No expense is spared to make Mellot's wines, from his large volume La Moussiere to this dazzler. Hailing from kimmeridgian marls, this high density vineyard offers a powerful expression of Sancerre that powers home. There's red apple, citrus and almond-meal aromas but this isn't about the aromatics, it's about the no-holds-barred power, rich texture and sinew of acidity that pulls this firmly together. Drinking Window 2019 - 2026

This wine celebrates the 19 generations (mostly called Alphonse) that have run this top Sancerre estate since the 17th century. The wine offers ripe fruit, bold quince and spice flavors, with hints of apricot. Structured and concentrated, it is a wine to savor, but not before 2019.

Racy and pure, with a core of peach and gooseberry fruit that flirts with a creamy feel but stays just on the taut and steely side through the flint-tinged finish. Drink now through 2020. 625 cases made, 60 cases imported. — JM