2023 Dm Vincent Delaporte Sancerre, Loire Valley

There’s much to admire in this near-textbook Sancerre, which wears its pared-back, chalky elegance with quiet confidence. Delicate nettle and citrus lift the palate, though a spell of late rainfall before harvest has softened the edges, leaving the wine a touch shy of its usual tension and concentration. Even so, it remains a graceful, delicious drink.

Decanter

For generations the Delaporte family has been crafting some of Sancerre's most expressive wines, with Vincent Delaporte continuing a tradition built on meticulous vineyard work and a deep respect for terroir. From the celebrated village of Chavignol, the estate has earned an outstanding reputation for Sauvignon Blanc that captures the purity, precision and mineral character of the Loire Valley.

The vineyards are planted across the region's famous limestone, flint and clay soils, each contributing its own nuance to the finished wine. Cool growing conditions and slow ripening preserve vibrant natural acidity while allowing Sauvignon Blanc to develop remarkable aromatic intensity and crystalline freshness.

The colour is a brilliant pale straw with youthful green highlights. Aromas of grapefruit, lime and white peach are lifted by elderflower, fresh herbs and delicate flinty notes. The palate is bright and beautifully focused, carrying crisp citrus and orchard fruits across lively acidity and a chalky mineral backbone. A subtle smoky note lingers through the long, refreshing finish, giving the wine its unmistakable Sancerre character.

A superb companion to freshly shucked oysters, grilled King George whiting, goat's cheese tart, asparagus with beurre blanc or zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta. Drink over the next five to seven years while its vibrant fruit and mineral precision are at their peak.