Usually, I really like stinky sauv blanc. I have reviewed, quite favorably, stinky sauv blancs from the Natural Process Alliance and Clos Pegase. But this wine, from the Sancerre region of the Loire Valley, took stinkiness a step too far, even for me.
That’s not to say it’s bad, per se. But I have a hard time recommending something like this. It’s an acquired taste. If you’re a Sancerre fan, I’m willing to bet this will be up your alley. It clocks in under $30 and if this stank is your thing, you’ll probably want to try it.
But for most people—myself included—this just doesn’t tickle the ol' proverbial fancy.
The ‘08 Natter is gorgeous in the glass, however. A rich, golden shine looks incredibly inviting. It almost appears chardonnayesque, but don’t let that fool you. On the nose, the stank arrives.
Most of what I could discern from the nose of this 100% sauvignon blanc juice was manzanilla olive and fish oil. It was hard to smell past those two rather overpowering aromas. Upon tasting the wine, you get what you might expect from those aromas on the nose. The wine is light bodied, and comes off very briny. Almost a bit like the brine that manzanillas are jarred in.
There is a hint of sweetness, too. And the odors and flavors, while unmistakable, are not altogether unpleasant. But unless you know already that this wine is for you, I’d be willing to bet that it’s not.
Verdict: 75/100