Boulay 'Tradition' Sancerre Chavignol 2022

An absolute favourite ever since a visit in 2010 - such a long time ago. Ian Cook - FWC

With freshness and vigour to the fore, this is another standout release for Gérard Boulay's Chavignol bottling. As always, this is drawn from mature, 35- to 40-year-old vines rooted entirely in the limestone soils of Chavignol. The multiple sites are largely sloping vineyards on the lower flanks of the Chavignol hillside terroirs of Les Chasseignes, Les Longues Fins and La Rue de Vaux. Importantly, Boulay also includes fruit from his younger vines growing on the great hillside of La Grande Côte. The juice was naturally fermented and aged for eight months in tank on lees, with a small volume also fermented in a single large wooden cask.

A fleshier release than last year—yet still almost devoid of varietal character—look forward to flavours of intense crystalline citrus, white flowers and white stone fruit intertwined with a lovely rocky texture alongside deliciously salty, iodised freshness, mineral vibrancy and mouth-watering phenolic structure. It’s a beautifully composed release showcasing a touch more density and palate weight than the previous vintage. It finishes with a stony definition, chalky cut and great length. As always, it’s a benchmark that showcases the remarkable terroir that is Chavignol. Importer notes.