At 90 years old and with a firmly established global reputation, the Sancerre appellation continues to evolve, with an emphasis on terroir, the rise of single-vineyard selections and a more nuanced understanding of the soils. A trend confirmed by recent vintages, ranging from wines ready to drink to those with ageing potential. Sancerre, from soil to style.
For several decades now, Sancerre has been a fixture on wine lists around the world. In London, New York and Tokyo, its name inspires confidence, attracts attention and is almost taken for granted. Over 70% of production is now exported, and this success shows no sign of waning despite a turbulent international trade climate.
This established recognition is now being complemented by unexpected moments in the spotlight. Sometimes all it takes is an image – a global star like Taylor Swift savouring a glass of Sancerre – to spark a wave of curiosity among a younger, international audience.
In the age of social media, where everything circulates at the speed of a click, the appellation finds itself propelled far beyond the circles of connoisseurs. The fact that Sancerre can thus take pride of place on the tables of the most discerning gourmets and inhabit the glamorous world of pop culture speaks volumes about its cultural versatility.
The history of the vineyard sheds light on this success. As far back as Antiquity, the Romans had recognised the potential of the hillsides overlooking the Loire. In the Middle Ages, Sancerre became a key religious and commercial hub: abbeys and seigneuries organised the vineyard, whilst the wines were transported to Orléans and Paris.
Although reds dominated at the time, white wine was already present. In Chavignol, a clear, lively wine was served as early as the 12th century. The phylloxera crisis marked a decisive turning point. Sauvignon Blanc, particularly well-suited to limestone soils, gradually established itself. Pinot Noir remained, but the balance shifted permanently: Sancerre became predominantly white. The 1936 AOC designation cemented this evolution. Today, Sauvignon accounts for over 80% of the vineyards across the appellation’s 3,000 hectares, spread across 14 communes.
THREE FAMILIES OF TERROIRS
In the centre and east, the dominant soils are limestone-based, consisting of caillottes and griottes mixed with clay, accounting for around 45% of the wines produced. These soils yield wines with a crisp freshness, underpinned by vibrant fruit. The Oxfordian covers a large central part of the vineyard, notably in Bué, Crézancy, Sancerre and Verdigny. These rich limestone slopes produce expressive wines with floral and fruity notes, approachable in their youth but also capable of ageing, particularly in their single-vineyard expressions.
They are a natural choice for the table, especially alongside Crottin de Chavignol. To the west and south-west, the ‘blanches’ (fossil-rich limestone marl) cover nearly 40% of the area. They lend the wines density and ageing potential. Further north and north-west, these steep slopes, shaped by the Loire, produce wines that are often reserved in their youth, but which gain depth, complexity and length with time.
Their ageing potential frequently exceeds a decade. This character is particularly evident in Crézancy, Sancerre, Verdigny and Sury-en-Vaux, as well as, to a lesser extent, in other villages within the wine-growing region. Within this family of terroirs, the wines of Chavignol regularly stand out as benchmarks.
To the east, along the Sancerre fault line, flint-rich clays (around 15% of the vineyard) produce wines that are more taut, more powerful and more , marked by notes of flint and a long, salty finish. Made for ageing, they gain in complexity over time and are the perfect accompaniment to haute cuisine. These different expressions – caillottes, white soils, flint – often coexist within blended cuvées. But single-vineyard cuvées, which are becoming increasingly common, seek to isolate these identities to better reveal their uniqueness.
Just like in Burgundy, a few metres are sometimes enough to radically alter a wine’s profile. A path, a road, a geological fault: here, the tension of flint; there, the chalky finesse of caillottes. The lieu-dits are gaining importance, and the characteristics are becoming more distinct. The question of a hierarchy of Premier or Grand Crus naturally arises. Some defend it. Yet, for the consumer, the name Sancerre remains today a strong, clear and immediately recognisable signature.
The 2023 vintage stands out as a consummate classic, showing great consistency across all colours, with solid ageing potential. The 2024 vintage, in a particularly challenging context, nevertheless sees the emergence of high-quality whites among its finest examples. As for the 2022s, still largely in their closed phase, they will be worth rediscovering over the next three years. Organised in collaboration with the Centre-Loire Interprofessional Wine Board, this tasting presents the wines in four categories: blended cuvées and those produced from the three main soil types of the Sancerre region. They are then classified by colour, followed by alphabetical order.
Blended wines
The whites
Domaine François Crochet 2024
Made predominantly from caillottes (80%), complemented by clay-limestone and flint, this blend stands out as a benchmark for the vintage. Notes of sugared almonds, citrus and chalk, with a taut, lingering finish: a precise wine, destined for fine development. 92/100
Domaine Martin et Fils 2025
Caillottes and Kimmeridgian marl give the 2025 an expressive crispness, carried by distinct citrus notes. The salty finish adds depth. Best enjoyed whilst still vibrant. 90/100
Domaine Le Piton 2024
A blend of 80% clay-limestone complemented by flint, this 2024 displays a verticality that is already in full bloom. An immediate, precise style, best enjoyed in its youth. 92/100
Domaine Roger et Didier Raimbault, Le Côtelin 2023
Grown on limestone and clay-limestone slopes, this single-vineyard wine is an instant favourite. Aromatic intensity, ranging from citrus to mango, with controlled density and a slender, salty finish: one to watch closely over time. 93/100
Domaine Tinel-Blondelet, Fretoy 2024
Grown on the flint and limestone soils of Thauvenay, this 2024 stands out for its balance between ripeness and tension. A distinctive profile, a salty finish and delicious citrus notes: one of the vintage’s successes, already appealing. 93/100
Domaine Alexandre et Antoine Vetois 2023
Grown on Kimmeridgian marl and caillottes, this Sancerre is beautifully balanced. Just the right amount of tension, classic style: best left to age to develop greater complexity. 91/100
The reds
Domaine Daniel Chotard 2023
A balanced blend of white soils, caillottes and griottes, this wine combines a smooth mouthfeel with mineral tension. In a classic style, it currently expresses itself through the freshness of the fruit. Ready to drink now. 91/100
Domaine Lucien Crochet, La Croix du Roy 2022
Characterised by the generosity of the vintage, the wine is currently holding back, still closed and somewhat one-dimensional. The potential is there, but it needs time. It is essential to wait. 90/100
Terroir of pebbles and morello cherries
The whites
Domaine Émile Balland, Croqu’ Caillote 2023
The name of the cuvée is reflected in this crisp wine, with a lively elegance underpinned by a distinct mineral note. The palate, lively and precise, unfolds with precision. A model of style, already very accessible. 92/100
Domaine Hubert Brochard, Les Trois Coteaux 2024
The amphora preserves the fruit’s tension and finesse, allowing a minerality with hints of white stone to come through. The palate unfolds with precision, prolonged by a long, balanced finish, the hallmark of Chavignol’s caillottes. 92/100
Domaine Daniel Chotard, Les Cris 2023
Grown on morello cherry soil, this cuvée expresses fine limestone that refines the tension. The palate opens with a subtle richness, leading to a pure citrus expression enhanced by floral notes. The minerality lingers with persistence. 93/100
Domaine du Clos Saint-Martin, Les Chasseignes 2025
Citrus and mango are framed by an elegant tension that structures a deep, flavourful palate. The whole, well-balanced, reveals a controlled length. One of the revelations of the tasting. 94/100
Domaine Daniel Crochet, Cuvée Prestige 2023
This delicate 2023 displays fine energy, with depth and subtle aromatic nuances. The balance develops gradually, carried by a salty finish that gives the wine a controlled freshness. 92/100
Domaine Daniel Crochet, Chêne Marchand 2023
Produced from caillottes, this wine combines density and tension with a distinct citrus profile. The supple texture retains depth. The wine is well-rounded, with clear ageing potential. 94/100
Domaine Lucien Crochet, Chêne Marchand 2022
Notes of rock dust and incense, enhanced by a smoky touch, give way to a smooth profile of ripe fruit. The full-bodied palate benefits from aeration. Decant to reveal its full complexity. 92/100
Domaine François Crochet, Villa Eugène 2022
The limestone-driven tension lends finesse and movement to the texture. Citrus and white fruits mingle with a tangy, peppery note. The finish, taut and dynamic, asserts itself with elegance. 93/100
Domaine François Crochet, Le Petit Chemarin 2023
More chalky, this 2023 is straightforward, driven by a pronounced chalky tension. The slender palate gains in precision, leading to a clean, lingering saline finish. The wine has gained in complexity. 94/100
Domaine François Crochet, Le Grand Chemarin 2023
Well-structured, this wine captivates with its density and depth. The full-bodied texture is underpinned by a controlled energy. The rising finish fully reflects the vintage. 95/100
Domaine Denizot, Les Bouffants 2023
A beautiful aromatic complexity: rock dust, incense, delicate honey and wax, roasted stone fruits, green pepper and a tangy hint of rhubarb. The palate, full-bodied and vibrant, retains its energy. 92/100
Domaine Denizot, Damoclès 2023
Ripe white fruits, delicate flowers and a hint of saltiness combine to create an elegant whole. The palate, precise, stretches towards a lingering and delicately zesty finish. 93/100
Domaine Fouassier, Les Chasseignes 2023
Produced on limestone soils, this vibrant white wine captivates with its crisp, clean edge and deep, briny undertones. A taut, precise expression that perfectly stimulates the taste buds. 93/100
Domaine Alain Girard et Fils 2024
The Caillottes de Veaugues come into their own here: crisp fruit, just the right density and an energetic chalky touch. The finish, fresh and subtle, prolongs the balance of the vintage. 93/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Rue de Vaux 2023
Born from the Chavignol caillottes, this wine displays a full-bodied and structured texture, underpinned by a controlled richness. The palate gains depth without losing its tension. A long, mineral finish. 95/100
Pierre Morin, Grand Chemarin 2023
This lively and deep 2023 is underpinned by a lovely finesse. It springs to life on the palate with precision, carried by a controlled energy. 92/100
Domaine Julien et Clément Raimbault, Les Chasseignes 2023
A sap-filled profile blending chalk, smoky notes and then iodine. This progression reinforces the wine’s energy and accurately reflects this Sury-en-Vaux vineyard. 93/100
Château de la Rabotine – Alban Roblin, Les Petites Pierres 2023
Maimbray and Sury-en-Vaux make up this 100% caillottes cuvée, true to its name. A lively profile, with hints of citrus and chalk, and excellent clarity. 91/100
Domaine Reverdy-Ducroux, Clos du Roy 2024
A clean, aromatic profile with citrus and white pepper. This finely crafted 2024 is straightforward, driven by a clear tension and well-balanced maturity. 92/100
Domaine Reverdy-Ducroux, Grand Chemarin 2024
Clear definition of the caillottes: ripe, invigorating fruit, supported by a limestone backbone that stretches the texture. A precise and controlled whole. 93/100
Domaine Claude Riffault, Chasseignes 2022
One of the estate’s finest wines, benefiting from an ideal aspect. A fine balance between ripeness and mineral tension, with a long, perfectly structured finish. 95/100
Domaine des Terres Blanches 2022
A pronounced chalky structure, elegant rigour and a finish of candied citrus. As is often the case with the 2022 vintage, decanting will allow it to gain in depth. 92/100
Domaine Vacheron, Guigne Chèvre 2023
Grown on limestone, this slow-maturing single vineyard wine displays great mineral subtlety. Controlled intensity, nuanced white fruit: a precise and accomplished expression. 96/100
Domaine Vacheron, Le Paradis 2024
A Cistercian-style cuvée with its limestone character, driven by a saline tension that reveals itself with aeration. A straightforward wine, best opened early. 93/100
Domaine Alexandre et Antoine Vétois, Clos du roi 2022
This wine reveals a smooth attack, followed by an energetic, well-defined structure. The whole is perfectly balanced. 91/100
The reds
Domaine François Crochet, Réserve de Marcigoué 2023
A cuvée made for ageing, underpinned by a distinct limestone base that elongates the tannins and highlights cherry notes. The structured body retains freshness and length. 92/100
Domaine Vincent Delaporte 2023
Kimmeridgian shales and marls characterise this Chavignol Pinot Noir with floral and cherry notes. A wine with well-integrated tannins complemented by lovely liveliness. 93/100
Domaine Denizot, Biorga 2023
The tannins unfold naturally, blending juicy red fruit with floral and spicy notes. The whole, supple and lingering, retains a lovely energy. 93/100
Domaine Fouassier, Cuvée X 2022
A generous attack underpinned by rounded tannins. The Buzançais limestone gives the wine its vigour and brings a touch of freshness to the finish. 91/100
Domaine Pierre Martin et Fils, Coeur de Pierre 2023
A fine expression of the Caillottes terroir, combining elegant minerality with a succulent texture. The fruit, with notes of fresh cherry, forms part of a balanced and well-structured palate. 92/100
Domaine Alphonse Mellot, En Grands Champs 2022
The limestone makes its mark clearly. The wine, long and precise, displays a fine texture carried by perfectly integrated acidity. A long, mouth-watering finish of great nobility. 97/100
Domaine Roger et Didier Raimbault, Vieilles Vignes 2022
The ageing complements the generous texture without overpowering it. The caillottes bring freshness and balance to the finish. Here, the terroir asserts itself with precision. 90/100
Domaine Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy, Pinot entier 2023
A well-structured estate cuvée, underpinned by lovely substance. The tannins are in place, with ageing still perceptible but set to integrate. 91/100
White soil terroir
The whites
Domaine Agisson, Équilibre 2022
Ripe and charming fruit, supported by an expressive palate with hints of mango and candied citrus. The finish, more incisive, provides the necessary counterpoint and balances the whole. 92/100
Vignobles Berthier, Les Chasseignes 2022
Still somewhat reserved, this 2022 from the white soils of Suryen-Vaux shows solid potential. The structure is in place, requiring time to fully express itself. To be revisited in the coming years. 90/100
Domaine Gérard Boulay, Monts Damnés 2024
Grown on a steep, south-facing hillside, this wine is vibrant, with notes of citrus and almond. The fresh, mineral finish rounds off a precise and lively palate. 93/100
Domaine Gérard Boulay, La Côte 2024
On this finer, chalky terroir, the wine is crisp and lively, whilst retaining a ripe structure despite a delicate vintage. A model of style, precise and perfectly balanced. 95/100
Domaine Gérard Boulay, Comtesse 2024
Made from old vines in the lower part of the Monts Damnés, this wine stands out for its limestone foundation, which enhances the texture. Both powerful and subtle, it brilliantly expresses the grandeur of the terroir. 92/100
Domaine Gérard Boulay, Clos de Beaujeu 2022
On these steep Kimmeridgian marl slopes, the Sauvignon achieves a truly expansive expression. A broad texture, ripe and rounded fruit, followed by a burst of minerality that energises the mid-palate. A concentrated, subtle vintage, made for ageing. 95/100
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Les Côtes aux Valets 2020
From a clay-limestone plot in Bannon, this 2020 is expressive, blending mango and candied citrus. Tension structures a full-bodied and dynamic palate. Already very well-balanced, with clear ageing potential. 95/100
Domaine Hubert Brochard, La Côte des Monts Damnés 2023
An intense, finely crafted attack, driven by the minerality typical of the vineyard. The palate combines ripe fruit, tension and energy. A long, salty finish, marked by the terroir’s character. 94/100
Domaine des Chasseignes, Les Chasseignes 2023
A fine expression of the white soils, combining concentration with a mineral edge. The palate, balanced and precise, perfectly encapsulates the success of the vintage. 92/100
Domaine des Chasseignes, Les Démalés 2023
Freshness and vitality dominate, with notes of fine herbs, green apple and citrus. The palate, juicy and flavourful, is underpinned by a mineral backbone that gives the wine its structure. 93/100
Domaine Daniel Chotard, Les Coutones 2023
From this south-facing terroir of white soils, the wine opens with a dense, clay-like attack, sustained by a lovely energy. Floral and citrus notes, clear tension and a salty finish. A wine to watch as it ages. 93/100
Domaine Daniel Chotard, Les Grandes Roulottes 2023
On soils enriched with iron oxide, the wine gains in verticality and sharpness. The structure, more taut, carries the wine through to the finish. A precise and assertive expression of the terroir. 93/100
Domaine Daniel Chotard, Racines 2022
White fruits and mango are accompanied by a very pure, crystalline minerality. The wine is developing harmoniously, gaining in complexity. Best left to age further to fully appreciate its depth. 94/100
Domaine François Cotat, Cul de Beaujeu 2023
A superb success. The brilliance of ripe yellow fruit, controlled generosity and a full-bodied texture. The palate, luminous and precise, is immediately appealing. A 2023 that is already very accomplished. 96/100
Domaine François Cotat, La Grande Côte 2023
Great verticality, underpinned by perfectly controlled ripeness. The palate, taut and chalky, stretches towards a long, salty finish. Still reserved, it calls for ageing. 94/100
Domaine François Cotat, Les Monts Damnés 2023
Old vines produce a dense and deep cuvée. Powerful minerality structures a concentrated body, balanced by a lingering freshness. A great wine for ageing. 95/100
Domaine Pascal Cotat, La Grande Côte 2024
With this vintage, the intensity is taken up a notch, driven by a vibrant minerality. The palate, precise and elegant, strikes a fine balance, leading to a finish that lingers with distinction. 94/100
Domaine Pascal Cotat, Les Monts Damnés 2024
The nose opens with a strong mineral character. Citrus fruits bring freshness, enhanced by a subtle smoky note. The palate remains straightforward and expressive. 93/100
Domaine François Crochet, Les Amoureuses 2023
Grown on clay soils, this structured wine unfolds without heaviness. The texture is fluid and never overwhelms the palate. The clean, fresh finish lingers, conveying a sense of purity and mastery. 93/100
Domaine Lucien Crochet, La Louisonne 2023
On this Bué hillside, the palate combines richness and elegance. The well-textured body is balanced by a controlled freshness, prolonged by a salty finish. 90/100
Domaine Didier Dagueneau, Le Mont Damné 2022
A highlight of the vintage: focused intensity, with very well-balanced richness in dry extracts. Spices, aromatic herbs and fruit linger into a vibrant, briny finish. 96/100
Domaine Vincent Delaporte, Chavignol 2024
White fruits, with pear at the forefront, blend with earthy and floral notes. The palate, full of energy, captures the vintage with precision, leading to a savoury, chalky finish. 91/100
Domaine Bernard Fleuriet, Côte de Marloup 2023
Refined and briny, this wine is underpinned by an invigorating chalky character. Its restrained power is expressed with subtlety, offering a fine interpretation of the Bué terroirs. 91/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Mélodie des vieilles vignes 2023
Old vines on clay-limestone soils: silkiness and energy combine in a palette of citrus and caviar lemon. The minerality structures a lingering finish. 94/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Monts Damné 2023
This cuvée immediately impresses with its depth and intensity. On the palate, it is straightforward and concentrated, combining restrained power with precision. The long, briny finish fully expresses the terroir. 96/100
Domaine Anthony et David Girard, Florilège des Monts Damnés 2023
Made from very old vines, this 2023 is still holding back. The concentrated structure hints at great potential, currently most evident on the finish. One to wait for. 94/100
Domaine Anthony et David Girard, Les Monts Damnés 2023
An expressive nose of ripe fruit, ranging from pear and peach to candied citrus. The palate, persistent and briny, displays a lovely maritime energy. A wine of great class. 94/100
Domaine Laporte, La Comtesse 2024
With aeration, sensual notes of white fruit emerge, carried by a well-preserved juicy energy. The palate, refined and elegant, lingers with distinction. A subtle Chavignol, already very well-balanced. 94/100
Domaine Alphonse Mellot, “Génération XIX” 2022
Old vines on limestone and marl produce a wine of great complexity, combining creaminess, sharpness and intensity. Notes of honey, yellow fruit and citrus intertwine with a hint of saffron. A long, vibrant finish. 97/100
Joseph Mellot, Domaine des Émois 2024
A flagship cuvée, oscillating between citrus and exotic notes. The palate, flavourful and lingering, is a perfect reflection of the 2024 vintage. An expressive wine, already approachable. 92/100
Vignobles Patrice Moreux, Corty Artisan – Les Monts Damnés 2024
On this terroir of limestone, clay and fossils, the wine displays density and aromatic intensity. The palate, both ripe and energetic, leads to a mineral finish that is set to reveal itself fully. 93/100
Domaine Paul Prieur et Fils, Monts Damnés 2023
A classic expression of the vintage: pronounced minerality, rubbed stone, citrus and a hint of smoke. The palate, taut and precise, is in the true tradition of the Monts Damnés. 94/100
Domaine Philippe Raimbault, Apud Sariacum 2024
Nose of oyster shell and white flowers. The palate, long and slender, pairs perfectly, particularly with a Crottin de Chavignol. 93/100
Domaine Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy, Les Anges Lots 2023
An inviting attack, then the wine gains in structure. The salty finish brings a distinct energy to this cuvée from old vines on white soils. A precise wine, already approachable. 90/100
Domaine Claude Riffault, “Monoparcelle 538” 2024
Aged for 14 months on shallow Kimmeridgian soil, this wine combines energy and purity from the very first sip. The spectacular finish develops maritime and iodine-like notes. A top-class cuvée, built to last. 95/100
Domaine Claude Riffault, “Monoparcelle 469” 2024
The 14-month ageing period complements a dense, ripe texture that is perfectly refined. The limestone expresses itself with precision, in a tactile and profound balance. A great wine for laying down. 95/100
Domaine Matthias et Émile Roblin, Ammonites 2022
Made from a selection of fossil-rich white soils, this cuvée develops notes of yellow fruit and smoke. The full-bodied attack is followed by a lovely burst of energy on the finish. 93/100
Domaine Matthias et Émile Roblin, Enclos de Maimbray 2024
A firm structure and lovely verticality characterise this 2024. A precise, taut wine that will naturally pair well with seafood, particularly shellfish. 90/100
The reds
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Le Graveron 2020
Produced in the Monts Damnés, this wine lingers on the palate, carried by a velvety texture. The texture, sensual and precise, is accompanied by a lovely finish. A well-rounded red, now at its peak. 93/100
Domaine Bernard Fleuriet et Fils, Anthocyane 2023
A wine with depth and structure, featuring a fresh, lively finish. The whole reflects with finesse the refinement of the Bué terroirs from which it originates. 91/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Vincengétorix 2023
Grown on clay-limestone soils and vinified from whole bunches, this 2023 captivates with its precise structure. The palate, slender and floral, unfolds with finesse on a delicate and harmonious framework. 93/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Les Vignes de Chavignol 2023
Old vines and whole-bunch harvesting produce a wine with a smooth tannic texture. The palate, elegant and structured, reveals a lovely floral dimension. A long, subtly salty finish. 94/100
Domaine Anthony et David Girard, Les Monts Damnés 2023
A very accomplished wine in this vintage, driven by a lovely texture and dynamic liveliness. The whole fits perfectly with its clay-limestone subsoil. 92/100
Domaine Michel Girault, Les Beaux Regards 2023
One of the revelations of the tasting. We love the notes of morello cherry and the delicious balance between substance and energy. A seductive wine, perfectly expressed. 93/100
Domaine Serge Laloue, Les Rôties 2023
Grown on the white soils of Thauvenay, this wine combines vigour and depth. The fruit, crisp and already delicious, forms part of a dynamic and well-structured palate. 93/100
Pierre Morin, Prémices 2023
A charming 2023, combining a silky texture with a subtle finish. The cherry notes, underpinned by rich tannins, offer a restrained indulgence. A fully realised style. 93/100
Domaine Paul Prieur et Fils, Les Pichons 2023
Made from old vines, this 2023 captivates with its silkiness, notes of black cherry and vitality. The finish, blending floral notes and salinity, rises with elegance. A model of style. 94/100
Château La Rabotine Alban Roblin, Terre de Droux 2023
Elegant tannins, juicy and fresh fruit with notes of black cherry. The palate is precise, leading to a refined finish and a lovely final burst of flavour. A harmonious and well-structured wine. 94/100
Domaine Philippe Raimbault, Apud Sariacum 2023
A persistent and subtle profile, underpinned by delicate tannins and well-defined fresh fruit. A accomplished 2023, both precise and balanced. 93/100
Domaine Reverdy Bernard et Fils 2023
Produced from Kimmeridgian slopes, this wine combines power and elegance. The finish, marked by peppery red fruits, extends a structured palate. 93/100
Domaine Matthias et Émile Roblin, Grande Côte de la Vallée 2023
A lush, velvety attack and a concentrated mid-palate, true to this clay-limestone and loamy terroir. The very distinguished finish prolongs the balance with finesse. 94/100
Domaine Vacheron, Les Marnes 2023
Hints of peppery flowers and a palate that is both full-bodied and airy. The ageing complements a well-defined structure. The potential is clear: a wine to be left to develop. 94/100
Flinty clay terroir
The whites
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, D’Antan 2023
Old flinty vines produce a wine that lives up to its reputation: elegant, slender and full-bodied. The structure is precise and unfolds with distinction. A wine of great class. 93/100
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, Les Ruchons 2020
From an iconic flinty plot, this wine stands out for its completeness. Concentrated and sharp, it develops a smoky finish enhanced by a hint of lemon zest. A consummate expression of the terroir. 94/100
Domaine Hubert Brochard, Château de Fontaine Audon 2024
The sharpness of the flint is well-controlled here, without ever being toned down. The palate, precise, stretches towards a lively, salty finish, bringing depth and energy to the whole. 91/100
Domaine Fouassier, Le Clos de Bannon 2023
A fine expression of clay and flint in this 2023. The energy of the terroir carries the wine, balances the palate and extends the finish with precision. A cuvée that is already complex. 93/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, Constellation du Scorpion 2023
On flint, this cuvée impresses with its vibrant intensity and its length marked by gunflint. Decant to reveal its full depth. 95/100
Domaine Vincent Gaudry, À mi-chemin 2022
Grown on red flint soils, this wine displays remarkable purity. The palate combines fruit density and mineral tension with great precision. A vibrant wine, full of emotion. 96/100
Domaine Serge Laloue, Cuvée Silex 2024
A nose of pollen, with a palate marked by the sharpness of flint and hints of fresh citrus. A direct, precise wine, true to its terroir. 91/100
Domaine Serge Laloue, La Brillade 2023
A Sauvignon on flint, fresh and juicy, supported by a substantial body. The juice, prominent and luscious, expresses itself with spontaneity and balance. 92/100
Domaine Laporte, Le Grand Rochoy 2024
Old flinty vines produce a full-bodied, elegant wine with a long finish. The palate, consistent from start to finish, unfolds with precision, driven by a lovely energy. 93/100
Joseph Mellot, Pierre-Étienne 2022
The wine is holding back, marked by a phase of closure. The concentration is there, supported by just the right amount of energy and a salty finish. Best left for at least two years. 92/100
Joseph Mellot, La Chatellenie 2024
The sharpness of the flinty clay comes through fully, structuring a straightforward, salty palate. The whole, very mouth-watering, stands out for its precision and vigour. 93/100
Domaine Paul Prieur et Fils, Pieuchaud 2023
On flint, this cuvée develops smoky notes that ensure perfect continuity on the palate. A precise, coherent and particularly accomplished 2023. 95/100
Domaine Claude Riffault, Les Chailloux 2023
On these rare flint soils of Sury-en-Vaux, this 2023 expresses a sharpness of great purity. The palate, dynamic, is carried by a smoky finish that lingers with consistency. 94/100
Domaine Vacheron, Les Romains 2024
It displays a sharp intensity, still pronounced at this stage. A clean, vertical expression, destined to gain in complexity with time. 94/100
Domaine de La Villaudière, Silex 2025
Here, the flint imparts its sharpness to a lively and balanced palate. The vintage’s concentration is expressed with precision, prolonged by an energetic, briny finish. 92/100
The reds
Domaine Henri Bourgeois, “ES-56” 2019
The flint character defines this wine with its refined and deep tannins. The palate, structured and subtle, builds towards a rising, precise and elegant finish. Already well-balanced. 92/100
Domaine des Chasseignes, Cuvée Évidence 2023
A wine of great consistency, with a smoky character that complements hints of cherry. An energetic wine that lingers with a stylish, well-structured finish. 93/100
Domaine Alphonse Mellot, Les Demoiselles 2022
Made from flinty soils and partly from whole bunches, this 2022 combines vigour and sharpness. The palate, straightforward and energetic, is underpinned by a lively freshness and a fine texture. A distinguished wine with a strong identity. 96/100
Domaine Vacheron, Belle Dame 2023
Sleek tannins, flinty tension and precise fruit combine to form a well-rounded whole. The finish, carried by a smoky finish, prolongs the expression of the terroir with intensity. A complete wine. 95/100
