The Domaine Joseph Mellot Jean-Michel Estate
Located in the town of Preuilly, Domaine Joseph Mellot is one of the leaders in the Loire Valley. The Mellot dynasty was founded in Sancerre almost five centuries ago by Pierre-Etienne Mellot and, since then, the family has always been involved in winemaking. In fact, in 1698 Cesar Mellot was entrusted with the weighty task of advising King Louis XIV on his choice of wines. Throughout the years, each new generation has continued to enrich and perfect the family's winemaking skills. In 1984, Joseph's son, Alexandre, took over the estate with quality as his main objective and a focus on the artisanal winemaking process and philosophy transmitted from one owner to the other.
Jeam-Michel Sorbe took over the family estate in 1973 and for about 30 years devoted his energy and passion to develop the reputation if the Quincy and Reuilly appellations. His wines had a great success and Jean-Michel Sorbe became a well-known personality in the region.
The Sorbe and Mellot families met through a mutual friend and began working together in 1988. In 1999, since his children had chosen to follow other paths, Jean-Michel decided to hand his estate over to Alexandre Mellot.
The Domaine Joseph Mellot Jean-Michel Vineyards
They farm 11 hectares (27 acres) in Reuilly (10 hectares in the commune of Preuilly, 1 hectare in Reuilly), and 3 hectares (7.4 acres) in Quincy.
Soils:
- Preuilly: orange colored clay on ancient alluvial deposits (clay and silt). Deep, structured sols.
- Reuilly: grainy sand, Fairly light soils with a clay subsoil.
- Quincy: 2 parcels are planted on alluvial deposits (sand and gravel from the beginning of the quaternary period); 1 parcel has a higher clay content with the presence of lacustrine limestone on the surface.
The Quincy appellation (A.O.C. founded in 1936) measures 200 hectares (494 acres). It is the second oldest A.O.C. in France after Châteauneuf du Pape. The appellation almost disappeared as a wine after World War II, but today is staging a come back with new blood and new plantings. The vineyards lie around and between two towns, Quincy and Brinay. Quincy is a A.O.C. on the move and its A.O.C. status only applies to white wines, not red or rosé.
The vineyards of Reuilly (A.O.C. founded in 1939) measures 150 hectares (370.50 acres). The grapes grown are Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. Reuilly was once known for a vin Gris de Pinot Noir, which today is 15% of the area’s production.
Diane de Galinière is another property owned by Joseph Mellot. Once again, they have decided to keep the yield low in order to obtain the best quality. Coteaux du Giennois A.O.C. was unknown a few years ago and is now an appellation to watch thanks to the care provided by Joseph Mellot. The Coteaux du Giennois vineyards measure 160 hectares (395.2 acres) composed of siliceous-clay soil in the northern part and Kimmeridgian marl in the south.
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvingon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Reuilly Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Reuilly Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvingon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
Jean-Michel Sorbe Quincy Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
The first nose is expressive and opens up to notes of acacia, citrus (lemon, grapefruit). Full on the palate with lovely freshness. This wine boasts nice balance and good length.
The vines are 15 to 20 years old and are located on the left bank of the Cher River, southwest of Quincy. This vineyard enjoys good exposure to the sun and overlies hillocks composed of sandy alluvial deposits and gravel dating back to the Quaternary Period. Each terroir is managed with minimal intervention in an environmentally friendly approach. Vinification: Slow pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures (18°C).The wine was aged on fine lees for a minimum of 4 months. It was filtered only once before being bottled.
Pair with crustaceans, asparagus, or goat's cheeses.
After pouring, allow the wine to breathe for a few moments in the glass before enjoying so that it may fully release all of its aromas.
Raats MR Mvemve Raats de Compostella is made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot
The name de Compostella (meaning “field of stars” or “compilation of stars”) was chosen to reflect the fact that each component is crafted to stand alone as a world class varietal wine. The wine exhibits a deep, dark ruby color. Blackcurrant and black cherry fruit with hints of violets, cedar and cinnamon are revealed on the nose. The palate is rich and complex with mineral, blackberry fruit and dark chocolate on the finish. The five Bordeaux varietals harmoniously convene in this consistent, linear flavor profile that is polished with a well-defined finish.
Review:
he 2020 De Compostella is composed of 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 16% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Beginning with a focused, juicy and complex nose of dark red fruits, the wine has impeccable balance between oak, fruit and earthy floral tones. Full-bodied and with succulent acidity, the palette offers a firm frame of fine-grained tannins, while the fruit profile makes way for elegant earth and notes of crème de cassis sway with subtle flavors of sage and spiced plum. The red blend continues to somersault and reveal its complexities over the long-lingering and ever-evolving finish. Be patient with this exceptional wine
-Wine Advocate 95 Points
Cabrieres Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Les Silex is made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah .
The vineyard is situated on the high tablelands, which are characteristic of the northern area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terrain consists mainly of alpine diluvium and chalky Miocenian soil, with large flint pebbles covering the surface. These pebbles conserve the heat of the day during the night, thus avoiding too much evaporation.
This 2020 has opened up and is drinking great right now. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Elegant cherry red color, with expressive notes of red fruits (strawberry and raspberry). Mellow tannins, well-balanced on the palate. I feel I need to point out the freshness, it is bright and lively on the palate, something we don’t see a lot of in this region. This also makes it extremely food friendly as it can hold up to fatty proteins.
Very good with white meat, red meat, charcuterie and cheese.