A late-harvest wine that steps outside the rules to reveal something unexpected
Some wines follow the framework of their appellation. Others step beyond it, not to challenge for the sake of it, but to explore what is possible. “Estime” 2014 from Domaine Laporte is one of those wines — a rare and unusual expression of Sauvignon Blanc, shaped by patience and intention.
Because while it comes from the vineyards of Sancerre, it cannot carry the name. By choosing to harvest later and create a naturally sweet wine, it moves outside the boundaries of the appellation, becoming simply a Vin de France. Yet in doing so, it reveals a completely different perspective on both the grape and the region.
Domaine Laporte – tradition with a sense of freedom
Based in the heart of Sancerre, Domaine Laporte is known for its precise and expressive wines, rooted in the classic identity of the region. Sauvignon Blanc here is typically associated with freshness, tension, and mineral clarity.
But beyond this well-defined style, there is also room for exploration. With “Estime”, the winery steps slightly aside from tradition, while still maintaining the same attention to detail and respect for the vineyard.
It is not a departure from Sancerre, but rather an extension of what the terroir can offer under different conditions.
Late harvest – time as an ingredient
The key to understanding “Estime” lies in the timing of the harvest. Instead of picking the grapes at their usual point of ripeness, they are left longer on the vine, allowing them to accumulate more sugar and develop deeper flavours.
This technique, known as late harvest, changes the balance of the wine entirely. As the grapes continue to ripen, their juice becomes more concentrated, bringing both sweetness and aromatic intensity. At the same time, careful vineyard management ensures that freshness is preserved, preventing the wine from becoming heavy.
In some cases, this extended ripening can also lead to partial dehydration of the berries, further intensifying the character of the wine.
Sauvignon Blanc in a new light
In “Estime” 2014, Sauvignon Blanc reveals a very different personality. The sharp, citrus-driven profile often associated with the grape softens, giving way to riper, more generous aromas.
Notes of exotic fruit, candied citrus, and delicate floral hints emerge, carried by a smooth, rounded texture. Yet what makes the wine particularly compelling is the balance: the natural acidity of Sauvignon Blanc remains present, lifting the sweetness and keeping the wine vibrant.
It is this tension — between richness and freshness — that defines the wine and gives it its elegance.
A wine outside the rules, but true to its origin
Because of its sweetness, “Estime” cannot be labelled as Sancerre. The appellation is strictly defined around dry wines, and this cuvée sits deliberately outside that framework.
And yet, it remains deeply connected to its origin. The same soils, the same climate, the same grape — simply interpreted in a different way. In that sense, it is both outside the rules and entirely faithful to its place.
A different kind of experience
“Estime” 2014 is not an everyday wine. It invites a different kind of moment — perhaps at the end of a meal, alongside a dessert, or with something savoury that plays against its sweetness, such as blue cheese or foie gras.
It is a wine to be approached with curiosity, offering a perspective that is rarely seen in Sancerre.
More than anything, it shows that even in the most defined regions, there is still room for creativity — and that sometimes, stepping outside the framework is what allows a wine to express something truly unique.
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