2010 Vincent Gaudry "L'Esprit de Rudolf" Sancerre

Since 1993, Vincent Gaudry has been a pioneer and a trailblazer in Sancerre for pursuing his own unique brand of biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. His production reflects his deeply held feelings about the power of the earth and the expression of his terroir. A commitment to biodynamic viticulture in a region not generally know for being at the forefront of the organic, back to the terroir movement does not always endear Vincent Gaudry to his contemporaries, but travelling against the current doesn't much concern this independent minded winemaker. An homage to Rudolf Steiner, founder of modern day biodynamic viticulture, Vincent Gaudry's L'Esprit de Rudolf is issued from grapes grown on a single west-facing, hillside parcel of old vines planted in flint (silex) based soils over clay/limestone base. It is raised in Burgundy barrels of varying age and generally bottled in the summer after the vintage. While showing the classic aromatic profile of Sauvignon Blanc: grapefuit, citrus, white flowers, honeysuckle, and chalk, where this cuvée really distinguishes itself is in its density on the palate. Long and silky, it seems to rest on the tongue long after it is down the gullet. Persistance, length and volume are the qualities which the flint soils contribute and the weight of this wine seems to carry the delightful fruit in waves that saturate the palate to delightful effect.