Sancerre Wine between $10 and $25

The 2011 Cellier de La Thibaude is an almost perfect cross between the soft, atypically lush style of the 2009, and the crisp, classically structured 2010. Vinified in stainless steel tanks without oak contact, this wine offers vibrant citrus, lemon and lime, and mineral notes on the bouquet; on the palate, notes of fresh grapefruit, yellow apple, and cling peach are nicely set off by brisk, tangy minerality. This is a highly versatile wine, with plenty of freshness for the cocktail hour, but also with sufficient intensity to work at the dinner table.

Easy-going and vivaciously fruity, this 100% Pinot Noir is completely delightful. It reminded me of a hypothetical three-way cross between light, fresh Côte de Beaune Burgundy, a Cru Beaujolais and a Sancerre, with plenty of grapy freshness, but also distinct notes of the flinty Sancerre terroir rising toward the finish. The bright red Pinot Noir fruit is abundant, supple, and pure, with surprising grip and intensity for Sancerre rouge. Highly recommended.
-- Ben Giliberti, CW Director of Wine Education