François Crochet is one of the best producers in Sancerre today, and while his name may not yet carry the recognition of Vatan, Cotat, or Vacheron, the quality of his wines belongs firmly in that conversation. François studied in Beaune and honed his skills with Bruno Clair in Burgundy before returning to Bué to take over his family domaine, and his approach today combines organic and biodynamic farming with remarkably precise, vineyard-driven winemaking. He is known for being among the earlier growers to harvest in Sancerre, yet his wines never show greenness, instead achieving a beautiful balance of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and expressive minerality. Le Chêne Marchand is one of Bué's great vineyards: a high-elevation, south-facing site planted with roughly 40–45-year-old vines on a thin layer of rocky clay over limestone, producing some of Sancerre’s most profound Sauvignon Blancs. The 2023 is textbook Chêne Marchand, with ripe citrus and white stone fruit joined by fresh herbs, subtle florals, and an intense chalky mineral character. There is fantastic concentration and texture, but also tremendous energy and precision, with the interplay between intensity and harmony making this one of the standout Sancerres of the vintage. 2023 is one of the all-time best here, and at this low price, it's a terrific opportunity to buy one of the most exciting terroir-driven Sauvignon Blancs being made in Sancerre right now from a domaine to watch closely.
Vinous (Rebecca Gibb MW) 95 pts! The 2023 Le Chêne Marchand is a full, mouth-filling style with excellent texture and line. Despite its expansive, ripe nature, this is not heavy. One of the first sites picked by Crochet, it displays an intensely chalky texture. That chalkiness is joined by appetizing flavors of lemon balm and a hint of herbaceousness. It is impeccably balanced, with satisfying, sinewy tension. This is so far removed from the average Sauvignon Blanc. (Drink between 2025 - 2035)
Decanter (Beverley Blanning MW) 95 pts! Bright, citrussy, elderflower nose and a powerful, harmonious palate. It's tempting to describe this as pure refreshment, but it delivers so much more than this. Mineral and salty, satisfying and complete, with a lingering finish, this is a glorious, refined Sancerre – one of the best. From the sunny, early-ripening Chêne Marchand vineyard, the grapes are farmed biodynamically, hand-picked and matured in large oak. (Drink between 2025 - 2030)
2023 François Crochet Sancerre Le Chêne Marchand
2023 François Crochet Sancerre Le Chêne Marchand
François Crochet is one of the best producers in Sancerre today, and while his name may not yet carry the recognition of Vatan, Cotat, or Vacheron, the quality of his wines belongs firmly in that conversation. François studied in Beaune and honed his skills with Bruno Clair in Burgundy before returning to Bué to take over his family domaine, and his approach today combines organic and biodynamic farming with remarkably precise, vineyard-driven winemaking. He is known for being among the earlier growers to harvest in Sancerre, yet his wines never show greenness, instead achieving a beautiful balance of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and expressive minerality. Le Chêne Marchand is one of Bué's great vineyards: a high-elevation, south-facing site planted with roughly 40–45-year-old vines on a thin layer of rocky clay over limestone, producing some of Sancerre’s most profound Sauvignon Blancs. The 2023 is textbook Chêne Marchand, with ripe citrus and white stone fruit joined by fresh herbs, subtle florals, and an intense chalky mineral character. There is fantastic concentration and texture, but also tremendous energy and precision, with the interplay between intensity and harmony making this one of the standout Sancerres of the vintage. 2023 is one of the all-time best here, and at this low price, it's a terrific opportunity to buy one of the most exciting terroir-driven Sauvignon Blancs being made in Sancerre right now from a domaine to watch closely.
Vinous (Rebecca Gibb MW) 95 pts! The 2023 Le Chêne Marchand is a full, mouth-filling style with excellent texture and line. Despite its expansive, ripe nature, this is not heavy. One of the first sites picked by Crochet, it displays an intensely chalky texture. That chalkiness is joined by appetizing flavors of lemon balm and a hint of herbaceousness. It is impeccably balanced, with satisfying, sinewy tension. This is so far removed from the average Sauvignon Blanc. (Drink between 2025 - 2035)
Decanter (Beverley Blanning MW) 95 pts! Bright, citrussy, elderflower nose and a powerful, harmonious palate. It's tempting to describe this as pure refreshment, but it delivers so much more than this. Mineral and salty, satisfying and complete, with a lingering finish, this is a glorious, refined Sancerre – one of the best. From the sunny, early-ripening Chêne Marchand vineyard, the grapes are farmed biodynamically, hand-picked and matured in large oak. (Drink between 2025 - 2030)
