2012 Domaine François Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes

Compared to the Sancerre La Grande Cotte the lemon-colored 2012 Sancerre Monts Damnés seems more shy and subtle on the nose, but in fact is more complex on the palate. Whereas the bouquet reveals walnut and citrus flavors (of Neapolitan citrus plantations––or of Limoncello, if you will), the palate is dominated by the complex minerality of this well-known classic. The wine starts dense and very elegant, develops an intense citrus aroma, as well as an austere and persistent salinity, leaving the palate still slightly dried but with herbal flavors of majoram. This is not an easily accessible, indeed somewhat robust wine, when opened young, but it is worth waiting for it. The wine developed much more finesse, balance and expression after three days in the fridge so you can easily keep it for almost a decade.