Sancerre blanc “Chambrates” AOC 2020

The cousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have been working organically for many years, but only became biodynamically certified in 2007. This step was the logical consequence of the uncompromising quality thinking of the two, who have the grapes from the 47-hectare domaine all picked by hand.

The Chambrates vineyard is located on a plateau not far from Le Paradis. The soils consist of red clay and are covered with caillotes, the white limestones from the Jura. The vines are on average 40 years old, the must is fermented spontaneously and then aged for ten months in Stockinger barrels.

Bright straw yellow with green reflections, bright and clear.

The 2020 Chambrates from Domaine Vacheron appears energetic and full of tension at the shop. The scent of wet stones is reminiscent of caillottes, the thick limestone pebbles from the Jura. Above it floats the bell-like fruit, reminiscent of white currants, crisp yellow pears and green mandarins. Elderflower in the top note mixes with the distinctive impression of finest white pepper with delicately citrusy notes reminiscent of cedar wood or vetiver. A richly endowed aroma wheel in constant change and therefore a clear case for the big, expensive glasses.

On the palate, it is full of tension and yet surprisingly open-hearted. The firm yellowish fruit is carried by an electrifying minerality that makes you think you are licking a block battery. A punchy melange of juice and power with notes of cassis leaf, white currants, yellow gooseberries, citrus and saline notes reminiscent of oyster shells. Energetic with ravishing extract, this is clearly a long distance runner that will benefit from further years of bottle ageing.