Gerard Boulay, Sancerre Comtesse, 2017 AFKATT_2025 high-elevation site of decomposed pink

high-elevation site of decomposed pink granite in the windswept hills above Fleurie

ten years on it is starting to open

drinking well now with more to come

and blood orange unfold alongside leather

it's the Pinot Noir of Burgundy that really inspires Niko Brandner

Gerard Boulay, Sancerre Comtesse, 2017 AFKATT_2025 high-elevation site of decomposed pinkThe apex of Grard Boulay's range, and the powerhouse of the pair at the top of his range. Comtesse comes from vines 50 to 75 years old planted at the bottom of the Monts Damns slope deeper argilo calcaire, maximum sun exposure, one of Chavignol's warmest spots, just along from Vatan's Clos La Nore and Boulay has only bottled it separately since 2005. Where his La Cte is linear and chiselled, this is broad shouldered and dense. The bouquet weaves