Remy Pannier, Sancerre (Loire Valley, France) 2019

 Sancerre can excel on the strength of its fruit, or its minerality in certain parts of the appellation, or on both.  This is a fruit-driven expression of Sauvignon from Sancerre, and a beautiful one at that, with gorgeous notes of lemon, lime and white melon.  The finish is bright and acidic but not remotely sour or screechy, and some tiny bubbles on the interior of a wine glass indicate early bottling to keep the wine fresh — a strategy that succeeded completely.  A tinge of minerality lets you know this was sourced from Sancerre, but the overall impression is one of impeccable fruit.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2021 Critics Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition.