This Chavignol-based cuvée is very deep. Nose has just-ripe orchard fruit, with a fleeting tropical suggestion, an herbal/minty note, and a deep mineral stank, almost feral in nature. Deeply flavored too, it’s bone dry and full bodied, and while there’s an up-front bit of fruit, the huge minerality quickly takes charge. Medium acids. Another Chavignol geology seminar in a glass. — 2 months ago
Domaine Vacheron – Sancerre 2015
Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From one of Sancerre’s most respected biodynamic estates, Vacheron crafts Sauvignon Blancs with precision, purity, and unmistakable terroir character. Tasting a 10-year-old Sancerre is rare, as most are enjoyed young—but this 2015 shows surprising resilience and depth.
Aromas & Flavors
Candied lemon peel stands out alongside subtle citrus oil, quince, and a faint touch of almond. The classic flinty minerality of Sancerre still hums beneath, though softened by time. A hint of oxidative nuttiness peeks through—expected with age—but adds intrigue rather than distraction.
Mouthfeel
Mouthwatering acidity remains alive, giving freshness even at a decade old. Medium-bodied, textural, and persistent, finishing with a gentle grip of minerality and citrus zest.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with aged goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol is a must), grilled white fish, or even poultry with lemon-herb sauce. Its aged nuance also makes it a fine companion for mushroom risotto.
Verdict
A Sancerre that defies expectations with its longevity. While youth usually showcases sharp vibrancy, this 2015 proves that time can reveal a different elegance: layered, slightly oxidative, yet still minerally precise. A rewarding surprise for anyone curious about how Sauvignon Blanc ages. Cheers! — a month ago
Gorgeous Sancerre. Light on minerals, with a little fruit and honey. — 5 months ago
Château de Fesles – La Chapelle Vieilles Vignes Chenin Sec 2010. Anjou, Loire Valley – France 🇫🇷
Overview
A limited-edition bottling from one of Anjou’s most historic estates, this Chenin Blanc comes from old vines (“vieilles vignes”) rooted in schist soils surrounding the chapel of the domaine. Château de Fesles is renowned for producing some of the Loire’s most age-worthy Chenins, and this 2010 shows just how gracefully the grape can evolve.
Aromas & Flavors
Complex layers of baked quince, dried apricot, acacia honey, chamomile, and lanolin, underpinned by beeswax and a mineral flintiness. Secondary notes of almond and brioche hint at its decade-plus of bottle age.
Mouthfeel
Dry (“sec”) yet textured, with a medium+ body, bright acidity still intact, and a long, savory finish. The balance between freshness and maturity is remarkable, showing both vitality and evolution.
Winemaking Notes
Fermented in oak and matured patiently, with low yields from old vines contributing depth and concentration. Loire Chenin’s natural high acidity is what makes wines like this so age-defiant.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted chicken with herbs, veal in cream sauce, or rich seafood like lobster and scallops. A natural match also for aged goat cheese (think Valençay or Crottin de Chavignol).
Verdict
A stunning example of aged Loire Chenin Blanc: vibrant, layered, and endlessly complex. Proof of why Anjou and Loire whites belong among the world’s most cellar-worthy wines. — 2 months ago

Fruit Forward…..$38…. Ya, acceptable — 8 months ago
Highly recommend. Refreshing. Light, better than a pinot grigio which I never thought I would say. — 5 years ago
Anne Lebleu
Délicieux — a month ago