2013 Domaine Daulny, Sancerre, Le Clos de Chaudenay, Loire Valley, France.
This tremendous effort from Etienne Daulny is stunning and is beautiful Sauvignon Banc, one of the finest offerings to date from his Domaine Daulny in Chaudenay-Verdigny en Sancerre. Imported by Charles Neal, who I’m again grateful to for dropped in and sharing this gorgeous white, he finds some amazing country wines, and great values as well, such as and especially as this Daulny. Etienne does a few cuvees and a base Sancerre, but this Le Clos de Chaudenay is absolutely sublime and very vivid and drinks fantastic with lots of stylish charm. From a once walled plot of old vine Sauvignon Blanc grown on Chablis like limestone soils, the La Clos de Chaudenay is bursting with energy, vigor and is has a cascade of bright flavors with loads of mineral complexity. The nose starts with white flowers, citrus and wet river stones leading to a vibrant palate of lemon/lime, gooseberry, white peach, grapefruit, chalky/steely mineral, tangy herb, a hint of leesy extract, saline and a trace of tropical essence. This Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and zesty, but does show good depth, roundness and length, making for a lovely Sancerre, drink from 2014 to 2019, one of my favorite under $30 Sancerres in years, you should check this one out, it is in league with Boulay and Chotard.
($22 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
