Claude Riffault Sancerre Monoparcelle 538 2019 (750ML)

95-96 WA / 95 VM

Riffault's golden-yellow 2019 Sancerre Monoparcelle 538 is from a southeast to south-facing 0.44-hectare plot with 47-year-old vines rooting in extremely shallow Kimmeridgian limestone soils at 260 meters in altitude. Aged in oak for 18 months, this is a full-bodied, silky, rich and elegant but most of all tight and tensioned Sancerre with fine tannins, tonic lemon juice and lingering salinity with serious grip and Cointreau notes. The 2019 is still extremely young and sailing undercover over our palates. This might turn out as a giant in some years. To be bottled in March, tasted in February 2021.—Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate

A mouth-filling, tender expression, the 2019 Sancerre Monoparcelle 538 offers a gentle clasp with its chalk-soil-derived texture on the lengthy, sinewy finish. It might be open and easygoing on first impression, but there's no mistaking its structure, which imbues it with the stuffing to mature gracefully. There's a high level of concentration of fruit in the riper spectrum of Sauvignon, offering apple-strudel-like notes of pastry, sweet apples and spices. Fine acidity emerges on the finish, providing freshness and line. One of my favorite wines of the vintage and one that I'd happily cellar.-- Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media