2023 Domaine Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Blanc Côte des Monts Damnés

Winery Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Domaine Henri Bourgeois is a family business with a long history in Chavignol, the heart of Sancerre. The winery is currently run by the tenth generation and is known for its focus on terroir expression and precision. The vineyards are spread across the best slopes of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, with particular attention to calcareous soils. Sustainable practices are employed, with a strong focus on biodiversity and soil life. The style is pure, energetic, and focused on tension and finesse. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

The Monts Damnés is one of Sancerre's most iconic slopes. This steep, south-facing vineyard lies above the village of Chavignol and is known for its Kimmeridgian marl, rich in fossilized shells. These soils provide pronounced minerality and a clear structure in the wine. The climate in the Loire Valley is temperate, with cool nights that preserve freshness and sufficient sunshine for optimal ripening. In 2023, a relatively balanced growing season resulted in healthy grapes with ripe aromas and retained tension, which translates into a wine of both precision and accessibility.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The grapes for this cuvée come from old Sauvignon Blanc vines on the steep slopes of the Monts Damnés. Due to the southern exposure, the grapes receive abundant sunlight, while the calcareous subsoil ensures natural yield limitation and a concentrated style. The combination of altitude, slope, and soil type yields wines with depth and a clear structure. Planting density is high, and grass cover between the rows creates additional competition among the vines, contributing to the intensity and precision of the fruit.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest takes place at optimal ripeness, with only healthy grapes being selected. After gentle pressing, cold settling follows to clarify the must. Fermentation proceeds slowly in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic purity. Subsequently, the wine ages for approximately 8 to 10 months on the fine lees, which provides extra texture and complexity without losing freshness. This approach results in a wine that is both crisp and accessible, with a clear focus on balance and tension.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a clear, light golden-yellow color. The nose opens refined with notes of ripe pear, lime, and subtle spiciness, complemented by a light salinity typical of this soil. On the palate, precision and liveliness are immediately apparent. The structure is tight but not austere, with a beautiful balance between ripe fruit and fresh acidity. The medium-bodied character is supported by an energetic acidic structure that gives the wine length and tension. The influence of aging on the lees creates a slightly creamy mouthfeel, while the finish is refreshing and slightly savory. The wine develops beautifully in the glass, revealing increasing layers, with a persistent, juicy, and slightly savory finish.

Development and drinking window

This Sancerre is already very accessible and ready to drink immediately, but has sufficient structure and concentration to develop further over the coming years. The drinking window is roughly between 2024 and 2028, during which the wine displays its freshness and fruit in the first few years and develops more complexity and depth later.

Summary of professional reviews

The 2023 Côte des Monts Damnés scores 92 points and is praised for its balance and liveliness. The wine combines aromas of pear, lime, and spicy notes with a precise structure and fresh acidity. The finish is described as juicy and slightly savory, underscoring its gastronomic versatility. The wine can be enjoyed young or aged for a short period. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.