Sancerre, Le Chêne Marchand, 2020
Often likened to one of Sancerre’s “grand crus”, Le Chêne Marchand comes from one of Bué’s most celebrated lieux-dits, planted between 1959 and 2005 on stony white Oxfordian limestone. Aged on lees for 12 months in 600 litre barrels, the 2023 offers a compelling balance of power and precision. Aromas of ripe citrus, nectarine and peach lead into a broad, layered palate of fleshy stone fruit. The structure is firm yet elegant, supported by a chalky freshness that brings energy and focus, while a touch of orange pith adds subtle grip on the finish.
critic reviews
The 2020 Sancerre Chêne Marchand is initially a tender wine with a mass of concentration packed into an airy, cloud of wine. The wine is held together by a line of acidity and mineral structure providing length and focus. The nettle-suffused finish is slightly spoiled by a note of alcohol that warms on the finish (14%), but that is really picking faults.