Claude Riffault Sancerre Les Chailloux 2021 (750ML)

95 WA / 93 VM

From almost 50-year-old vines in flint-stone soils, the 2021 Sancerre Les Chailloux opens with a clear and intense nose with pure mineral aromas of iodine and crushed flint stones, whereas the fruit aromas are very discreet but fully intermingle with the stones. On the palate, this is a very elegant and vivacious Sancerre with great tension, phenolic and mineral thrills as well as an almost-charming and refined fruit core. The acidity is lively and refined, and on the aftertaste, it's beautifully intertwined with the ripe, elegant yet discreet fruit and minerals. A very distinctive, savory and saline Sancerre with fine grip and citrus fruit bitters on the long and intense finish. This is probably the finest of the 2021 Riffault quintet tasted for this miscellaneous report. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in March 2023.—Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate

The 2021 Les Chailloux is Riffault's only Sancerre grown on flint soils - the rest is on limestone. And it evokes the scent of flint being struck. It is a cool, westishfacing site that doesn't get morning sun, so it's a taut, crisp, citrus style with gooseberry flavors and nettles. There's a hint of nutty character from time in barrel on lees, which has also provided padding around its focused, lightbodied core. The conclusion is taut, brimming with laser-like acid and almost tannic: it's a pocket rocket. The 2021 is a real terroir and vintage example.-Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media