The 2019 William Fèvre Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc is a unique white wine from the Saint-Bris appellation in Burgundy, France, notable for being the only Burgundy AOC that permits Sauvignon Blanc. Produced by the prestigious Domaine William Fèvre, this wine is characterized by a fresh, intense bouquet with prominent notes of blackcurrant bud, boxwood, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is fresh, round, and silky, offering spontaneous expression and exquisite lightness. The wine is hand-harvested, undergoes a 12-hour pre-fermentation maceration for fruit extraction, and is fermented and aged in stainless steel for 8–10 months to preserve its freshness and varietal typicity. No oak is used, ensuring a clean, mineral-driven profile that reflects the Kimmeridgian limestone and clay-silt soils of the region.
Critics Review
- Natalie MacLean: “Still my all-time favourite Sauvignon Blanc! William Fèvre, Saint-Bris 2019 is a Burgundy… [with] vivacious gooseberry and citrus with a mineral aspect and plenty of refreshing acidity.” She praises its craftsmanship and refreshing character.
- CellarTracker Community (Average 89.4/100): Reviews highlight its pale lemon color, medium body, and high acidity. Tasters note flavors of lemon, green apple, grapefruit, minerals, and white pepper, with a light creamy mouthfeel and elegant complexity. One reviewer described it as “somewhere between Muscadet saltiness and Chablis limestone,” offering a unique Sauvignon Blanc experience with a savory finish.
- Le Figaro Vin: Describes it as a “joli sauvignon droit, frais et pur” (a lovely, fresh, and pure Sauvignon) with a broad, ample finish and beautiful texture.
- General Commentary: Critics emphasize its Sancerre-esque qualities, with vibrant citrus, minerality, and a lighter body compared to Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs like Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. Its Chablis-like weight and minerally finish make it a standout for those accustomed to New Zealand or California styles.
Food Pairings
The 2019 William Fèvre Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc pairs exceptionally well with:
- Seafood: Oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, and little neck clams.
- Fish: White fish dishes, particularly with light, citrus-based sauces.
- Green Salads: Fresh salads with herbaceous or citrus dressings.
- Cheeses: Goat cheese and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
- Poultry: Lemon chicken or herb-roasted poultry.
- Charcuterie: Light cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami.
- Spicy Dishes: Spicy curries, where its acidity and fruitiness balance heat.
Its high acidity and mineral profile make it versatile for light, fresh dishes, particularly those with seafood or tangy components.
Drink Window
The 2019 vintage is drinking well now (as of May 2025) due to its fresh, crisp character and stainless steel aging, which prioritizes immediate approachability over long-term cellaring. Sauvignon Blanc from Saint-Bris is typically best consumed within 3–5 years of the vintage, suggesting an optimal drink window of 2019–2024, though well-stored bottles may remain vibrant into 2025. Critics note its elegance and complexity make it enjoyable now, particularly for seafood pairings, with no significant benefit to further aging
