Vacheron sits near the top of Sancerre's hierarchy, and the Chambrates plateau, limestone and red clay above Le Paradis, gives a fleshier, more generous read on Sauvignon Blanc than the appellation's usual wiry template. Twelve months in large French oak vats builds texture without leaving a mark, so the citrus fruit stays bright and the finish goes straight to stone. Biodynamic since 2005, and it shows in the clarity: this is Sancerre with weight and a mineral spine.
Tasting Notes
Chambrates is located on a plateau above Le Paradis on limestone and red clay soils. This is a generous example of Sancerre due to its terroir with more of a citric quality to the fruit, a richer texture and a mineral finish. It is fermented and aged for 12 months in large French oak vats.
Professional Ratings
95
James Suckling
94
Vinous
94
Wine Enthusiast
94
Wine Advocate
About the Producer
Domaine Vacheron is one of Sancerre’s elite properties, producing white and red Sancerre of amazing purity and definition. The Domaine has been completely transformed over to biodynamic farming (certified by Biodyvin in 2005) with two young cousins, Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron, at the helm. No synthetic material is used in the vineyard, harvests are carried out exclusively by hand, and the only fertilizer used is produced from the compost pile. Yields are kept extremely low.
