Paul Prieur et Fils Paul Prieur et Fils Sancerre Rouge 2019 750ml

Sancerre fans will know the Monts Damnés—it’s a famous chalky hill in the village of Chavignol that’s home to many fine wines, a Grand Cru site, if such a system existed. But only one side of the hill is discussed, there’s the other side of the hill that faces towards the village of Verdigny to the north and that’s where the Grains de Pinot 2019 comes from. It is intriguingly aromatic with 40% whole clusters imbuing a herbal and spiced character to the ripe cola and cherry fruit flavors. While sweetly fruited initially, it has dry, savory tannins and a mass of chalkiness which combine with the acidity to provide sinew and purpose on the finish. Considering it’s 14.5% alcohol, it’s surprisingly well balanced. You could drink it now for its frangrance but it would benefit from time in the cellar. (Rebecca Gibb MW)