As is often the case with estates named after their founders, subsequent generations (who may be due enormous praise) can feel hard-done-by when their appreciating public are under the impression that the "name above the door" is still in charge. We have no doubt that the young Stéphane Riffault is far above such worldly concerns especially when he is consistently regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the entire Sancerre appellation.

Son of founder Claude Riffault, Stéphane has made his mark on his terroir and his domaine in a manner like few others in such a short period of time. Consistently releasing wines which are the envy of legendary winemakers more than twice his age, he manages 33 different parcels of vines in eight lieu-dits, spread across four villages in the Loire Valley combining to a total of 13.5 hectares. In the estate’s relentless drive for perfection in harmony with the stunning natural surroundings, the entire harvest is completed by hand and Stéphane puts his wife to work managing the team, whilst he himself focuses on rigourous sorting and gentle pressing of the fruit.

Having both studied and worked in Burgundy (Stéphane spent time with Olivier Leflaive), there are noticeable Burgundian influences throughout his wines. Not in terms of attempting to emulate the characteristics of Chablis, but rather the attention to detail in the vineyard and emphasis on single lieu-dit expressions. These wines are Loire through-and-through, elevated to dizzying heights.