2021 Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu [V91][D90]

Producer: Gerard Boulay 
Region: Sancerre, Loire, France  
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc  
Year: 2021  

Vinous, 91 Points 

"The 2021 Clos de Beaujeu reflects the vintage with its tension and precision.  It sits with focus in the mouth but doesn’t become heavy.  There’s a sense of silky texture before pulling in tight like a belt.  Just-ripe pineapple, violet and citrus linger on the finish." 

Decanter, 90 Points 

"A delicate wine that impresses with its yellow plum and peach aromas and its soft, comforting texture allied with quite marked acidity in the finish, characteristic of the 2021 vintage. It needs more time in bottle to develop further. The Clos de Beaujeu – or Cul de Beaujeu – in Chavignol has some of the steepest slopes in Sancerre. The upper slopes are similar to the near-vertical pitches found in the Mosel – naturally the grapes have to be hand harvested. Gerard Boulay is charmingly modest but has long been one of the top Sancerre producers. His wines can age beautifully. Thibault, his son, has now joined him at the domaine." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The Kimmeridgian chalk and limestone soils provide a helping hand in retaining freshness, minerality, and vigor for the Sauvignon Blanc at Clos de Beaujeu. This is especially important since the region's wines are known for their richness and density. After 3-5 years, the wine's intensity and density begin to pull back, revealing an impressive stony minerality. With 1.5 acres under his care, Gerard Boulay creates a robust Sancerre with notes of tart peach, Meyer lemon, and fresh floral aromas and flavors. Over the next few years, the smokiness and crushed rock minerality will continue to develop and take center stage. Enjoy this Sancerre, which pairs well with lobster and other rich foods, for over 15 years." 

Alcohol: 13% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.