Caraway toasted pine nuts candied grapefruit rind papaya litchi and bacon fat on the nose and broad subtly creamy palate of Pascal Cotat's 2011 Sancerre La Grande Cote suggest a blending of some Gewurztraminer into this Sauvignon the more so given the suggestions of caramelized parsnip and celery root that emerge as this takes on air. Here is an instance where one could wish for a bit more vivacity and sheer refreshment from 2011 but the soothing mouth-coating effect brings a fair share of this wine's colorful personality along into a finish whose discreet sweetness is certainly very appropriate to such rich and flamboyant fruit. I imagine this being best enjoyed over the next 6-8 years but as veteran Cotat-watchers know soft ripe vintages from these vines and this family can surprise with their stamina. - David Schildknecht