2013 Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Les Herses, Loire Valley

Biodynamic. Museum Release (shipped 2022). Any who doubt Sancerre’s ability to age is in for a shock. Planted to both Pinot Noir and Sauvignon, Les Herses is southeast-exposed on flinty clay soils. Mellot farms a 1.6-hectare parcel of vines which were planted in the early 1970s. These vines produce a structured and stony Sancerre that can appear a touch austere in its youth, a character that makes Les Herses a great candidate for the cellar.
 
Crafting Sancerre that can not only stand the test of time, but even improve for a decade or two, requires not only the highest standards of viticulture, but also great precision in the cellar. On both counts Mellot is rightly lauded as a benchmark. While this release has not quite developed the truffle-like earthy complexity of full maturity, you’ll find attractive honey blossom sweetness and bright orchard fruit underpinned by savoury minerality. It’s pure, elegant and poised, with driving citrus freshness and mouth coating texture, focussed by bright acidity and a chalky mineral accent. Impeccable aged Sancerre.