($25, Vineyard Brands):  Many Sancerre these days lack distinctiveness and taste more like simple Sauvignon Blanc.  Not this one, which shows why the vineyards around the tiny town of Sancerre on the Loire River have such a good reputation.  Sure, it has the bright zesty verve of Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s real Sancerre, with layers of chalky minerality–even a smoky flinty element–and depth. 92 Michael Apstein Dec 15, 2009