The 2020 Croix du Roy from Lucien Crochet shows just how refined, expressive and terroir-driven Sancerre Pinot Noir can be. Sourced from old vines rooted in limestone and clay slopes around Bué, this cuvée delivers a beautifully lifted aromatic profile — red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petals and a gentle woodland spice. The vintage brings vivid fruit purity and a fine, supple texture, wrapped around a mineral backbone that speaks unmistakably of its Loire origins.

In magnum format, the wine gains an extra dimension of harmony and ageing potential. The palate is elegant yet surprisingly deep, with silken tannins, bright acidity and a lingering finish shaped by red berries and subtle earth tones. Croix du Roy 2020 is a superb choice for those who enjoy Burgundian finesse with a Loire twist, and the magnum offers an impressive table presence for gatherings now or ageing gracefully over the coming decade.

The Crochet family is one of the benchmark names in Sancerre, renowned for an unwavering commitment to precision, purity and terroir expression. Founded by Lucien Crochet through the merger of his father’s and father-in-law’s domaines, the estate has grown into one of the most respected in the region. Today it is led by Lucien’s son, Gilles Crochet, who has continued to refine the domaine’s approach, emphasising meticulous vineyard work, low yields and sensitive winemaking that allows each parcel to speak clearly.

Their reputation was first built on exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, but the domaine’s Pinot Noir — particularly Croix du Roy — has become increasingly sought after. Gilles works with old vines, limestone-rich soils and careful élevage in large oak to achieve reds of purity, finesse and quiet power. The style is understated yet full of character, combining Burgundian elegance with the distinct minerality of Sancerre. The result is a range of wines that consistently sit among the Loire Valley’s finest.

Pinot Noir (100%)

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered and expressive grape varieties, prized for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect terroir like no other. Native to Burgundy, it thrives in cool to moderate climates and is notoriously thin-skinned and finicky to grow, requiring careful vineyard management. In the glass, Pinot Noir typically offers delicate aromas of red berries—such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry—alongside floral notes, forest floor, and subtle spice. Its light to medium body, gentle tannins, and bright acidity make it both graceful and food-friendly. Whether from the limestone slopes of Burgundy, the coastal vineyards of California, the hills of Oregon, or New Zealand’s Central Otago, Pinot Noir captivates with its finesse, transparency, and the ability to age gracefully, making it a favourite among both winemakers and wine lovers alike.

Loire Valley