Henri Bourgeois took over the family domaine in 1950. At the time the estate, situated in Chavignol, consisted of just 2 hectares, although the family had been making wine in the town for over 100 years. Today there are 65 hectares and the estate is overseen by Jean-Marie Bourgeois who produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the region. The wines perfectly exhibit the complexity of the terroir, being chalky with a touch of gunflint leading to a ripeness in the mouth and a broad array of flavours. This particular Sancerre comes from older vines grown on clay-flint soils and is fermented in oak barrels crafted from a majestic 400 year-old oak tree, the eldest in a long line of great oaks from the National Forest of Saint-Palais that were used to build the frame of Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Bourges. However, this mighty oak was felled in the storms of 1993 and the Bourgeois family subsequently purchased the tree to have its remains crafted into their barrels. Hence the price. 

A pure lemon-yellow in colour. On the nose, warm scents of yellow plum, green apple and pear. On the palate, a creamy acidity and firm texture with harmonious tannins and a lively acidity. The finish is lingering and rich. Drink with grilled sea bass with mint, courgette flowers stuffed with a mousseline of red mullet or squid with chilli and clams.