Alphonse Mellot "La Moussiere" Sancerre Rouge 2014
(Loire Valley, France) - [WE 92] [WA 91]

Notes from the Winemaker:

Founded in 1513, the current guardian of Alphonse Mellot is the 19th generation of Mellots working the family winery. It sits pretty much in the center of the village with an extensive network of cellars. The La Moussière vineyard covers more than 30 hectares (74 acres) of Kimmeridgian limestone and Saint Doulchard marl soils. The vineyard faces south, receiving ample sunlight for grapes to ripen in the region's cool continental climate.

Very fine deep crimson color. Hints of small red and black fruit like raspberries, currants, mulberries and morello cherries, with spicy traces of pink peppercorns, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. It is mellow, well rounded and well structured. A woody background goes with spicy traces and aromas of fruit. A wine long in the mouth, high in alcohol and pleasant, a real winner.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
This wine comes from the core estate in the Mellot vineyard. Produced from biodynamically grown grapes, it is poised between richness and elegance. A tense texture comes from the youth of the wine. Rich black-cherry flavors are enhanced by the layers of wood and tannins. An intense wine, it shows the finest potential of Pinot Noir in Sancerre. Drink from 2019. — Roger Voss

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
The 2014 Sancerre La Moussière Red is fine and very elegant on the beautifully pure, deep, quite intense and floral nose that is reminiscent of red rather than black cassis, black berries, lemon rind, leather and, with aeration, plums, indicating a certain sweetness and openness. It is a bit volatile perhaps but still in an acceptable way. Still young but very elegant and finessed on the palate, this is a full-bodied, dense and tightly structured yet pure Sancerre rouge with a silky texture, a juicy fruit core and an only initially slightly astringent finish. This has good length and concentration, and aeration helps to reduce the astringency on the finish. Tasted in January and February 2021. Drink 2021-2027."