Domaine Alain Cailbourdin Pouilly-Fume "Les Cris" 2022
(Loire Valley, France) - [JS 91] [WS 90]

About the Winery:

Alain Cailbourdin came to Pouilly-Fumé to work a harvest while attending university and never left after falling madly in love with this beautiful region. It was in 1980 that he bought his first 2 ha parcel of Silex laden Sauvignon Blanc and officially established Domaine Alain Cailbourdin. Since that time, his reputation has grown exponentially, eventually reaching the very heights of the appellation with wines of complexity and intense minerality.

In a region full of high volume, industrial wine, Alain refreshingly follows the philosophy of making traditional and high quality Sauvignon Blanc. With vineyards located in some of the most choice, Silex heavy sections of Pouilly-Fumé, he works hard to not obfuscate the beauty of the terroir. Every parcel is vinified separately so that he may have the maximum control over the quality of each vintage. All the fruit is hand harvested, yields are kept very low and stainless steel tanks are used to age all of the wines. The wines display a terroir focus that has become rare in this region, and we couldn’t be happier to represent these honest and delicious wines.

About the Wine

Harvested on the best limestone slopes in the appellation blessed with southwestern exposure, this cuvee is a true thoroughbred and the most characteristic of our wines.

Les "Cris" is the local term used to describe a parcel of vines planted in caillotes or pebbly limestone soil.

Technical Data

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Indigenous yeast

No malo

Fermented and aged in stainless steel

Tasting Notes

This beautifully mineral and saline Sauvignon Blanc shows a captivating bouquet of lime zest, white peach, lemongrass, and quince. The palate is bright and refreshing with flavors of grated ginger, jasmine tea, pink grapefruit and wet stone, leading to a long crisp finish.

Ratings & Reviews

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Prototypical nose of white currant and flint for this appellation that is very fresh and delicate. Very straight and elegant on the medium-bodied palate with more than enough depth to balance the racy finish with its lime and blackcurrant zestiness." - Stuart Pigott (February 2024)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Sweet green herb notes wrap around flavors of green apple and juicy lemon, while snap pea and salty mineral accents add complexity. Crunchy hints of flint line the palate, which is round and viscous as density builds. There's just enough zip on the finish to keep this balanced and firm. Drink now. 5,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported." - Kristen Bieler (July 2024)