Roc De L'Abbaye Sancerre Le Roc 2023
(Loire Valley, France) - [WE 93 [JS 91]

About the Winery:
Domaine Roc de l’Abbaye is located in Saint-Satur, a village in the heart of Sancerre with winegrowing origins dating back to the 11th century. Saint-Satur is famous for its ancient abbey and its Silex (flint) terroir on the hillsides bordering the Loire river. Silex is a coveted soil type, found in only 15% of the vineyards in Sancerre, that produces wines with brilliant minerality, acidity and precision with trademark smoky notes.

The domaine has been helmed by the Mollet family for generations. Winemaker Florian Mollet has been managing it since 2000, building a modern cellar and expanding the family estate to 42 acres. Each parcel is vinified separately in small stainless steel tanks to maintain site specificity. The domaine holds 12 parcels total in Sancerre, with 24 acres of Sauvignon Blanc and nearly 4 acres of Pinot Noir. Their parcels in Pouilly-Fumé are made up of nearly 15 acres of Sauvignon Blanc. The estate’s farming practices, which have earned two certifications, focus on preserving the ecosystem, delivering quality and maintaining local heritage. The wines are fresh, textured and refined, with a distinct minerality that is indicative of the soil.

About this Wine:
This exceptional “Grand Cru” Sancerre Blanc is sourced from a singular parcel located in the middle of a south-facing hillside, an optimal location that delivers elegance, balance and tension – a dynamic wine. Florian Mollet employs slow and gentle pressing before fermenting the juice at cool temperatures to maintain aromatic intensity.

In 2023, ideal conditions through July, allowed for optimal vine growth and uniform cluster development. An early September heat wave required strategic harvest decisions. Ultimately 2023 delivered grapes of exceptional quality, making vinification easy and providing finished wines with exquisite fruitiness, freshness and distinct flint character.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
Appellation: Sancerre AOC
Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyards: Clos du Roc monopole on a south-facing hillside above the winery and cellars in Saint-Satur
Soil: pink, black and grey Silex (flint)
Vine Age: 40 years
Maturation: 8 months on lees in Burgundian barrels from the Troncais forest with frequent stirrings to conserve aromatic freshness and impart an elegant structure
Alcohol: 13%

Tasting Notes:
A subtle blend of Earl Grey tea, smoke and citrus compels the first sip, which offers intense stone fruit, chiseled minerality and a lingering finish. Enjoy with goat-milk cheeses, seafood, dishes with citrus and butter sauce, roasted vegetables, spicy cuisine and salads.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points & Editor's Choice- Wine Enthusiast:
"In 2023, ideal conditions through July, allowed for optimal vine growth and uniform cluster development. An early September heat wave required strategic harvest decisions. Ultimately 2023 delivered grapes of exceptional quality, making vinification easy and providing finished wines with exquisite fruitiness, freshness and distinct flint character." - Reggie Solomon (Dec 2025)

91 Points - James Suckling:
"A textured, crisp and succulent Sancerre. On the nose aromas of apples, stones and wild herbs dominate, following through to a medium body with bright acidity. There is a vertical dimension here, with a focused stream of crunchy fruit mingling with the stony minerality. Flavorful finish with excellent length. Drink or hold." (Sept 2024)