2011 Paul Thomas Sancerre Chavignol Grande Reserve de Notre Vignoble Les Comtesses – France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Sancerre (6/17/2012)
Subdued aromas of white flowers, ripe white fruit (pear, apple), citrus, rose water and chalk on the enjoyable nose. Mineral-laden chalky palate with serious citruslike acidity, balanced by elegant, ripe fresh fruit and a persistent layer of chalk and stones. Lingering mineral-laden aftertaste. Kept drinking well over the course of four days, with overnight stays in the cellar. As always one of the better qpr whites in Sancerre. This vintage has a new, classier label. (90 points)