Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre (Loire Valley, France) “Le Pave” 2023 ($110, North Berkeley Imports)

For generations, the Vacheron family has defined the benchmark for Sancerre. Today, cousins Jean-Dominique and Jean-Laurent Vacheron carry that legacy forward with vision and precision. Burgundy remains their guiding influence, and at their best, the wines reach a level of finesse and depth reminiscent of Grand Cru bottlings. Each of their wines reflect a shared thread of crystalline clarity, elegant structure, and striking minerality. “Le Pavé” stands among their most compelling expressions—soaring with notes of flint, crisp green apple, pear, white peach, and a lift of lemon zest. Persistently salty and refined, it is Sancerre at its most expressive—and Sauvignon Blanc at its zenith.
95 Miranda Franco