Domaine Tinel-Blondelet "Frétoy" Sancerre 2021 Loire Valley France

It's a sweet luxury when you work with a winemaker who does double duty between her vineyards in Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre crafting compelling wines from both. We've been singing high praises for Annick's Pouilly-Fumé for years but for whatever reason promoting with less fanfare her Frétoy Sancerre. Well I gotta' say it's time for that mentality to change. Annick's Sancerre vines have become ever more expressive and since the release of the 2018 vintage, I'm feeling a whole new aura coming on. We just received the 2019's and I must ask, "how does one improve upon perfection?" This is pure Sauvignon Blanc sourced from 50-year old vines grown in flint and limestone soils. All farming is done organically with absolutely no pesticides or unnatural fertilizers used in the vineyards. The juice is kept in stainless steel tanks until it is ready to bottle. This practice maintains freshness and the result is a white wine with hints of mineral and ripe, citrus notes supported by a racy backbone of acidity. Right away, you know this can only be Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The attack is firm and zesty but by the time you're finishing the first glass, a soft ripeness begins to develop in the wine and all the tropical fruit starts to come at you. Put some fine cheese on the table, bring in your favorite appetizers and you'll be loving life.