3 | Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Loire

"Tasted from tank, into which it had been assembled just two weeks beforehand, the Morin 2011 Sancerre Vieilles Vignes – which will as usual be a cuvee solely for the U.S. market, and bottled unfiltered – brims with bright lime and grapefruit; apple and honeydew melon, offering a lovely balance between lees-enrichment and refreshing vivacity. There is a chalky sense of mineral impingement to the vibrantly zesty, invigorating, yet persistently succulent finish of this buoyant (incidentally, 12.7% alcohol) Sancerre that should drink well for the next 3-4 years if not beyond."

"Brilliant pale yellow in colour - very pure nose reminiscent of citrus and white blossoms - refreshing and full-bodied on the palate - typical and elegant, well-balanced with good length."

"The combination of brine and oyster shell signaled already in the nose of Blanchet’s 2011 Pouilly-Fume Vieilles Vignes suffuses the apple, grapefruit, and lime that render the palate satisfyingly juicy. I miss quite the clarity, focus, energy, or extension found in the best examples of this cuvee, but there is still plenty of refreshment, and mouthwatering hints of salinity as well as stony notes manage to make their way into the finish."

"Clear golden green reflections. Pronounced vinous nose recalling dried fruits and licorice. Nice and full, accentuated by a ripe lemonlike crispness."