Domaine Daulny has long been one of our quiet benchmarks in Sancerre, but the Clos de Chaudenay is where Étienne Daulny truly flexes. This is his top, walled vineyard—south-facing, perched on a mound of pure Kimmeridgian limestone, and planted to old vines that consistently deliver depth well beyond the appellation’s reputation for lightness. The site sits just outside Verdigny and has all the raw material for greatness: sun, limestone, and naturally low yields that concentrate flavor without sacrificing freshness.

The 2023 vintage captures that balance perfectly. Fermented in stainless steel without malolactic fermentation and finished with about 20% aging in neutral 600L demi-muids, this is Sauvignon Blanc with real gravitas. It’s powerful yet controlled, richly textured yet incisive—layered citrus, stone fruit, chalky minerality, and a saline drive that keeps everything in tension. This is Sancerre that rewards attention, built to age, yet priced to drink now and often.

Why You’ll Love It

• Power without heaviness: Old vines and Kimmeridgian limestone deliver depth, structure, and length without losing purity

• Collector-grade Sancerre: A serious single-vineyard wine that punches far above its price

• Built to evolve: Thrilling today, with 5–7 years of graceful aging ahead

How to Serve It

• Give it air: A quick 15–30 minute decant unlocks its full aromatic range

• Cool, not cold: Serve around 50–55°F to highlight texture and minerality

• Table-friendly: Outstanding with buttery fish, shellfish, roast chicken, or simply on its own