🏰 The 2021 vintage for the Loire Valley faced a challenging growing season, with severe spring frost and mildew outbreaks leading to historically low yields, often around 50% of normal. Despite these difficulties, the quality of the grapes that survived was good, resulting in wines with lower alcohol and higher acidity, reminiscent of a 'traditional' cool-climate Sancerre. This year is described as a 'throw-back vintage' where winemakers had to work diligently to achieve ripeness. The cool growing season particularly favoured aromatic varietals, preserving their elegant structures and clean, crisp acidity. Pascal Cotat's Sancerre La Grande Côte is an undisputed benchmark in the appellation, crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on steep slopes of Chavignol with limestone and clay soils, and vines over 60 years old. The wine offers aromas of lime zest, fresh pear, and light herbs, along with white peach, grapefruit, cassis, mangosteen, elderflower, hyacinth, and hints of sweet spring peas and jalapeño. It presents a piercing nose of floral and flint notes. On the palate, it is juicy and penetrating, with abundant mineral expression, a textured yet very dry profile, and flavours of stone fruits, crushed stones, and light pepper. It is full-bodied, with remarkable freshness and a marked minerality reflecting its chalky soils, complemented by hints of lemon citrus and subtle nuances of almond and smoke. The mouthfeel is enveloping but perfectly balanced, with a vibrant acidity that contributes to a very persistent and complex character. These are old-school Sancerres, deep, unctuous, long, and saline. 🥂 While enjoyable young, this wine truly shows its full potential after a few years of bottle ageing and is worth following for at least 10 more years. It makes an excellent choice for anniversary dinners or as a thoughtful gift. 🍴 It pairs beautifully with rich seafood, aged cheese, and white meats. Other suggestions include smoked dishes, canned vegetables, sushi, grilled fish, seafood platters, and fresh goat cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol or Valençay. 【A profound and longest-lived Sancerre from a challenging yet classic 2021 vintage, showcasing vibrant minerality and remarkable aging potential】