2009 Sebastien Riffault ‘Raudonas,’ Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
Riffault’s wines are made in the most natural of styles, without fining, chemicals or added sulfur. As a result, they’re always interesting — and even more interesting with age (one might say, an experiment). Three-four years later, this wine is… Read more
2009 Gerard and Pierre Morin Sancerre Rouge, Loire Valley, France
Imagine a leisurely early autumn horse ride through an open field in scenic Sancerre, with rolling green hills and hazy twilight on the horizon, as the sun sets behind you. This is that kind of wine – light, vaguely fruity, and very drinkable…. Read more
2010 Lucien Crochet Rose, Sancerre, France
Pale pink hue blurs the line between rose and beige, and that sort of in-betweeness is duplicated in the taste of the wine itself, which is neither fruity enough to fit the mold of many rose wines nor dry and floral enough to resemble Sancerre’s… Read more
2010 Domaine Yves Martin Chavignol Blanc, Sancerre, France
Ripe pear and crisp apple with a palate-cleansing jolt of acidity. Well-crafted and “straight” in the French sense of winemaking, this would be a delightful accompaniment to a fish entrée or even a New England-style clambake. At three… Read more
2006 Gérard Boulay ‘Clos de Beaujeu,’ Sancerre, France
Boulay, a producer in vogue especially with the wine-blogging elite and importers looking to seize upon the “next big thing,” produces some of Sancerre’s best wines. Whereas his friend Sebastien Riffault churns out small batches of sometimes funky… Read more
2010 Sebastien Riffault 2010 ‘Raudonas,’ Sury-En-Vaux, Sancerre, France
“Raudonas” means “red” in Lithuanian, and what more could you want out of a shockingly easy to drink pinot noir? Vibrantly expressive in the mouth with hints of cherry, exotic spice, and baked fruit. Elegant structure coupled with judicious… Read more
2003 Sebastien Riffault ‘Skeveldra,’ Sury-En-Vaux, Sancerre, France
Those that believe you can’t age natural wine are sorely mistaken. Sebastien is a “zero sulfur” producer, and yet his wines – with care and attention – can become even more complex and noble over time. Aging intensifies both the aromatic… Read more
2009 Sebastien Riffault ‘Akmenine,’ Sury-En-Vaux, Sancerre, France
Yellow pour is perhaps lighter than expected on the palate, with pears, golden raisins, herbs and hay. A hint of residual sugar fills the mouth. Serve at lunch with a crusty baguette, French seaweed butter, and fresh salt. Braised endives and a… Read more
2006 Sebastien Riffault ‘Auksinis,’ Sury-En-Vaux, Sancerre, France
Heady scents of the French countryside and wild yeasts power this sans-sulfites amber gem, which though packing a wallop of Johnny Smith apples, honeycomb and fresh sourdough is quite quaffable. MSRP: N/A Wine Lines Rating:… Read more
