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Vacheron
Vacheron holds special memories for me, as it was one of the domaines I visited on my first visit to the Loire in 1993. Although some critics put the Vacherons slightly behind other leading domaines, such as Alphonse Mellot and Henri Bourgeois, I think Vacheron easily competes with them. But perhaps I am not unbiased...
The Vacheron family have built up their domaine from just 5 ha to a considerable 34 ha today. They are one of the few domaines that make excellent red Sancerre as well as white. There are several cuvées, La Belle Dame, Le Paradis, Les Cailleries and Les Romains. (5/8/04)
Contact details:
Address: 18300 Sancerre
Telephone: +33 (0) 2 48 54 09 93
Fax: +33 (0) 2 48 54 01 74
Vacheron - Tasting Notes
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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 (April 2006)
Label
Vacheron Sancerre 2002: A lemon-gold hue. Very full and expressive on
the nose, with grapefruit and greengage fruit, but a full, plump sensation
rather than leanness. The palate reveals this to be Sauvignon in the creamy
style, but with attractive acidity, in fact it is quite racy. A full, creamy
finish. 16.5/20 (June 2004)
Vacheron Sancerre Belle Dame 2001: A more mature appearance here,
still with vibrant freshness and youth, but offset by some bricking hues. Lovely
nose, quite enticing, mature, meaty and gamey, very organic, with notes of
spiced, peppered cherries. A fine palate, delicate on entry, developing a fuller
feel though the midpalate, underpinned by a seam of chalk-edged tannin. Very
nicely balanced, fairly precise, well structured and certainly an impressive and
appealing wine, as it glides across the palate. Lovely finish, gentle and
refined, with good length. A fine example of what red Sancerre should be. May
improve further. 18+/20 (April 2006)
Label
Vacheron Sancerre 2000: I must admit to having a soft spot for
Vacheron, as every bottle brings back memories to my visit to the domaine back
in 1993. The current vintage has a nose of nettles, freshly pulled weeds and
gooseberries. Good, aromatic fruit on the palate, with no sense of confection.
Very clean through to the finish. 16.5+/20 (May 2001)
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