Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Les Herses 2013

Domaine Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Les Herses is a biodynamic single-vineyard Sancerre released with cellar age, from a parcel planted in the early 1970s.

Sancerre's reputation for early drinking obscures how well the best sites age, and Les Herses is a case in point. The vineyard, planted to both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, faces south-east on flinty clay soils, and Mellot farms a 1.6-hectare parcel of vines dating from the early 1970s. The estate is biodynamic, one of the longest-standing conversions in the appellation, and works with low yields and a serious approach to picking. These vines produce a structured and stony Sancerre that can seem austere in youth, which is precisely what makes the site a candidate for the cellar rather than the ice bucket. This bottling is a museum release, held back and shipped to Australia with time already behind it, so the tension of the early years has softened into something rounder.

Drinking now with no need to wait. Serve at 10-12°C with roast chicken, grilled prawns or a semi-hard goat's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.