Nicolas Gaudry understands that great wine comes from the finest terroirs. When he acquired this coveted parcel of Les Champs de Cri from his dear friend Marc Deschamps, he inherited something special: ancient 70-year old vines at the top of the hill, rooted deep in “Caillottes” (Oxfordian Jurassic) and “Barrois” (Portlandian) limestone—a similar geological profile to Grand Cru Chablis.

This isn't just any vineyard in Pouilly-Fumé. It's the vineyard that consistently produces wines of uncommon depth and longevity. In the tiny hamlet of Les Loges, known as the “village of vignerons,” this site has almost mythical status.

Gaudry's meticulous hand-harvesting and gentle winemaking preserve every nuance of this exceptional terroir. If you are passionate about French white wine, and need the very best from villages like Chassagne-Montrachet and Pessac-Léognan, this remarkable Pouilly-Fumé needs to be in your glass as soon as possible.

Why You'll Love It

• Grand Cru Quality: Longtime SommSelect subscribers may recall we’ve referred to this vineyard as “The Bâtard-Montrachet of the Loire.” It miraculously combines the piercing minerality of top-tier Sancerre, the brooding mystery of mature Vouvray, and the depth of Grand Cru Chablis. It’s an absolute MUST for any Loire enthusiast.
  

• Ridiculous value: While similarly complex Sauvignon Blanc-based wines from neighbors like Dagueneau and Edmond Vatan continue to climb in price and reputation, Gaudry’s “Les Champs de Cri” remains a neglected and ridiculously underpriced gem.
  

• Limestone magic: The “Caillottes” and “Barrois” limestone-clay soils deliver a mineral signature that rivals the complexity of Grand Cru Chablis.
  

• Age-worthy elegance: Les Champs de Cri develops fascinating secondary notes over 5-10 years. The nose reveals layers you don't expect from Sauvignon Blanc—yes, there's citrus peel and white flowers, but also roasted almonds, wet stones, and a haunting chalky, truffly note that only comes from limestone soils.

How to Serve It

• Serve at 50°F in white wine stems.
  

• Drink now through 2035.
  

• Pair with oysters on the half shell, or a perfectly ripe Crottin de Chavignol. Not too fancy: Complex wine shines with simple food.
  

• Decant older bottles 30 minutes to allow them to bloom.