2019 Chavignol Cul de Beaujeu
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Tasting notes
An idiosyncratic, intriguing wine that is about as far from standard Sancerre as you'll get, and for that, Cotat will be relieved. The 2019 Sancerre Culs de Beaujeu has great concentration, and the gentle handling translates into delicacy of fruit. However, it’s far from a fruity wine; you'll find floral notes, an iodine-like character and nutty nuances (old barrels, including large formats, are preferred). It retains a sense of freshness and an almost briny essence on the long finish.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Neither fined nor filtered. In Chavignol. The soils between the top and the bottom of lieu-dit Culs de Beaujeu are quite different: pure terres blanches, where this Sauvignon Blanc is grown; then at the very top of the site some red clay in the soil, where Dom Delaporte have Pinot Noir (Matthieu Delaporte is the only grower with Pinot planted in the lieu-dit, and his vines occupy all of the top section). Really appetising with a spine of acidity and real refreshment value. Clean and a whistle with lots of personality. (JR)
From a cooler, northwest facing site that was planted by François's great-grandfather, brought up all in used demi-muids, the 2019 Sancerre Blanc Les Culs de Beaujeu offers a more musky, mineral-laced, earthy style that carries impressive lemon curd, white flowers, crushed rock, and green almond-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully balanced and focused on the palate, it stays more tight and reserved compared to the Grande Côte, but I just love its purity and precision. It's going to put on a touch of richness with a year in bottle and keep for 10-15 years.
About the producer
Sancerre’s leading producer, François Cotat is known for his idiosyncratic, age-worthy expressions of Sauvignon Blanc on Kimmeridgian soils, not to mention his prized rosé. Sometimes denied appellation status for their atypical style, these wines are some of the most collectable in the region.