2018 Alphonse Mellot Generation XIX Sancerre Blanc
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Tasting notes
Having tasted the white Generation XIX a year ago before it headed for the bottling line, its pedigree continues to shine. This is a serious, seductive and structured Sancerre. Full and pure, it blossoms in the mouth and opens up with its lees derived characters meeting stone fruit. The texture is its winning card; a chalky veil covers all sides of the mouth on the harmonious, refined finish. Gorgeous now and will continue to be over the coming decade.
Critic scores
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Sancerre Génération Dix-Neuf (XIX) opens with a very clear, pure and, given the warm and dry vintage, beautifully fresh and mineral-scented bouquet with flinty and yeasty notes intermingled with white fruit aromas. Generously fruity but also salty, pure and tensioned on the palate, this is a full-bodied and elegant but thrilling 2018 Sancerre with a spectacularly long and iodine-laced finish. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022.
Tasted just before it was about to head to the bottling line, the 2018 Sancerre Generation XIX is a very convincing, top-drawer Sancerre. It caresses the palate yet remains floaty-light. The glacial purity of fruit is reminiscent of lemon meringue and pear. A hugely relaxed, tranquil style with fine length. There's a tiny hint of alcohol on the finish, but it doesn't detract from what is otherwise a hugely successful wine. While a mere pup, it's already gorgeous and will drink beautifully upon release and for a decade.
The 2018 Sancerre Génération Dix-Neuf (XIX) opens with a very clear, pure and, given the warm and dry vintage, beautifully fresh and mineral-scented bouquet with flinty and yeasty notes intermingled with white fruit aromas. Generously fruity but also salty, pure and tensioned on the palate, this is a full-bodied and elegant but thrilling 2018 Sancerre with a spectacularly long and iodine-laced finish. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022.
About the producer
Now in the hands of the 19th generation, the Mellot family has been winegrowing in Sancerre for over 500 years. Organic and biodynamic, the estate is a leading name in the region, renowned for their intense, precise expressions of Sauvignon Blanc – some of the best in the appellation.