WTN: When weird is wonderful

[Jenise]

At Rolf and Daughters in Nashville which has one of the most geeky wine lists I've ever seen. Wanted a white and narrowed my choices down to three, then let the somm choose for me. This is what he brought:

2017 Sebastien Riffault Sancerre Les Quarterons Sauvignon Blanc
Unlike anything called Sancerre I've ever had starting with the amber color. Exceptionally nutty, floral nose and on the palate, it's noble-rotty, flor-y, orange rind-y, and all kinds of unexpected things with amazing weight and texture for a dry wine. Just the barest hint of spritz initially; it blows off fast but is notable because everything else about this wine is so damned unusual that at the outset one has to wonder about premature oxidation even while falling head over heels in love with the result. The Somm assured me that it's all intentional, that Sebastien is one of those crazy mad genius type winemakers. What a ride! It's only February, but this is already on my Top Wines of 2020 list.

I googled..very good winelist indeed.

Glad to hear about this experience. I remember enjoying some of the early vintages in the mid-00s, in that hipster oxidized orange wine vein. If I remember correctly, it was a bit experimental and a bit hit or miss. But I don't follow Sancerre and haven't had any of his wines in many many years. I'm sure things have only gotten better and slotting a wine among Best of the Year in early February is pretty impressive!

[Jenise]

Glad to meet someone who knows something about him! It surprises me that I'd never heard of him. Especially since locally, I hang around with the type of people who worship this kind of "mad genius" stuff, especially from certain locations like the Loire Valley, or Sicily.

I'm pleased to report that I've located this wine in a Washington state warehouse, and six bottles are on their way to me. I paid $82 at the restaurant in Nashville, but here it will be $31.50 less 15%.