2024 Gerard Boulay Sancerre a Chavignol (750ml)

Few names carry more weight in Sancerre than Gérard Boulay. This small, nine-hectare family domaine in Chavignol can trace its history back to 1380, when land records cite Jean Boulay as owner of vineyards in the village. Of those nine hectares, eight are planted on the steep slopes of Chavignol in Kimmeridgian limestone, or "terres blanches," soils closely related to those of Chablis, which Boulay has farmed organically since 1990 and works entirely by hand. The youngest vines on the estate were planted in 1972, giving the domaine an average vine age of around 45 years.

Gérard adds no commercial yeast and little to no sulfur during vinification, describing his role as one of "surveillance," letting the wine live and following his instincts rather than imposing a winemaking formula. The wine ferments naturally in tank and ages for eight months on lees, with roughly 95% in tank and 5% in large used wood.

The 2024 is racy and complex, opening with bright citrus and herbaceous notes that reveal melon, pink grapefruit, white pepper, and minerals with aeration. The palate is lush and mouth-coating, with wonderful acidity and very good balance.

Pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh oysters, grilled fish, and shellfish
• Chavignol goat cheese and arugula salads
• Herb-roasted chicken and spring vegetables