2002 Delaporte Sancerre "Chavignol"

[wondersofwine]

$6.50 for a 3-oz. pour at Vin Restaurant.
Pale straw color with a nice, fruity, pearlike nose. Not as vibrant on the palate as I was expecting from the nose. Less acidic than other vintages? It does deliver a little grapefruit kick on the finish. While this was nice with the Piave Vecchio cheese that topped the heirloom tomato salad with balsamic vinaigrette, I think I prefer the Fourier Grand Cuvee that I posted on earlier.

[Bucko]

That is too bad. 2002 is the best vintage since 1996 and I have always liked Delaporte Sancerre.

[Scoop]

The generally excellent 2002 SB's from the Centre are the ones to snap up if you like the classic, racy Loire style. Due to the intense heat in 2003, the very same SB's (from Quincy, Menetou Salon, Sancerre, Pouilly Fume) are atypical to say the least, almost unrecognizable. Approaching Burgundy in some cases. Very big, very tutti-frutti, lower acidity, often out of balance. Depends when (and how fast) the producers picked. That said, many of the 2003 Sancerres, etc. will probably go down well in the US market, given the big peachy fruit and Chardonnay-like qualities.

Cheers,

Scoop