Domaine Merlin-Cherrier

11 Hectares of Sauvignon blanc in Bué,one of the principal hamlets surrounding the old walled town of Sancerre. Bué occupies a small pocket-canyon west of Sancerre, and the hills above this village on three sidea are covered with vines. Bué's soils have more compactchalk and less marl and clay than the neighboring villages of Chavignol or Verdigny, or Sancerre itself. As a result its Sauvignons are distinguished by their perfume of citrus and minerals, their finesse and their precision.

Merlin-Cherrier is blessed with two tiny parcels of Chêne Marchand, the top vineyard in Bué and recognized as one of the Sancerre appellation's crown jewels - a certain candidate for Grand Cru status, were Sancerre vineyards ever to be ranked.

Clos Chene Marchand vineyards form a magnificent complete amphitheatre on the outskirts of the village of Bue. They produce some of the finest Sancerres which benefit from maturing in bottle for a few years. It is highly aromatic with an intense flavour with nuances of peaches, goose-berries and quince. A very fine bottle indeed. [read on...]

£16.05

Normally as the grapes ripen each year the sugar increases and the acidity level decreases. In 2008, during the ripening period the acidity remained high, producing very well balanced wines with intense flavour and bouquet. This wine is a classic example. Healthy perfectly ripened berries. There is a fleeting hint of elderberry flowers, peach and quince on the nose and a supple ripe mature unctous flavour with citrus notes. [read on...]

£13.30