Vacheron Sancerre Les Cailleries 2003

Vacheron Sancerre Les Cailleries 2003: A lovely, red-purple colour here. Not overtly over the top, but it certainly has more intensity than you would usually expect from Sancerre, no doubt reflecting the hot vintage. A very appealing nose, stuffed with primary Pinot character; slightly roasted black cherry fruit, with a streak of fine, dark chocolate, with more complex, earthy, mushroomy and yet sweetly ripe nuances. Great texture on entry, sweet and attractive, full of flavour, with a fine, plump body. Not overblown on texture or weight, so despite the acidity being a tad low it has a good presence on the palate, really quite fresh, with a well delineated albeit grit-edged seam of tannin. Moderate length. I like this very much. Drink now, or cellar short-term. 17/20 (24/4/06)