2002 Patient Cottat Sancerre

[Innkeeper]

2002 Patient Cottat MG, Vielles Vignes, Sancerre ($13.99 Belfast Coop). The alcohol level was accidentally scrapped off the bottle; I think it was around the proverbial 12.5%. Patient Cottat is, to the best of my knowledge, a negociant; the label says, “Mise en bouteille par.” Though from the Loire it gave kiwies along with current leaves on the nose along with a little grass upfront. Lean, tart, and acidic body with more complex fruits cross the palate, and the finish lingers longer than most whites. On balance; very, very nice. Matched with broiled sea scallops, nuked summer squash, and salad with blue cheese dressing. Great dinner for a Friday night.

[wondersofwine]

I have two bottles of this on order. Glad to hear you liked it.

[Thraz]

I have a couple of the 2000 VV left (very good). Where can I get the 2002?

Incidendally the 2000 does say 12.5%.

[This message has been edited by Thraz (edited 10-09-2004).]

[Thomas]

Thraz,

What IK meant by "proverbial" is that the government allows producers 1.5% leeway, plus or minus, because a long time ago, when the rules were set, it was near impossible to measure alcohol accurately without taking out a mortgage on the equipment needed to do it.

[Thraz]

Aaah - thanks. Well, a good bit of regulation then, better the uncertainty than the higher wine price.

[wondersofwine]

For availability you might try Carolina Wine Company (Pennsylvania may now be a reciprocal state with North Carolina). http//carolinawine.biz Look under France and then drop-down menu for Loire. I believe they are offering the 2003 vintage now at $19.99. Not sure if it's the 2002 or 2003 I ordered earlier. The 2003 got a 92-point rating from Tanzer whose ratings I usually can trust.