The name Pentacrine is derived from a small marine star-shaped fossil found in some soils on the Vergisson rock - the emblem of the estate. The cuvee is a blend of grapes from five different parcels of the Vergisson rock planted on scratched limestone. It is vinified in large barrels (demi-muids) in order to enhance the freshness of the wine.
Tropical and citrus fruit aromas and mineral character are followed by complex citrus and apple flavors balanced by a refreshing acidity. A deliciously pure and fresh white wine.
Veal sweetbread, Pike dumplings, Asparagus risotto.
"(made from several parcels on limestone scree; pentacrine is a fossilized star-shaped echinoderm; made in demi-muids and barriques): Bright medium yellow. Perfumed aromas of peach and pear complicated by subtle minerality and hints of white pepper and menthol. Offers a juicy lemon drop flavor and an impression of racy sweetness (actually barely one gram per liter of residual sugar) leavened by fresh acidity. Finishes
sappy, juicy and long, with refreshing notes of citrus zest and salinity. The demi-muids bring _ linearity while the smaller barrels contribute gras, notes Christine Saumaize.- Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2017), 90 pts
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"(this assemblage of parcels was bottled the week before my visit): Bright, light yellow. White peach, flowers and tangy citrus nuances on the nose. Offers a pliant texture and good inner-mouth floral lift to the fruit-driven flavors of white peach and lemon. A juicy rather than thick style of 2015, with noteworthy refinement. Spreads out nicely on the rising finish, leaving no sense of weight. These vines on the north side of Vergisson suffered less from drought but still came in at under 14% potential alcohol. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Vinous (October 2016), 89 pts
Go To Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuisse Pentacrine
"(an assemblage of 30 mostly small parcels, primarily on the north side of Vergisson; bottled at the end of July; two-thirds raised in demi-muids and one-third in pièces): Pale yellow. Aromas of citrus peel and subtle herbs reminded me a bit of Grüner veltliner. Brisk acidity and saline minerality add lift and verve to the flavors of lime, spices and fresh herbs. A very sharply delineated wine, which Roger Saumaize partly attributes to the extensive use of demi-muids, explaining that a higher percentage of pièces would have resulted in a more buttery style. This entry-level Pouilly-Fuissé offers good grip and persistence, not to mention immediate sappy drinkability. It should make a perfect aperitif to start the salivary glands pumping. Saumaize recommends drinking this wine within the next two years or after 2020. - Stephen Tanzer"
- Vinous (December 2015), 89 pts
Go To Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuisse Pentacrine
"A beautiful and restrained nose features essence of ripe pear and dried rose petals that give way to generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors that retain a fine sense of detail on the vibrant, dry and overtly saline infused finish. This impeccably well-balanced effort should offer 3 to 5 years of cellar potential."
Allen Meadows' Burgound.com, 89-92 pts
Go To Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuisse Pentacrine
Saumaize-Michelin was founded in 1977, when Roger Saumaize received 4 hectares of vineyards from his father. Roger had grown up in the vineyards and began working them at age 14. ...
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