Claude Riffault Sancerre Les Boucauds 2022
The tank sample of the 2022 Sancerre Les Boucauds is lightly hazy as it is still awaiting its light filtration before bottling. This large lieu-dit with differing proportions of clay on limestone brings a good sense of weight in the mouth; the richness is thanks to the deeper clays at the bottom of the sloping vineyard. While the electric acidity of 2021 comes through on the finish, the richness of the palate envelops and balances the acidity. Expect elderflower, just-ripe pineapple and crisp apple flavors on the tension-filled finish. - 92pts Vinous
The 2022 Sancerre Les Boucauds is an assemblage of several parcels of the eponymous lieu-dit that has clay-based marl at the bottom of the slope and becomes richer in Kimmeridgian fossils and limestone as the slope rises in altitude. Aged in barrels for 10 months, this is another very attractive Sancerre of the vintage that opens with more discreet, refined and coolish tropical fruit on the elegant, pure and balanced, finely mineral/iodine-like nose. On the palate, this is a pure and tensioned, very mineral and energetic yet harmonious and textured Sancerre with concentration, fine tannins and playful and vivacious yet ripe and fine acidity. Lime and grapefruit juice, kiwi and gooseberry as well as passion fruit seed aromas populate the finish and aftertaste of this very elegant Riffault classic that was produced according to the biodynamic rules of the (French) Biodyvin group. 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in March 2023. Best After 2023. - 93pts Robert Parker