WSJ Calls It Perfect Summer Drinking

Did you happen to catch the article in the Wall Street Journal, "Twelve Great Wines for Summer: Whether You're On The Beach, Hosting A Dinner Or Barbecuing Up A Storm, Here Are Our Picks For Perfect Summer Drinking"? It was released at the end of June and we literally forgot to tell you about it with everything else going on!

That is, until we were reminded of this article when we opened up a bottle of this lovely wine the other day. Then it hit us like a lightning bolt. We just had to share the news.

The Wall Street Journal chose today's wine as one of their top three selections for "Crisp, Dry White Wine for Soaring Heat" and we couldn't agree more. Only we think this white wine is also perfect for the golden hours of early autumn. At least while it lasts.

Here is the Wall Street Journal Review:

Domaine Vincent Delaporte Sancerre Chavignol 2014

"This small family concern has been delighting connoisseurs ever since it was stocked by Stephen Spurrier in his famous Caves de la Madeleine shop in Paris in the '70s. The 2014 has a full, waxy purity of fruit, with a bright, clean finish." (Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2015)

We don't think the WSJ review does this wine justice, even though it's quite favorable. Here's why. Let's face it, most of us really enjoy drinking a white Sancerre. Even if you're not a huge fan of Sauvignon Blanc, a Sancerre is somehow more elevated and more refined than many New World versions. It's clean and crisp and pure, not to mention less prone to aggressive flavors such as the ones frequently found in Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or even South Africa (i.e., notes of gooseberry, "cat's pee" and "asparagus").

So we dug around and found a review from the United Kingdom we think more accurately depicts this delightful wine in the 2014 vintage:

"Matthieu says this is the best vintage ever made at the domaine - that is fighting talk from such a brilliant producer who consistently bangs out brilliant wine year after year. When I visited just before the harvest in September 2014 it was clear the fruit was in great condition, so it is no real surprise they have made such a good wine. A full flavoured muscular wine from classic 'silex' (silica) soils, not as overtly Sauvignony as those grown on the chalk soils to the west, nor as firmly dry as the wines from the limestone of Bué. A perfect balance of fruit and firm minerality. This wine is composed of vines with an average age of 30-35 years. Thanks to a diversity of soils types, principally flint and limestone and a strict blending of wines from 28 plots, which adds finesse, aromatic complexity and minerality to this wine." (Lea & Sandeman, August, 2015)

Tucked in the middle of the Sancerre region is Domaine Vincent Delaporte and Sons, a family winery which has been passed from father to son since the 17th century. The winery is located in the charming village of Chavignol, also famous for its goat cheese.

Domaine Vincent Delaporte owns one of the oldest vineyards of the Sancerre region. Here, they cultivate vines following the "culture traditionnelle" philosophy, which combines ancestral and organic agricultural methods. The key principle of the domaine is respect for the soil and the environment.

Delaporte is a brilliant producer that consistently makes delicious wine year after year. The 2014 is no exception. This is a full-flavored, classic Sancerre which is both muscular and elegant in nature. It has balanced fruit and minerality thanks to the flint and limestone soils. Yet, it's also round and complex, filled with nuance and finesse. A definite MUST TRY for this appellation. Very limited quantities on hand.

$26.99/bottle or just $21.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine.

This wine has a high sell out risk. Due to the Wall Street Journal review this wine has already sold out at the wholesaler so we're only left with the stock we have on hand. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. While this wine would definitely be exceptional on a hot day alongside some seafood, we can easily see this on the Thanksgiving table. If that seems to far away, then we suggest a bottle on a lovely September evening.

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