Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  1/9/2008 (link)

  (SANCERRE Caves du Prieur) Sancerre Dear Friends, I haven’t been this excited about a Sancerre producer since we discovered Boulay in the early 1990s and I think you will agree with my assessment once you taste the wines. Caves du Prieure has made a stunning set of wines in 2005/2006 and there’s no better place to start than their 2006 Sancerre - my new house wine. If you are looking for an education in Sancerre, this is your wine and it is still priced within reason. With a multitude of other viticulture regions trying to cash in on the fame of Sancerre’s Sauvignon Blanc, when the real thing hits the mark, there’s just nothing like it. In a “turn about is fair play” sort of way, it’s now possible to find Sancerre that is less money than some of the better New Zealand, South African and California counterparts. When I come across something of top-level quality and the tariff is below that of inferior copycats - it’s a priority offer to pass on to you. That’s the case with this basically unknown winery, one of the best producers in the new world order of Sancerre. This is a traditional house and their Sancerre (blanc) is produced from limestone soil that has near-perfect exposure on southwest facing slopes. You can forget what you’ve read about 2006, the vintage has produced some great wines (similar to a mix of 2002 and 2004) and this is one of them (I doubt many of the critics of 2006 have actually tasted the best finished wines - please keep in mind, this is an everyday wine we’re talking about here, it’s not an investment in Clos de la Roche where I would recommend wasting a lot of time dissecting the vintage ad nauseum). Like a tonic of Sauvignon Blanc with a little something for everyone, the 2006 Caves du Prieure can be enjoyed on its own or with a lovely plate of fresh shellfish or even chicken with fresh herbs. Pointed and direct with cleansing acids and the natural mid-palate sap from the hillsides above Sancerre (that never overwhelm) - an effusive green-tinged aromatic and palate profile entice the taster to come hither. The rocky presence is finely sifted and the wine continues to deepen and open with air. This is a wine I’ve tried to avoid putting through the analysis ringer as it should just be enjoyed for what it is - a top choice for any night of the week and it should age for at least 3-8 years in proper storage. We have an exceptional price on this item, the same as at the cellar door in France ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED As a top value in a crowded field of underachievers: 2006 Domaine des Caves du Prieure Sancerre (Blanc) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Loire6690