Subtlety

It’s been awhile since I was really excited by a wine purchase. I’ve had lots of exciting wines but buying has been pushed aside in favor of trying to get a business started.

A nice price on the 2007 Edmund Vatan, Sancerre Clos La Néore got me to take the plunge (how often do you see this stuff discounted?) and I bought a case. It arrived yesterday.

I knew what I would do – the box hadn’t been in the house ten minutes before a bottle was opened. I’ll grab out one or two more bottles to take with me back to FL but the remainder will go into storage here (where I can’t get at it until I’m back out – one way to be ‘disciplined’).

The wine is the epitome of grace and subtlety. It is not big, powerful, acidic or explosive – it is perfectly balanced, complex, very precise and beautifully scented and flavored.

Several sauvignon blancs I drink and like (especially those from CA) are more voluptuous, more viscous and more intense. But none weave a spell like Vatan.

But then, I remember a time I was quite taken with “Bay Watch.”
Now, I prefer “It Takes a Thief.”

Best, Jim

Jim
I've not tasted the wine, but I'm very much a believer that the measure of a wine's quality goes beyond intensity alone (though I might retract that with some stickies, where I seem drawn to eye-watering intensity). Aspects such as complexity, balance, charm, etc. are also very important for me.
regards
Ian

[David M. Bueker]

Jim
I've not tasted the wine, but I'm very much a believer that the measure of a wine's quality goes beyond intensity alone (though I might retract that with some stickies, where I seem drawn to eye-watering intensity). Aspects such as complexity, balance, charm, etc. are also very important for me.
regards
Ian

One of the valuable lessons I have learned from Terry Theise is the difference between intensity and volume. Wines like Vatan's have an intensity of flavor that is not caused by sheer size.

Wines like Vatan's have an intensity of flavor that is not caused by sheer size.

Does that mean you can appreciate (and even like!) this wine? An honest-to-goodness sauvignon blanc!

[David M. Bueker]

Wines like Vatan's have an intensity of flavor that is not caused by sheer size.

Does that mean you can appreciate (and even like!) this wine? An honest-to-goodness sauvignon blanc!

I can appreciate its quality. I am not fond of it.

I can appreciate its quality. I am not fond of it.

Well, you're a good man for at least appreciating the quality.

I love these Vatan wines and get as enthusiastic as Jim does about them.

[Jenise]

When intensity and subtlety can be discussed in the same sentence and not be contradictory...well, that's my kind of wine. Never had a Vatan, but will be looking for them now.

Jenise

When intensity and subtlety can be discussed in the same sentence and not be contradictory...well, that's my kind of wine. Never had a Vatan, but will be looking for them now.

Jenise

Jenise,
FWIW, there are a number of Vatan's making Sancerre; only one Edmund.
They are normally quite expensive but Flickinger had them for $35/bottle (which is almost half price) so I went long.
BTW, they age for decades and can develop into something other-worldly (as very few sauvignons can).
Best, Jim