Domaine Claude Riffault Sancerre Boucauds 2023

Critical Acclaim: 92 pts Decanter,  92 pts Wine Spectator

About the Winery: Based in the village of Sury-en-Vaux, Stéphane Riffault works 33 different parcels in 8 different lieu-dits spread across four villages. The 13.5 hectares of vines are plowed, and no synthetic material is used. Starting in 2017, the property has been certified organic by ECOCERT and biodynamic by BIODYVIN. Unlike most Sancerre producers, the entire harvest is carried out by hand, and extensive sorting occurs before the grapes are crushed. Stéphane’s wife, Benedicte, leads the harvest team while Stéphane manages the sorting and press during harvest.

Most of the domaine’s holdings are planted on the soft limestone soil called terres blanches, with some parcels on calliottes and silex. Minor, judicious uses of oak help to add length to the already precise, site-expressive, and vertical bottlings. Having studied and worked in Burgundy (and closely with Olivier Leflaive), it’s easy to see the Burgundian influence in Stéphane’s wines. The mastery of minerality standing shoulder–height with the wood is rarely duplicated in Sancerre. Riffault’s wines are always crisp and highcut with a jeweled delineation that speaks to the precision and attention these wines get.

The age of the vines varies between 10-50 yrs old.  Hand harvested, natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel (50%) and French oak barrels (50%). Aged 7-8 months in stainless steel tank and neutral French Oak barrels.

Tasting notes: "From the lieu-dit of Les Boucauds, a site of Kimmeridgian marls and thick clay, this is a ripe, full-bodied, voluminous wine of enormous appeal. With nectarine fruit and bright minerality, its lush appeal and sensual breadth are tempered by a fine, chalky texture and a long, citrussy finish. As with all of Stéphane Riffault's wines, it shows clarity and a sense of place." - Decanter

"A richly styled version, with hints of warm hay and beeswax atop a core of apple and preserved lemon. Waxy in feel, with real weight to the lush palate. Savory, succulent acidity slices through, maintaining balance and tension. Delicious through the long, mineral-rich, salty finish, where there’s a hint of blanched almond. Drink now through 2030" - Wine Spectator

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc.