WTN: 2004 Francois Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes

Enjoyed with seafood salad prior to dinner. A little citrusy, a little grassy, tart green apple on the end with bracing acidity, all tightly wound. The type of wine you keep returning to until the bottle is empty. It needs a little time to soften, but I like it now.

Francois Cotat is perhaps my favorite Sancerre producer (look out too for cousin Pascal). These guys bring Sauvignon (which is usually, IMO, a much over-rated vine) to screaming heights of mineral expression and complexity. I've recently tried the 2005. I'll find my notes.

My first Francois. I thought I had purchased Pascal and didn't notice this until the wine arrived. Pascal's 2002 Les Monts Damnes have been outstanding, and I have Pascal's 2005s. They both do a good job with Sauvignon Blanc.

Agreed. My favorite Sancerre producers. Usually I prefer the style of Francois but I believe it was with the Les Monts Damnes that I was enchanted with a Pascal wine.

Thanks for the TN Diane.

Did you find any hint of residual sugar in the Sancerre?

A 2001 F Cotat LMD I tried a couple of years ago had very ripe flavors, almost tropical like fruits and a hint of RS. It was pretty good and a very memorable wine. Quite unlike any other Sauvignon Blanc I can remember.

Best,
Marc

Thanks for the TN Diane.

Did you find any hint of residual sugar in the Sancerre?

A 2001 F Cotat LMD I tried a couple of years ago had very ripe flavors, almost tropical like fruits and a hint of RS. It was pretty good and a very memorable wine. Quite unlike any other Sauvignon Blanc I can remember.

Best,
Marc

I can't say that I noticed any RS. I think that 2004 is showing a lot of acidity with more citrus than tropical fruit.

I can't say that I noticed any RS. I think that 2004 is showing a lot of acidity with more citrus than tropical fruit.

Makes sense. 2004 was supposedly cooler with some rain in Sancerre.

Hello, all. Is this a fairly well-distributed producer? I'm looking to try my first Sancerre, so, these sound interesting.

Mine were purchased from Carolina Wine Company in Raleigh. Cotat wines tend to run a few dollars more than other Loire Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir wines but I think they are worth it. I like the Sancerre Rouge or Rose' also from Cotats. Other producers I have enjoyed are Reverdy, Mellot, Pelle', Lucien Crochet. Other respected producers are listed on the Wine Doctor website.

Thanks, JC.

You're welcome, Brian.

Hello, all. Is this a fairly well-distributed producer? I'm looking to try my first Sancerre, so, these sound interesting.

Brian - this bottle was purchased at Premier Cru in California - just a phone call away.