These are the last bottles of the best-buy Sancerre we have offered this year, and it's a lovely vineyard-driven Sancerre, especially for the money! As many of you know, the prices for good Sancerre have increased substantially over the last few years. One of the reasons was some small crops in previous vintages, coupled with a consumer looking for a refreshing white wine, not a big over-oaked Chardonnay, so Sancerre has become the new go-to. We are happy to report that we have found a lovely one here. Jean-Paul Balland is a small grower with about 14 hectares of vines. The vineyards are worked sustainably, and this Sancerre is fermented and aged in tank. Native yeasts are employed, and the juice spends extra time on the lees with an occasional stirring to give the wine some richness. The result is an utter success with lovely aromas of citrus blossoms, lemon chiffon, liquid minerals, wet rocks, and a touch of savory herbs. The palate is also delightful, with wonderful purity and focus and notes of citrus, minerals, saline, and loads of dry extract. This is a lovely everyday white party wine or cellar saver at a great price!