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2012 Serge Dagueneau Pouilly Fume Tradition

Loire Valley, FRANCE
$37. 99
Bottle
$455.88 Dozen
Cellar: 1 - 2 Years (2015-2016)
ABV: 12.5%
Closure: Cork

While Sancerre is considered the gold standard for Sauvignon Blanc, the vineyards of neighbouring Pouilly Fume along the Loire have long had their own distinct interpretation of the varietal. Sauvignon is nicknamed locally "Blanc Fume" for two reasons: the layer of grey wax found on the grapes at maturity, and the pungent flinty/smokey flavour that can exhale from the wines. Since the passing of Florence Daguenau, Serge Daguenau et Filles is today led by Serge and Valerie Daguenau. Although more intense examples of Pouilly Fume come from the siliceous soils of the area, the father and daughter team tends to 17 Ha located on kimmeridgian marls (a.k.a. "Terres Blanches"). The upside is that the resulting wines are more expressive from infancy.

Brilliant pale straw colour with a watery hue. The nose displays herbaceous grassy top notes alongside fresh asparagus, citrus, green apple and a hint of smoky mineral. Light and fresh the palate features flavours of citrus, herbaceous grassy characters and asparagus with a light smoky overlay and a crisp minerally finish. Aftertaste of citrus, asparagus, light smokiness and mineral.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 12.5%

Other Reviews….
The Les Pentes cuvée from Domaine Serge Dagueneau et Filles is their standard bottling of Pouilly-Fumé and in 2012 it is an excellent bottle, offering up a refined and utter-ly classic nose of sweet grapefruit, orange, flinty soil tones, cut grass, green apple and just a hint of pepper. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and zesty, with a vibrant core of fruit, lovely soil signature and fine cut and grip on the long and bouncy finish. Just a classic bottle of fine Pouilly-Fumé. 2013-2018.
92 points
John Gilman View from the Cellar