2019 "Chavignol" Sancerre Rosé - Domaine Delaporte

Satisfyingly plump and succulent blasts of strawberry, white raspberry, ruby grapefruit, sweet watermelon, and peach lead a ripe and deliciously fruit-forward display that is assertive and powerful while retaining nice juiciness and punch. Notes of rose water, jasmine, cherry blossom, and peonies combine to generously radiate waves of sweet floral perfume that rise above intriguing saline impressions of oyster shell and limestone minerality. Hints of rosemary and pine resin gently reveal interesting herbal leaninings that do not detract from the tremendously pure and expressive fruit. Impressively bold and outgoing on the palate while retaining admirable tartness, texture, and tension; exhibiting a deep yet delightfully bright presentation that is surprisingly concentrated and not the least bit shy. Medium-plus bodied yet nicely balanced by elevated acidity. This 2019 "Chavignol" Sancerre Rosé by Domaine Delaporte is a rich yet energetic rosé from France's Loire Valley.

Located within the larger Sancerre appellation where it is undoubtedly one of the region's most well known and historic winegrowing zones, Chavignol is a small yet highly regarded village considered to produce some of the Loire Valley's very best wine. This bottling, crafted by Domaine Delaporte using Pinot Noir sourced from within Chavignol and vinified as a rosé, is an intriguing example of the combination of energy, concentration, and depth that have made this village world renowned. This booms with a surprisingly ripe and powerful core of red and citrus fruits complicated by aromatic floral tones, interesting herbal notes, and textbook Sancerre earthiness. While already a few vintages old this wine continues to possess excellent freshness and nerve, and will likely hold well although it is probably best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Excellent.