Vincent Pinard Sancerre Flores 2021

2021 has produced an beautiful yet tiny vintage of classic fine Sancerre's at Vincent Pinard, and this is the flag-bearer which can be found in many of France’s 3 star restaurants, some of which have been pouring and listing it for 50 years or more. Which only serves to highlight the consistency of the domaine, from Vincent’s father’s tenure, right through Vincent’s and now on to that of his sons Florent and Clément.

Fruit for Florès is selected from their younger vines (but now pushing 40 years old!) around Bué, all estate owned. The key vineyards are Emois, Vallons, Petit Chemarin, Le Bourg, Crépon, Dargente and Bois Brulés. For the 2020 the wine was fermented in 80% large oak cask and 20% stainless steel, as the brothers have progressively increased the use of large oak over the last several years. The result is a wine that is still crisp and racy in the classic Sancerre style, but also with more texture, depth and complexity than it had 10 years ago.

‘The 2021 Flores is a very delicate style that offers breadth without heaviness. Having undergone the malolactic conversion, there's a touch of creaminess and roundness, which brings an approachability and ease to this acid rich vintage. If you want a delightful aperitif this summer, start here. Drink 2023-2026.’ 89 points, Rebecca Gibbs MW, Vinous Media, June 2023.