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We’ll get to Boulay, but first…..a few thoughts on Sancerre
It’s my belief that we’re witnessing a return to glory for the region of Sancerre. Not that the prestige ever quite went away, but wine drinking society certainly turned its back for a bit on what they perceived to be a region and a style that was almost too classic, too well understood. Part of the problem was that Sancerre experienced a major jump in production following the 90s and early 2000s that wasn’t always backed by top quality juice in the bottle. At its best, this region shows a wonderfully complex side of sauvignon blanc that no other place can. That steely lemon and grapefruit citrus, delicate white flowers, and subtle smoky aromas of gunflint. Where New Zealand SB is brash, bold, and obvious, Sancerre is tense and mysterious. And to me this difference is mirrored by the change that’s sweeping Western palates. Asian flavors are becoming a mainstay on the menus of many restaurants and preferences are shifting towards lighter, freshness focused dishes that showcase more vegetarian and vegan variations than ever before. The classic American diner food can still be found, but it’s playing second fiddle to the local Thai lunch spot.
Enter Boulay
What this means to the discerning wine drinker is that Sancerre may become more and more a part of your dining room experience, and the white you’re compelled to open. There are a whole host of new producers that are worth trying, but there are also the classic names that never stopped producing at the highest level. Gerard Boulay is one such name that stirs excitement in the tasting circle at a mere mention. The domaine which is located in Chavignol can trace its history back to 1380….yeah….that’s almost 700 years folks. Most of the vineyard lies on organically hand-farmed Kimmeridgian (terre blanche) soils which mimick the terroir of Chablis and bring immense freshness to the wine. Production is also classic, with wines fermented with natural yeast (huge for complexity) and aged in a mix of Foudres and used 300L barrels. Gerard is a patient and enigmatic figure that sees his obligation to the vines as one where he does not interfere, but rather allows the land and mother nature to express itself in a precise and crystalline form of Sancerre.
I’ve tasted Boulay side by side with some of the absolute best Sauvignon Blanc out there. Below is a photo from a recent SB focused tasting I did with some friends and family. While there were certainly stunning wines all over the flight, few had quite the unique combination of energy and finesse that the Boulay delivered. I was extremely impressed. Luckily for you we’ve got Boulay’s wines on sale now so that you can recreate your own experience. Inevitably though, you’re going to want a half case or more of this stuff as the weather and your palate demands it.
Buy any 4-8 bottles for a 5% discount
Buy any 9+ bottles for a 10% discount
Discounts will be applied after orders are received.
Offer ends on Wednesday May 29th at 9AM PST
Available Bottlings of Boulay:Gerard Boulay Sancerre Clos de Beaujeu 2022 750ml $59 special, 12 bottles availableImporter Note “One of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Boulay’s parcel lies within the original Clos of the vineyard, established by the monks of Beaujeu in the Middle Ages. The walls of the Clos are no longer standing as they were originally built from clay and hay, and did not withstand the test of time. Boulay farms a 0.75 hectares plot of 30- to 60-year old vins where the soils are pebbly, lime-rich and strewn with fossils. Along with the 60% gradient for much of the vineyard, the rocky soils make this parcel very difficult to farm. Clos de Beaujeu is the source of some of Boulay’s deepest, most structured wines and savory, spicy examples of Chavignol that are built to last.” Gerard Boulay Sancerre Mont Damnes 2022 750ml $59 special, 22 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Mont Damnes 2022 1.5L $119 special, 3 bottles availableImporter Note “Boulay began farming the steeply sloped Mont Damnés vineyard in 1982. His plot has an average vine age of 45 years. Mont Damnés’ reflective soils and south-facing exposition make it one of Chavi¬gnol’s warmest sites. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons.” Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote 2022 750ml $64.50 special, 24 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre La Cote 2022 1.5L $64.50 special, 3 bottles availableImporter Note “Boulay’s parcel in “La Grande Côte,” which is partially owned and partically rented, is one of three designated Crus of Chavignol and is reputed for producing wines of incredible precision. Vintage 2010 was the inaugural release. Overall, Gerard Boulay’s “terre blanche” vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and soil-inflected Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire, with a delineation and minerality often reminiscent of a top Chablis. Boulay is certainly among the top examples of the appellation, including Boulay’s neighbors (Cotat Bros., Vatan). These are gorgeous, highly complex wines that are a clear step above “regular” Sancerre, and can age easily for 10-20 years or more. In fact, we have had them all the way back to the 1959 which was magnificent! They confirm Boulay’s place in the top ranks of Loire Valley vignerons. (referred to by the Cotat brothers as La Grande Cote)” Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 750ml $74.50 special, 21 bottles available
Gerard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2022 1.5L $149 special, 3 bottles availableImporter Note “From 50-75-year-old vines located in the sweet spot of the Mont Damnés vineyard (bottom of the slope, near Clos La Neore of Vatan), this is often the most powerful wine from Boulay’s lineup. Vintage 2005 was the inaugural release.” All of Boulay’s wines that we have a available are below, with some excellent rose and Sancerre Rouge to boot!
| BOULAY WINES AVAILABLE NOW |
VWS PRICE |
AVAILABLE |
LINK |
| BOULAY SANCERRE BEAUJEU 2022 |
$59.00 |
12 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE BEAUJEU 21 MAG |
$119.00 |
6 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE COMTESSE 2022 |
$74.50 |
21 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE COMTESSE 22 MAG |
$149.00 |
3 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE LA COTE 2022 |
$64.50 |
24 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE LA COTE 2022 MAG |
$129.00 |
3 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE MONT DAM 22 MAG |
$119.00 |
3 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE MONTS DAMNES 22 |
$59.00 |
22 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE ROSE 2022 |
$28.00 |
30 |
Link |
| BOULAY SANCERRE ROUGE ORIANE 17 |
$44.00 |
9 |
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| BOULAY SANCERRE ROUGE ORIANE 20 |
$49.00 |
16 |
Link |
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