2020 Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Cuvée Edmond

The 2020 Cuvée Edmond hails from a seven hectare, south-west-facing parcel sitting on kimmeridgian marl. Partially fermented in barrel and partially in wooden tanks, this is not Sauvignon as you know it - it is a wine led by texture not aromatics. Expect a succulent and silky Sancerre that is rich and concentrated. There's a cloud of nectarine fruit that blossoms in the mouth before concluding with an almost tannic structure. The only minus is that the alcohol feels a little warm on the finish, detracting from the pleasure at the end, which is reflected in my score. Otherwise, outstanding.

Hailing from a parcel of old vines (from 40 to 90 years old), the 2020 Cuvée Edmond is a sophisticated, finely focused Sancerre. It offers excellent concentration of fruit. Despite the hot, dry conditions in 2020, this cuvée has managed to achieve elegant balance, fine texture and a flood of acidity on the finish.

The 2020 Sancerre Cuvée Edmond is a rich, ripe wine that reflects this hot vintage. It's a big wine, and if you were to taste blind, it would not be apparent that it's from Sancerre. Impressive, firm, structured and grippy, it's full of firepower. A touch of green on the finish reminds you this is Sauvignon Blanc, but otherwise, it'd be difficult to place. I think this is a really great wine, but with the alcohol and the richness, it's not easy to drink, and that's reflected in my rating. This is 100% matured in wood - half in large format and half in small format.