Jacqueline Friedrich's quote "Each Sancerre [from Mellot] is at its most elegant: discreetly herbaceous, a beautiful weave of citrus, oak and minerals.." perfectly sums up the crackling 2010 Estate La Moussière bottling. This is one of the best ever releases under this esteemed label, just one of the reasons we bought as much as we could. This is our final shipment however.
The fruit is handpicked into small, 25 kg boxes and the grapes are sorted prior to whole grape pressing. Meticulous wine making follows with 50% of the wine undergoing barrel fermentation - a fact that in no way compromises the wine's fabulous line nor its energy. The wine is aged on its fine lees over a period of roughly 12 months, imparting a remarkable, balanced texture. 2010 is an intensely perfumed vintage with classic aromas of pithy citrus, thyme, chalk dust and wet stone. This is a Sauvignon seared by minerality. In the mouth it feels almost luminous with forceful lemon and lime flavours hooking you in. Classic Mellot, classic Moussière.
"The entry-level cuvee comes from La Moussière - a South-facing 30 hectare site on kimmeridgian limestone, the marls of Saint Doulchard and chalky soil of Buzançais. Production was back to normal in 2010 after last year's destructive hails and Mellot is pleased with the balance of the wines. Quite right too - this is classic Sancerre, fresh and crisp with good line and animated nettle notes as well as chalky minerals. Benchmark stuff."
Sarah Ahmed, The Wine Detective, www.thewinedetective.com.au