Edmund Vatan Sancerre Clos de la Neore

9/26/2007 -

The Clos de la Neore is a choice parcel of the famous Mont Damnes vineyard – a grand cru spot with an ideal southern exposure and the pure chalk soil that produces the best Sancerres (well, our favorites, at any rate).

Edmund Vatan went into semi-retirement in 2002, and the supply of his wines – already very small – has become miniscule. His low yields – typically less than half of the local averages – and 40+ year-old vines, make these wines a legend among Sancerre-ophiles. These are wines that easily age 20+ years; wines that will more than re-pay some serious time in the cellar.

John Gilman, writing in his excellent journal “The View from the Cellar”, has just published a great article about Vatan; since we haven’t tasted the 2006, he’s kindly given permission to quote his tasting note:

“Monsieur Vatan did not harvest this beauty until October 15th, allowing for therains to pass through the region and the vines to attain beautiful maturity. At this early stage this is one 2006 that seems very likely of giving the legend in the making 2005a serious run for its money. The bouquet on the 2006 Clos la Néore offers up a beautifulblend of lime, fresh-culled mint, almond, green apple, great minerality and a floraltopnote redolent of fruit blossoms. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and snappy, with a great inner core wrapped up in the fine acid structure. The finish is very,very long, bright and focused, with superb grip and great harmony. Stunning juice in the

making. 2010-2030+.” (for info about TVFTC: jbgilman@ix.netcom.com)

We have a pretty long history with Vatan’s wines; going on well-founded faith we had already bought them before John’s notes. Now’s your chance – this is a pre-arrival offer as the wine will arrive late this fall.