2012 Daniel Chotard, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France.
The vintage 2012 for Loire white wines is proving a huge hit, a major success considering all the problems with weather and crops, especially the Sauvignon Blanc, and this Daniel Chotard is one of the best yet I’ve sampled. Chotard, imported by Kermit Lynch, is a top artisan producer making fine Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and he also makes a stunning Pinot Noir too, his 2009 Sancerre Rouge still sticks in my memory, it was as pure and polished as any village Burgundy, in fact it could easily have matched some huge price tag Premier Crus. While I’ve not always had a chance to try his Sancerre whites, they tend to sell out pretty quick most years, when I’ve had the opportunity they have always impressed me, and this 2012 is a stellar effort, there is everything to love and enjoy here, it is vivid, juicy and pure, an old school charmer no question with mineral intensity, zest acidity and chalky dry, appealing to classic and modern palates alike. The nose is bright with white flowers, river stones, hints of earthy essences, a whiff of cat pee and loads of citrus fruit, the crisp and stylish palate has gooseberry, grapefruit and a core of lemon/lime plus tangy white peach fruits, steely mineral, a touch of hay and white tea. Drink this white over the next 3 to 5 years, this is about as good as Sancerre gets and is a lovely detailed wine.
($25 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
