2022 Vincent Pinard Le Chateau Sancerre, Loire Valley

The 2022 Le Château is a finely poised style offering both tension and tenderness. Yes, the fruit is ripe with a lemon barley nature and elderflower, but it also retains a gentle freshness that's backed up by a fine, chalky line and rich structure. The 2022 is a relatively quiet wine and will come into its own as it progresses in bottle. A Sancerre that needs food.

94 points Rebecca Gibb M.W., Vinous Media July 2024

Brothers Florent and Clément Pinard have established Domaine Vincent Pinard among the finest producers in Sancerre. Based in Bué, their family estate is celebrated for Sauvignon Blancs of remarkable texture, elegance and individuality. Le Château is one of their most distinguished vineyard wines, showing just how sophisticated and ageworthy Sancerre can be.

Sourced from a prized limestone rich site in Bué, Le Château combines the concentration of old vines with the freshness and mineral character of the region's chalky soils. The warm 2022 vintage has given the wine generous fruit and depth, beautifully balanced by vibrant acidity and a finely structured palate.

Pale gold with delicate green highlights. Ripe white peach, lemon zest and pink grapefruit mingle with elderflower, crushed flint and a hint of fresh fennel. The palate is concentrated and beautifully textured, with succulent citrus, subtle orchard fruit and a firm chalky mineral backbone. Gentle smoky notes and a distinctly saline character carry through an exceptionally long, refreshing finish.

Try it with grilled lobster and preserved lemon, pan fried turbot with fennel, or a goat's cheese and asparagus tart. Its depth and mineral character also make it a wonderful partner for sashimi, particularly kingfish with yuzu and sea salt.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2036+. A beautifully structured Sancerre that should develop greater savoury complexity with careful ageing.