2014 Domaines Minchin “La Tour Saint-Martin” Menetou-Salon, Morogues, Loire Valley White, France.
This lazar sharp and mineral infused Sauvignon Blanc is an impressive and electric energy filled white that bristles with vigor, acidity and Riesling like intensity, in other words, it’s really good and fun wine. Menetou-Salon is like Sancerre in style, though slightly different soils and conditions usually don’t allow it to raise to it’s cousins heights, but this Domaines Minchin La Tour Saint-Martin Morogues shows lots of flair and substance, this a stylish and brightly flavored Sauvignon Blanc that goes great with varied cuisine and is mouth-wateringly refreshing and vibrant. The 2014 vintage of La Tour Saint-Martin Morogues starts with white flowers, fresh picked herbs, grapefruit, white peach and a hint of cut grass leading to an explosion of lemon/lime on the palate along with steely minerals, wet river stones, saline and a faint trace of classic cat pee. Overall there’s a lot to be impressed with here and the focus is spot on, this is everything you’d want and a touch more from this place and varietal, it was most tank raised with just a touch of neutral cask and not too much lees, though the Fumet cuvee, a higher end version sees an extra 6 months of aging in barrel and on it’s lees, it is also very good and age worthy, though for the price and vibrancy, I like the zippy and transparent 2014 Morogues just fine, drink from 2015 to 2020.
($20 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive