Alphonse Mellot, Sancerre, Herses Rouge

Mørk i glasset. Duften er langt fra PN, minder mere om umoden Cabernet Franc. I strukturen er den mere korrekt PN. Svær at blive klog på.

Pinot Noir (SFWTC) : Deeper color that expected; elegant red fruit, complex with notable density and depth; palate has medium body, plenty of red fruit, medium-plus fresh acid, nice density throughout; medium-long finish. Excellent world-class Pinot. 91

This is my first time trying a Sancerre rouge and and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised, it is really good! The first thing I noticed about this wine is now intense its color is, not as dense as a California Pinot but a very intense red. Aromas of red berries, specially strawberries and cherries with flowers, beautiful nose. What surprised me was that the tannins are strong but blend well with the wine.

A Loire Afternoon (SF Wine Trading Company, Tofino Wines, and Home) : Very deeply tinged for Pinot. Dark fruit but mostly crushed oregano on the nose (so much so that it called to mind southern Rhone garrigue!). Full bodied, surprisingly sappy red and black fruit. Chocolatey, ripe tannins, long finish. I would never have guessed Pinot Noir, much less Loire valley Pinot, but I guess it should be appreciated for what it is rather than what is should be.

Some Adventurous Loire Wines (SF Wine Trading Company) : I had never heard of this red Mellot wine. Pretty deeply colored for Pinot Noir. Fragrant, stone tinged dark red fruit. Earthy, herbaceous entry followed by a transient burst of candied red fruit and then a lean, dry, almost astringent finish. Voluminous for Loire valley Pinot but essentially austere and full of soil. Not great today-will that hint of great fruit blossom and fill out the wine?