2005 Sancerre La Grande Cote
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Tasting notes
As ripe as is this year’s Mont Damnes bottling, Pascal Cotat’s 2005 Sancerre La Grande Cote actually incorporates a late-harvested portion that he initially considered bottling as “cuvee speciale.” A nose of caraway, toasted hazelnuts, peach and pink grapefruit laced with sage, white pepper, and oregano leads to a dense, rich, waxy palate featuring a bitter-sweet mingling of honey, sage, melon rind, lime and grapefruit zest, and palpable chalkiness. Marginally less elegant or eloquent today than the Mont Damnes, it would not be surprising given the history of Cotat wines from the Grande Cote if this had the longer aging potential. Certainly there is no reason to worry about holding these 2005s for at least 7-10 years, although they are irresistible now. A Peter Vezan Selection (various importers), Paris; fax 011 33 1 42 55 42 93
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Light yellow. Spicy, mineral-accented pear, apple and white peach aromas, with subtle jasmine and fresh herb nuances. Full and ripe, with powerful orange, peach and pear flavors braced by zesty acidity. Finishes rich, but with juicy acidity and a lingering citrus zest tone.
About the producer
The other Cotat, Pascal Cotat, is cousin to the legendary François Cotat. The original family domaine was divided between them in 1998, and Pascal Cotat works many of the same vineyards, producing fine – if not quite as prized – Sancerre.