2021 Edmond Vatan Sancerre "Clos La Néore", Loire Valley, France - 1.5L MAG

ABOUT THIS WINE

Clos La Néore is a tiny, south-facing monopole within the famed Monts Damnés vineyard in Chavignol—one of Sancerre’s most revered terroirs, known for its Kimmeridgian marl soils and dramatic slopes. The 2021 vintage is classically cool, marked by freshness, tension, and crystalline definition. Harvested by hand from old vines, the fruit is vinified with extreme simplicity: indigenous yeasts, neutral tank aging, and no manipulation. What results is a Sauvignon Blanc of rare restraint and terroir clarity—more akin to Grand Cru Chablis in spirit than typical varietal Sancerre. Aromatically reserved but detailed, with notes of lime blossom, crushed oyster shell, and grapefruit pith, it pairs impeccably with raw shellfish, chèvre, or delicate white fish preparations.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Edmond Vatan is a legendary figure in the Loire Valley, long admired for his uncompromising dedication to purity and tradition. For decades, he crafted just a single wine from Clos La Néore, releasing it only when he felt it was ready. Now in the hands of his daughter Anne Vatan-Foucault, the estate continues its minimalist approach—eschewing modern technology in favor of intuition, experience, and respect for place. No chemicals are used in the vineyard, and yields are kept exceptionally low to concentrate expression. Bottled only in limited quantities and never manipulated for style, Clos La Néore is among the most age-worthy and terroir-expressive Sauvignon Blancs in the world, and in magnum format, it becomes a monument to patience and precision.