2020 Clotilde Davenne, Saint-Bris Vieilles Vignes

Clotilde Davenne stewards her Vieilles Vignes parcel—comprising vines over 80 years old—with a rigorous focus on site expression, employing hand-harvesting and a meticulous sorting process to secure physiological ripeness. Hailing from the Kimmeridgian limestone soils of the Saint-Bris appellation in the Auxerrois, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks and undergoes full malolactic fermentation to temper the variety’s inherent nerve. The 2020 growing season, defined by significant summer drought, yielded concentrated, low-yield fruit that resulted in a structural profile characterized by power and density. The final wine spends 18 months on its lees, a technical choice that integrates this vintage’s inherent tension with a broad, silky texture and a persistent, saline finish.