Chablis-like salted, herbed chicken stock such as seems from my experience to reflect the influence of Kimmeridgian chalk informs Dagueneau’s 2010 Sancerre Monts Damnes, accompanied by bright, luscious lime and grapefruit, all seemingly suffused with crushed stone. As one works this up in the glass the effect is virtually kaleidoscopic, with floral, white truffle, nut oils, and high-toned herbal notes playing against the citrus, chicken stock, and stone, a dynamic that practically shimmers in a zesty, palate staining finish. While sacrificing none of the clarity or energy of the corresponding 2011, this denser, more overtly concentrated elixir has also, on this the eve of its bottling, reached a point of even greater complexity. Look for this beauty to reward for at least 12-15 years. - WA
WA95