2018 Roger et Didier Raimbault Vieilles Vignes Sancerre 750 ml

The Sauvignon Blanc grape has a spiritual home. It is Sancerre.

The region in central France produces some of the most gorgeous examples of the grape—wines like the 2018 Roger et Didier Raimbault Vieilles Vignes, which bursts with the effusive fruit, herbal complexity, and vibrant character that define this revered grape and have made it a superstar the world over.  

The Raimbault domaine is located in the Verdigny commune, right in the heart of Sancerre. The family’s holdings comprise 51 different parcels of vines set on the sharp slopes of Verdigny and Sury en Vaux.

Pulling on a family winegrowing legacy that stretches back 400 years over 10 generations, father Roger Raimbault and son Didier have allowed their old Sauvignon Blanc vines to reach a staggering level of maturity—nearly 40 years—and with that age comes depth. The roots of their vines have sunk 20 to 30 feet underground in the terres blanches, the dense clay-based soil that is prized in the region. These plants push through complex geological layers and mineral deposits, straining for water and nutrients and putting out beautifully concentrated grapes. 

One sip of this wine tells you that you are tasting something special. It abounds with fresh lemon and green pear, complemented by notes of lemon curd, lemongrass, and exotic spices. It’s dense on entry, but lifted by an electric acidity and accented by fresh herbs, exotic spices, and a lingering trace of limestone minerality—an absolutely stunning exemplar of Sancerre’s one-of-a-kind style of Sauv Blanc.