Domaine Cherrier Sancerre “L’Essentiel” 2018

Arguably the very best Crottin de Chavignol in the Loire Valley comes from the Cherrier Family. I also came to find out that the family also has 25 acres perfectly situated in the heart of Sancerre. The soil here is unique, incorporating all three soil types of Sancerre in a single bottle. It’s magical. 

But in order to let their unique terroir shine through, they have to practice the ultimate restraint in both the vineyard and in the wine cellar. Beyond organic, the vineyards are tended entirely by hand with no additives at all. In the cellar, yeasts are all natural. There’s no fining. No filtering. 

I never thought my knowledge of cheese would get my foot into the winery door but sure enough – 20 cases of their very top bottling just cleared customs earmarked for Nicholas Wines customers – and it’s 50% off the $50 release price. The L’Essentiel is hand-picked from the best parcels and aged an extra year in bottle prior to release. 

The nose is some of the most intense Sancerre that I’ve sniffed in years, at first, expressing spicy minerality, before darting in multiple directions, finally landing on sweet peach. The flavor offers all that you’d expect from the very best Sancerre – minerality, stony peaches, all perfectly balanced on an acidic backbone. 

Unfortunately, precious little of their wine makes it stateside. 25 cases are up for grabs. $50 on release – just $27 dollars today or add it into a case you get the best price in the country. Bring on the heat. Sip this one waterside and if you can – try it with a fresh goat cheese.