White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Sustainable
Dry
750ml

Claude Riffault Les Boucauds Sancerre Blanc 2023

Loire Valley, France

92 points - Robert Parker

$76.95per bottle ($461.70per case)
6 bottles per case

Fresh & Mineral

This is a pre-order: place your order now by paying a deposit, and receive your wine in early April, 2025.

Stéphane Riffault, Claude Riffault's son, is turning out Sancerre bottlings that are the envy of many producers twice his age. Stéphane studied in Beaune and then learned with Olivier Leflaive in Burgundy. After his time in Burgundy, the vintner went to Bordeaux, where he stayed for some years at Château Angélus, and returned to Sancerre in 2001. When his father Claude retired, Stéphane took over the winery, and converted the vineyards to organic and biodynamic. He has become one of the most sought-after producers in the region.

Sourced from several plots all situated in the lieu-dit of Les Boucauds, this cuvée employs close to 50% of the Sauvignon Blanc planted on the estate. Entirely from terres blanches soils – marls and clays over Kimmeridgian limestone – this wine represents a pure expression of this site as well as the deft winemaking of Stéphane Riffault.

After a meticulous 10-month aging in oak barrels, it unveils an enchanting bouquet of ripe pear, succulent peach, delicate spring flowers, warming spices, and a hint of menthol. On the palate, bright acidity complements a luxurious texture, creating a perfect balance among its intricate flavours. The finish is long and ethereal, marked by a subtle saline note that invites you to savour another sip.

It can be enjoyed on its own or with shell-fish or fish dishes.

About the Winery

Claude Riffault

Stéphane Riffault, son of Claude Riffault, has become one of the most sought-after producers in the region. He took over the management of the domaine at a young age and his top Sancerre wines quickly became the envy of some of the region's most established vintners.

Stéphane's Sancerre bottlings come from 33 different parcels in 8 different lieu-dits spread across 4 villages on limestone soils. Having studied and worked in Burgundy, and then trained with some of best – Olivier Leflaive (Burgundy), Château Angélus (Bordeaux), and his very own father, Claude Riffault – it’s easy to see the Burgundian influence and the master of minerality in Stéphane’s wines.

When his father retired, Stéphane took over the winery and embarked upon a journey of viticultural transformation. Today, all 13.5 hectares are certified organic (ECOCERT, 2016) and biodynamic (BIODYVIN, 2021). The entire harvest is carried out by hand and an extensive sorting takes place before the grapes are crushed –– a testament to his craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Press Reviews

Robert Parker

92 points - Yohan Castaing

Vintage 2022: Matured in barrel for 10 months, the 2022 Sancerre Les Boucauds reveals a delicate, pure bouquet of pear, peach, spring flowers, spices and menthol, followed by a moderately weighted, textured and layered palate with bright acids, a lively, fleshy core of fruit and a long, ethereal, mineral-laced finish enhanced by a saline aftertaste. This is a gorgeous rendition of the eponymous parcel composed of clay, limestone and marls.