Domaine Fournier's Grande Cuvee Sancerre is one of the top whites produced in the appellation, and their recently released 2018 is in tremendous form.
A wine that balances wonderful ripeness and richness with zesty acids and classic minerality, it guarantees to delight Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc lovers.
2018 Domaine Fournier Sancerre 'Grande Cuvee'
95 points - Josh Spurling
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Domaine Fournier's history is closely intertwined with the history of Sancerre and with the establishment of Sancerre as one of the most prestigious zones in the Loire Valley, in France, and in the world. Founded in 1926 by Helene and Leon Fournier, the couple were instrumental in helping Sancerre achieve AOC status in 1936. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, the domaine is recognized as one of the best in the region, and this is their top Sancerre cuvee. All I can say is they picked the right name for this wine because it is one of the "grandest" Sancerres I've ever had the pleasure of sipping. This is not your average version of this Sauvignon Blanc-based wine. Far from it, this is full, rich, concentrated, and incredibly nuanced. From the first sniff to the last sip, this is a white wine that delights the senses.
Despite its richness, I promise you this still has plenty of energy and nerve. Produced from Fournier's oldest vines grown in the pebbly, chalky soils of Verdigny, this one is fermented in stainless steel and spends an extended 12 months aging on the lees before bottling. The combination of old vines, low yields, a great vintage, and extended aging is what gives this wine that extra degree of nuance and class that can only be found in the best wines of the world.
One whiff and one sip, and you'll know you're dealing with some pretty serious stuff here. The nose offers up a wonderful mix of ripe pear, lemon curd, citrus zest, flint, and wet rock. As good as the bouquet is, this really shows its class and sophistication on the palate. Full-bodied and focused, this glides across the palate with notes of ripe lemon, baked pear, and mango, finishing with a complex smoky, flinty nuance. The wonderful flavors linger for a good 30+ seconds.
One key word of advice on this one. Give it some air and don't drink it too cold if you want to experience the wine at its fullest potential. It's a very special wine and one that totally blew my staff and I away. Get some before it's gone!
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville