raspberry notes. It had a medium light consistency, and really showed what
red Sancerre is all about: Lighter, food friendly, simpler reds that are not out to compete with Burgundy.
They are the younger, eager and fresh-faced cousin to the more sophisticated well-to-do uncle to the
east. This went really nicely with the succulent herb chicken. $17. My score: 89.
sancerre tasting
Sept. 24, 2009