Domaine Riffault

Expressive and voluptuous, with aromas of orchard fruit and lemon confit, Les Boucauds is raised in a judicious combination of oak (70% of the blend) and concrete. Open and up-front it may be, but this cuvée shows remarkable persistence on the palate, culminating in the mineral “wet stone” finish characteristic of the best wines of Sancerre. Already certified organic, Stéphane began farming Les Boucauds biodynamically in 2018. Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)

This cuvée was one of the highlights of my springtime trip to the Loire with Buyer Adam Bruntlett. Stéphane used to de-stem the grapes (he has 2.3 hectares of Pinot in the Noue vineyard) but found the wine too chewy, so now makes it with whole bunches, accounting for the 2017’s delightful floral and crushed strawberry aromas. The palate is light to medium-bodied, with racy acidity and supple – rather than chewy – tannins. Bravo Stéphane! Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)

Chasseignes is a cooler, more (lime)stoney site than Boucauds, giving a more focused, mineral wine which Stéphane chooses to age in large oak foudres and 350-litre barrels. The nose is complex, with aromas of spice, white flowers and lemon, while the palate is pithy, almost tannic, and segues into a long, refreshing finish redolent of lemon and quinine. What a match for oysters this would be! Drink now to 2023.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (summer 2019)