Claude Branger Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Terroir Les Gras Moutons 2007 - 102.63

Brooks at Veritas is the best salesman I've ever met - you would think that his passion and glowing reviews of a wine would set expectations too high, but the wine always delivers well beyond his vivid descriptions. Last week, when posed with a challenge for the perfect summer sauvignon blanc, he pulled this Muscadet from a random box.

What emerged from this bottle blew me away. I've never before tried a Muscadet, but I've loved the Loire valley sauv blancs and Sancerres, which always seem to strike that perfect balance of acidity and minerality, while producing succulent, bright flavors. The way I described this Muscadet experience to fellow Wine Index blogger, Patrick, was "Loire Sauvignon Blanc on steroids".

Sweetness and acidity on the nose indicates that bright, citrusy flavors will surface. Sure enough, the immediate flavors are lemon zest with extensive citrus tones that support playful acidity on the tongue and a long mineral finish. I even found hints of popcorn after the wine aired for some time. Though the wine is not extraordinarily complex, the flavors and mouthfeel are so welcoming and refreshing, that the overall experience is wonderful. Needless to say, I subsequently purchased a case of this wine to sustain my fiance and I through the hot Texas summer.

$16, 91 points, 102.63 PDI