#2 PRIMA’s ’24 for 24’ Best Wines Of The Year 2023 

We sure hated running out of Luc Prieur’s 2022 Sancerre Blanc. So did you! That lovely little wine was one of our biggest sellers of the spring! There is some good news, though, for those of you who were left without their favorite Loire Valley tipple. Reinforcements have just arrived in the form of the brand new 2023. It is, though, a little bit of a mixed blessing. The wine is, literally, just off the boat and will definitely require some time to mature and, as the supply and demand for top Sancerre regulates itself, the price is up a bit. Still, for those willing to be just a bit patient, you will be rewarded with another stupendous efforts from Luc Prieur’s Loire Valley estate, a patchwork of vineyards that encompasses almost all of the many microclimates that comprise the Sancerre appellation. All three of the most important soil types are represented in his village Sancerre AOC, as are most of its exposures. The result is an immaculately balanced, benchmark Sancerre Blanc with great persistence, character and length. This is everything we love in great Sauvignon from its bright lemongrass and green herb character to its siphoned-through-silex finish. The harvest was a large one quantity-wise (hurray!) but also extremely high quality- in fact, many are calling the vintage ‘classic’ and perhaps even a ‘grand millesime.’ Time will tell! o get those warm goat cheese rounds and wild greens ready- Prieur is back! It looks there is some availability this time but remember that wine is a staple in many top restaurants in the Bay Area so….. As for Luc’s Monts Damnés 2022? The final cases of the vintage have just arrived. If Sancerre had such a thing as a Grand Cru vineyard, this would be its most important! Affectionately called ‘damned mountain’ for its vertiginous slopes that make farming it a real challenge, those who do it well are rewarded with the appellation’s most special wines- Sauvignons of power, character and incredible age-ability. Prieur’s 2022 Monts Damnés was aged in 600 liter casks to help mellow out its initial youthful intensity but it’s still a deeply concentrated, powerful Sauvignon with thrilling acidity and impressive structure. Skip the goat cheese salad here and go for the Coquilles Saint Jacques, the whole grilled fish or lemon-tarragon roast chicken. And save some too. Its reputation for aging is unparalleled. I ordered the last couple of cases in California. I don’t know when the 2023 is due.