Domaine du Carroir Perrin Cuvée Caillottes 2005 Tasting Notes

Sancerre blanc Cuvée Caillottes 2003 

The crisp rolling hillsides of Sancerre, and the fresh far-reaching views are an evocative reminder of the racy, pungent, mouth-watering white wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape.  The part of the Appellation called Les Caillottes is situated between the town of Sancerre and the village of Verdigny.  The soil on these prestigious, stony slopes has a high proportion of limestone, and it is from a small patch of old vines here that Pierre Riffault vinifies our unique cuvée.

This year’s wine comes from the 2003 vintage when the canicule (heatwave) provided an exceptional harvest.  Spring and summer started fairly gently but temperatures climbed inexorably into a record August when the whole of France - and the UK - was roasted.  Fortunately the Loire Valley escaped the worst of the dryness; the grapes ripened perfectly and were harvested in superb condition some two weeks earlier than usual.  Although fuller than normal, this is a very typical Sancerre with its powerful bouquet reminiscent of grass, nettles, gooseberries and blackcurrant leaves.  Deliciously fresh and crisp to the taste, full of citrus fruit with just the right amount of balancing acidity, your glass will need constant topping up.  This is an exceptional vintage - according to Pierre the best since 1976.  Drink now, or cellar carefully for up to 10 years (surely impossible!).