Raphaelle Guyot La Valse

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Burgundy, France

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc

Alcohol: 13.5%

Some of the most underappreciated Burgundies we've ever tasted are produced by Raphaelle Guyot. Her property is close to Saint Bris, the only appellation in Burgundy that permits Sauvignon Blanc to be used as a component of the AOC region. Geographically, it is virtually closer to the Loire than it is to Burgundy's actual heartland. Raphaelle uses a combination of fruit from negociants and her own farm. She works the soils with her horse and tries to cultivate various grains next to the vines as part of her holistic approach to winemaking and farming.

La Valse is arguably one of the most amazing wines we have recently tasted. It is made from Saint-Bris Le Vineux Sauvignon Blanc, grown on a plot with limestone and clay soils that was planted with vines in 2011. The fruit is all whole bunch direct pressed, and once it has sat for 12 hours, it is racked. It spontaneously ferments and is aged in antique barrels for a whole year. A true mouth-filler with earthiness, white flowers, luscious juicy lemon, and distinguishing minerality. Fans of Sauvignon Blanc shouldn't miss this one.