Alphonse Mellot Generation XIX Sancerre Blanc 2018
- Vinous
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Robert
Parker
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Winemaker Notes
Génération XIX, an expression of the 19th generation of the family name is a magnificently balanced cuvee that Alphonse Mellot owes to the almost hundred-year-old vines flourishing in the heart of the estate.
This 100% Sauvignon white has a pleasingly complex nose mixing honey, lemon and dried fruits, and a shimmering pale gold robe, and is full, fresh and rich on the palate with a saline finish.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Tasted just before it was about to head to the bottling line, the 2018 Sancerre Generation XIX is a very convincing, top-drawer Sancerre. It caresses the palate yet remains floaty-light. The glacial purity of fruit is reminiscent of lemon meringue and pear. A hugely relaxed, tranquil style with fine length. There's a tiny hint of alcohol on the finish, but it doesn't detract from what is otherwise a hugely successful wine. While a mere pup, it's already gorgeous and will drink beautifully upon release and for a decade.
Barrel Sample: (94-95) Best After 2022
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2018 Sancerre Génération Dix-Neuf (XIX) opens with a very clear, pure and, given the warm and dry vintage, beautifully fresh and mineral-scented bouquet with flinty and yeasty notes intermingled with white fruit aromas. Generously fruity but also salty, pure and tensioned on the palate, this is a full-bodied and elegant but thrilling 2018 Sancerre with a spectacularly long and iodine-laced finish. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2022. Best after 2022.
Other Vintages
2020- Vinous
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
There is much controversy surrounding the origins of Sancerre. Certain historians attribute it to Julius Cesar, others to a Saxon settlement that is said to have been established during the reign of Charlemagne. It is however certain that its history goes back to the beginning of the Middle Ages, before the year 1000 and that a Castle was erected on this privileged site.
As far back as the XVI century, in 1513 to be exact, the local records mention the MELLOT family, whose life even at that time was governed by the seasons of the vine and the production of wines of excellent quality. The Mellot family, vinegrowers and wine merchants, was again mentioned during the siege of the town. They pursued their patient labours and continued to gain recognition because César Mellot was appointed as Wine Advisor to Louis XIV in 1698.
At the beginning of the XIX century, ALPHONSE MELLOT founded a tavern in Sancerre where one could savour the local wines and so began a flourishing trade that was to continue. In 1881 he was granted a licence to ship his wine throughout France and all over the World. This marked the beginning of a pacific conquest which has been pursued and developed by the family business from father to son ever since, with the eldest son continuing to bear the name of the Founder Alphonse.
Today, this century old winemaking tradition is perpetuated by Alphonse MELLOT, father and son, the 18th and 19th to bear the name.