This is a rich and muscular, carved-from-marble SancerrefromSbastien Riffault that moves the drinker’s mind into the territory of myth. He works 12 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir vines in Sury-en-Vaux, Sancerre, the farthest eastern reaches of Loire Valley winemaking country.

Tasting Notes:Riffault’s Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc taken to its most baroque expression, allowed to rebel in its beauty without stern devotion to the cult of dryness and bracing acidity. Riffault’s wines are art-pieces, through and through.The 2014 “Sauletas” is from late harvest selection, anddisplays a deep bronze color offering aromas of orange peel, dried spice, herbal tea, and wild flowers. On the palate this is round and focused with notable depth of flavor and some bright acidity on the finish.

Vinification: 100% Sauvignon Blanc hand-harvested from 50 year-old biodynamic vines grown on limestone soil. The grapes ferment in old barrels and age for 24 months in oak and 6 months in bottle. Unfined, unfiltered, no additional SO2. 13% ABV