Wednesday - June 8th, 2022
Dear Burgundy: "Fasten your seat-belts."

CULT LOIRE LEGEND

Think of Alphonse Mellot as Saint of Sancerre
While Didier Dagueneau is Duke of Pouilly-Fume

Dear Artisans,

We're elated that our shipment has finally arrived of the most under-rated Cult Loire Valley legend: Alphonse Mellot.

This is the 19TH GENERATION of the Mellot family, making Sancerre SINCE 1513.

They have the oldest and best vineyards and focus on very low yields. Their winemaking practices and standards are what you'd find in Grand Cru Burgundy.

Sound familiar? That's because only 9 miles away, right across the river, you'll find Didier Dagueneau doing the same in Pouilly-Fume.

Think of the two as Loire's Bill Gates and Steve Jobs in the 90s, and switch silicon to grapes ;)

You'd swear the white was a Corton-Charlemagne, but made with Sauvignon Blanc.

You'd also swear the red was from Russian River Valley.

That's how seriously rich these wines are.

  • 55 Year-Old Vines
  • Certified Organic & Biodynamic
  • Drink now, or age 10 more years

As usual, these fine wines are made in small quantities and very few cases are imported into the US. I have 36 bottles of each in the store now. Move fast—you've got to experience these!

All my best,
—James Tran
Alphonse Mellot "La Moussiere" Sancerre Blanc 2020

Founded in 1513, the current guardian of Alphonse Mellot is the 19th generation of Mellots working the family winery. The resulting style, fermented in differing sizes of wooden tanks, is pure and precise and manages to retain mouth-watering acidity even in warm vintages like 2018, 2019 and 2020.

94 Points, Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"From dense white-chalk soil, this wine lies at the heart of this producer's range. It is a generous, full-bodied wine that is both rich and stylish. The pure white fruits and tangy acidity are impressive. Drink from 2023. Organic and biodynamic." - Roger Voss (5/1/2022)

92 Points - Decanter:
"Alphonse Mellot is based in the heart of the town of Sancerre. La Moussière is a large parcel of vines planted on marls overlaying Kimmeridgian limestone to the west of the town. The domaine is certified both organic and biodynamic. Grapes are hand-picked and 50% is vinified in new barrels and the rest in vats. Wine is matured on fine lees for 7-8 months. The 2020 is a very rich, ripe, powerful and complex with a long finish. Still young with considerable potential to age. Pair with rich fish dishes." - Jim Budd (May 2021)

  • 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Online Average: $38 btl

Ours:

$33.97 btl (1-5)
$31.97 btl (6-11)
$29.97 btl (12+)
Alphonse Mellot "La Moussiere" Sancerre Rouge 2019

Firm and fleshy, this complex Pinot Noir is chock-full of spice and wild strawberry flavors.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The red 2019 Sancerre La Moussière Rouge is dark in color and opens with a somewhat airy, at least pretty open bouquet of red cherries and blackberries. On the palate, this is a beautifully fruity and finely tannic red with a stimulating sour cherry aroma and nice acidity and tannin complex. Although it's pretty open on the nose, this is a vital and tensioned Pinot from Sancerre. 14% stated alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted in December 2021." - Stephan Reinhardt (Jan 2022)

  • 100% Pinot Noir

Online Average: $65 btl

Ours:

$52.97 btl (1-5)
$49.97 btl (6+)
Here are more of our favorite French wines@

Click each image to read on

100pts. WS #2. Beats '59 & '82: Pichon & Poyferre=Greatest in History
2019 Chateauneufs are absolutely insane and a joy to drink now:
Or go quintessentially elegant and 'Old School'
This producer got another 100-point rating today, and it's easy to see why:
Ways to reach us: