2014 Sancerre AOC Belle Dame, Loire, France

Firm and quite deep, mineral notes, slightly nutty and delicate roasted notes, ripe predominantly red berries, hint of cassis, floral notes, herbs, hint of tobacco and prominent mineral notes. Clear, firm and tart, polished fruit, still undeveloped, slightly smoky, tobacco and roasted-nutty oak notes, bacon nuances, persistent on the palate, lively acidity and youthful, fine tannins, has bite, depth and complex spiciness, salty mineral notes in the background, has tension, long, firm, tart and juicy finish with smoky aromas, nuts, sage, spices, tobacco and enormous minerality. A masterpiece; not for the Loire, mind you, for Pinot ansich.

Best to drink: Ende 2018 bis 2026+. What our ratings mean