We sure hated running out of Luc Prieur’s 2023 Sancerre Blanc earlier this summer. And, by all accounts, 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 and we all get to enjoy, in time for Thanksgiving, two 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 (a.k.a. The White Label), 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! Or 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 2023? 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 2023 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. Or that Thanksgiving turkey! And save some too. Its reputation for aging is unparalleled.