Mason Balistreri 
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
9.2
Loire Valley is the most underrated region in the world for Pinot Noir. This wine not only competes toe to toe with anything from Burgundy or Willamette, but offers something entirely unique to Sancerre itself. The nose is extremely intense with violet, stewed raspberries and bacon fat. The mouthfeel is extremely focused - carried through the finish with beautiful acidity and subtlety. A granite, minerality emerges about 40 minutes after opening... If you like pinot, why are you not drinking this?
Loire Valley is the most underrated region in the world for Pinot Noir. This wine not only competes toe to toe with anything from Burgundy or Willamette, but offers something entirely unique to Sancerre itself. The nose is extremely intense with violet, stewed raspberries and bacon fat. The mouthfeel is extremely focused - carried through the finish with beautiful acidity and subtlety. A granite, minerality emerges about 40 minutes after opening... If you like pinot, why are you not drinking this?
4 people found it helpfulAug 12th, 2014
This is the ‘vinification en grappes entières’ PN…ie whole bunch fermentation , which doesn’t exist on Delectable ..
Quite light ruby appearance . Fresh and quite floral nose with light red berry notes , cranberry , red currant and red cherry, an underlying herbaceous quality also. On the palate quite lean but fresh red fruits , red cherry and red currant predominately, with some red rose notes . Nice refreshing acidity and light tannins , with that slightly herbaceous tinge. Drink over the next few years . Nicely done with a lightness of touch to produce a drinkable , refreshing, uncomplicated style .
This is the ‘vinification en grappes entières’ PN…ie whole bunch fermentation , which doesn’t exist on Delectable ..
Quite light ruby appearance . Fresh and quite floral nose with light red berry notes , cranberry , red currant and red cherry, an underlying herbaceous quality also. On the palate quite lean but fresh red fruits , red cherry and red currant predominately, with some red rose notes . Nice refreshing acidity and light tannins , with that slightly herbaceous tinge. Drink over the next few years . Nicely done with a lightness of touch to produce a drinkable , refreshing, uncomplicated style .
Aug 22nd, 2023
A Semi-Light juice on cherry, strawberry, peppery notes; compact with extraction infused style, almost vegetable. In 2018, fruit and tannins are concentrated. Balancing minality, final that pinotes with charm. Nice price/pleasure ratio.
A Semi-Light juice on cherry, strawberry, peppery notes; compact with extraction infused style, almost vegetable. In 2018, fruit and tannins are concentrated. Balancing minality, final that pinotes with charm. Nice price/pleasure ratio.
Sep 20th, 2022
Slightly smoky on the nose, dry mouthfeel but very nice and versatile.
Slightly smoky on the nose, dry mouthfeel but very nice and versatile.
Jan 21st, 2022
Sancerre, Central Vineyards, Loire Valley, France
