Domaine A Cailbourdin Pouilly-Fume Les Cris 2023

WS90
V90

“Les Cris” refers to a special parcel with pebbly limestone soils (caillottes) and southwest exposure, giving this wine a distinct expression of minerality and terroir. Domaine Alain Cailbourdin crafts this wine from old vines (40-70 years) and younger plantings, combining ripeness with elegance.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Vines are planted on thin, limestone-rich soils which impart flinty, chalky character. Fruit is harvested at perfect ripeness and vinified using clean methods (such as stainless steel) to preserve freshness and varietal purity. The terroir’s minerality is front and center, with care taken to balance fruit intensity, structure, and acidity.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw in color. On the nose: fresh citrus (lemon, lime), green apple, pear, and stone fruit like peach, accented by chalk, flint, and a subtle herbal lift. On the palate: lively acidity meets a textural richness—saline and minerally notes merge with fruit. There’s a graceful tension between ripeness and freshness, finishing long, clean, and with lingering minerality.

“Les Cris” refers to a special parcel with pebbly limestone soils (caillottes) and southwest exposure, giving this wine a distinct expression of minerality and terroir. Domaine Alain Cailbourdin crafts this wine from old vines (40-70 years) and younger plantings, combining ripeness with elegance.

Vineyard & Winemaking

Vines are planted on thin, limestone-rich soils which impart flinty, chalky character. Fruit is harvested at perfect ripeness and vinified using clean methods (such as stainless steel) to preserve freshness and varietal purity. The terroir’s minerality is front and center, with care taken to balance fruit intensity, structure, and acidity.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw in color. On the nose: fresh citrus (lemon, lime), green apple, pear, and stone fruit like peach, accented by chalk, flint, and a subtle herbal lift. On the palate: lively acidity meets a textural richness—saline and minerally notes merge with fruit. There’s a graceful tension between ripeness and freshness, finishing long, clean, and with lingering minerality.

Ratings

WS90
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.""

V90
Vinepair

"Pouilly-Fumé in France's Loire Valley is famous for its limestone and flint-based soils that lend a distinct minerality to the wines. This Sauvignon Blanc definitely flaunts those chalky, flinty notes alongside hints of melon, white peaches, and lemon zest. This bottle is great to sip on its own or alongside fresh seafood dishes."

Product Detail

Size 750 mL
Producer Domaine Cailbourdin Wine
Dominant Varietal Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage 2023
Country France
Region Loire
Sub Region Pouilly-Fume
Alcohol Percentage 14.4