2020 Sancerre Rouge

Usually the Vacheron reds spend a year in bottle before release, but the 2020 Sancerre Rouge tasted so good early on that Jean-Laurent Vacheron released it without the extra age. It's very pale ruby and rather seductive, offering a round, silken and incredibly elegant style. Undeniably Pinot Noir with its attractive floral and red fruited perfume, alongside savory notes and tea leaf characters. It has a lovely chalky coating and finely textured tannins that will leave you licking the inside of your mouth. Unforced and charming but my only quibble is the rather warming dab of alcohol right at the finish.