Paul Thomas

Chavignol Sancerre Pinot Noir

8.933 ratings
8.99 pro ratings
Sancerre, Central Vineyards, Loire Valley, France
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Tom Casagrande

The thing about Sancerre, whether red or white, from Chavignol, is that the minerality overshadows the varietal character of the grapes . . . which is what makes its terroir unique. Here, the intense limestony minerality actually transforms the cherry fruit in the nose, rendering it quite confectionary. So chiseled and stony in the mouth. It’s a demanding profile. But the Pinot fruit is gamely tussling with the rocks, trying to make itself heard (just barely). Good acids. Just enough tannin to be felt. Paired it with a thrown-together chicken soup I made after work, because my stomach is in knots about the election and I couldn’t handle anything else.

The thing about Sancerre, whether red or white, from Chavignol, is that the minerality overshadows the varietal character of the grapes . . . which is what makes its terroir unique. Here, the intense limestony minerality actually transforms the cherry fruit in the nose, rendering it quite confectionary. So chiseled and stony in the mouth. It’s a demanding profile. But the Pinot fruit is gamely tussling with the rocks, trying to make itself heard (just barely). Good acids. Just enough tannin to be felt. Paired it with a thrown-together chicken soup I made after work, because my stomach is in knots about the election and I couldn’t handle anything else.

Nov 6th, 2024
Severn Goodwin

2022 | Pinot Noir
Domaine Paul Thomas; Rosé
Sancerre; Chavignol, France

2022 | Pinot Noir
Domaine Paul Thomas; Rosé
Sancerre; Chavignol, France

Apr 28th, 2023
Bisher Akil

Enjoyed it on July 2,2020

Enjoyed it on July 2,2020

1 person found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2020
Beth Cotenoff

Taut, lean, berries, tasty.

Taut, lean, berries, tasty.

May 18th, 2015
Lily Davis

French Wine Specialist at Ottorink Weinbar

9.4

Love this. Crunchy minerality sexy and gentle and exciting à la fois. Desirous-making.

Love this. Crunchy minerality sexy and gentle and exciting à la fois. Desirous-making.

Apr 2nd, 2015
Allyson O'Keefe

Not much on the nose; maybe subtle ripe raspberry. Beautiful rust color. Leathery notes of cranberry, cherry, & raspberry, but the fruit doesn’t overpower. Subtle tobacco. Smooth, rustic wine. Beautiful Pinot Noir.

Not much on the nose; maybe subtle ripe raspberry. Beautiful rust color. Leathery notes of cranberry, cherry, & raspberry, but the fruit doesn’t overpower. Subtle tobacco. Smooth, rustic wine. Beautiful Pinot Noir.

Jan 21st, 2022
Julia May

Excellent moderate priced Pinot noir

Excellent moderate priced Pinot noir

Oct 14th, 2018
Shawn o'Grady

Very cherry red color. Dry with a rough finish that pull the berry flat away

Very cherry red color. Dry with a rough finish that pull the berry flat away

May 10th, 2017
Bill

Dark fruity spice that lingers followed by tanin joy

Dark fruity spice that lingers followed by tanin joy

Apr 28th, 2017
Lars Miller

Seems a bit sour and not quite balanced upon opening. Perhaps it improves after breathing.

Seems a bit sour and not quite balanced upon opening. Perhaps it improves after breathing.

Dec 28th, 2016