2016 Vincent Gaudry, Sancerre, La Constellation de Scorpion, Loire Valley, France.
This Sancerre from Vincent Gaudry was recently renamed to La Constellation de Scorpion, it’s t​he cuvée formerly known as “Esprit de Rudolf” it’s a certified Biodynamic single old vine parcel grown on flinty Silex soils which is barrel fermented & aged in French oak. Gaudry was the first Biodynamic producer in Sancerre, and this wine is crafted in the same way as the classic Dagueneau Pouilly-Fume’s are, it’s an intense Loire Valley mineral driven Sauvignon Blanc with is naturally imbued with density and volume on the palate. Gaudry has blocks that are massale selections with 90 year vines, he also does a basic stainless steel tank version plus an exceptional whole cluster Sancerre Rouge (Pinot Noir) that is mind-blowing, this is a label and winery to discover and follow, and is now imported by Floraison Selections. This Sancerre starts with a certainly austerity and a hint of volatile acidity with a faint polishy note before opening up on the richly textured palate gaining immensely with air, it becomes a highly rewarding wine that is both leesy and steely with round peachy fruit, sizzling lemon/lime and with notes of quince, gooseberry and white melon along with flinty smokiness and garden herbs. As this Gaudry cuvee La Constellation de Scorpion warms it fills out and gets even better, it is an impressive Sauvignon Blanc with it’s own personality, this is a wine that could not be from anywhere else! Given the style and quality, it’s remarkable that it’s not at a higher price point, as it compares well against Bouley and Cottat!
($33 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

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