Claude Lafond Les Grandes Vignes Reuilly Rouge 2018

We haven’t been this excited about a Pinot Noir in a while …

First, let’s talk “hard to find.” Reuilly is a tiny commune in France’s eastern Loire Valley. What little amounts of wine they do export to the U.S. are mainly white (Sauvignon Blanc, to be exact). The Pinot Noir, however, remains something of a treasured local secret. But thanks to our connections – and the persistence of our expert on the ground, Jehan – the cat is officially out of the bag.

What makes this one extra special? It’s all in the name, dear wine lover.

André Lafond fell in love with vine growing in early ’60s France, and dreamed of seeing his beloved parish restored to its former vinous glory. (At the time, the region grew mainly cereal grains, but André knew Reuilly had a rich winemaking heritage dating to the 7th-century.)

Getting his neighbors and friends to plant grape vines may have started out as a simple passion project, but it grew to a full-on mission – after André’s passing, his son Claude took up the reins and quickly became “the driving force behind the renaissance of Reuilly” (Wine Enthusiast). Today, Claude’s daughter Nathalie has proudly picked up baton passed down to her.

Just wait till you taste her handiwork. Hailing from the fantastic 2018 vintage – a year that’s being heralded as one of the finest in recent memory – it’s gloriously fresh and elegant (classic “cool climate” Pinot hallmarks). But there’s also an impressive depth of juicy red and black fruit character. If you call yourself a Pinot fan, this one’s a can’t-miss.