2003 Sancerre les Monts Damnes
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Tasting notes
Upon being uncorked, the 2003 Sancerre – Chavignol Reserve des Monts Damnes revealed a demure nose of almonds that evolved with air, eventually displaying fresh flowers and minerals. This outstanding wine – made all the more stunning by the fact that it was crafted in a difficult year – exhibits a concentrated, deep personality packed with syrupy minerals intermingled with notes of candied citrus fruits. Pure, well-balanced, and intense, it also displays great length. Drink this gem over the next 3 years. A Peter Vezan Selection, Paris fax #011-33-1-42-55-42-93; importers include David Schildknecht Selection, Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (513) 229-3630; North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (800) 266-6585; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Import!, Madison, WI; tel. (608) 255-8622; and Ideal Wines, Medford, MA; tel. (781) 395-3300
Critic scores
Pierre Rovani
About the producer
The other Cotat, Pascal Cotat, is cousin to the legendary François Cotat. The original family domaine was divided between them in 1998, and Pascal Cotat works many of the same vineyards, producing fine – if not quite as prized – Sancerre.