Jean-Max Roger,Vieilles Vignes 2017 – Sancerre

The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose offers delicacy and subtlety in its tertiary and spicy aromas. There are hints of dry tobacco, dry fallen leaves, a mineral touch reminiscent of limestone and graphite, as well as hints of liquorice, ground cumin, roasted coriander seeds, coffee chocolate, as well as a pleasant herbal touch in the background (thyme, dried mint). The fruity material is dense and juicy, but airy and gourmet – we find notes of ripe morello cherry, wild strawberry, black plum (with a hint of prunes), cherry jam and crushed blueberry, associated with an elegant floral perfume (violet, peony, wisteria). The palate offers an open and fruity attack, accuracy and straightforwardness, the juiciness of fresh fruits (morello cherry, red cherry, cranberries, red currants, crushed raspberry, blackcurrant), a delicate spiciness (liquorice, ground cumin, hint of white pepper), as well as a gourmet touch of bitter cocoa and dark chocolate with mint. The finish is sapid and expresses light tertiary notes (dry fallen leaves, dry tobacco), firm, enveloping and fine tannins, as well as a salivating acidity and a touch of cocoa on the persistence. Beautiful freshness and balance.