2012 Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu

The 2012 Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu comes from the corresponding 70% steep vineyard site with 45-year-old vines on loamy limestone soils. Its aromatic, almost floral/herbal bouquet with powdered rocks and delicate lime and citrus flavors has almost the perfume of a cool-climate Riesling. On the palate, too, this is a remarkable fresh, delicate and elegant Sancerre cru with the piquant nature and finesse of German Riesling from poor (Nahe) soils. This wine has Spiel or "play" (mind the name: Beaujeu literally means nice play) and seems almost weightless, although the complexity and length with its refreshing gooseberry, kiwi and citrus aromas is really remarkable. I would name this straight but fine and elegant wine as one of my personal favorite Sancerres I've had for a long time. As if this was not enough good news, it is also already drinkable and I am quite sure that nobody has the nerve to store it for a couple of years because there is just the potential - but no reason to do it.