New York, September 18, 2008 --Didier Dagueneau, 52, the maverick producer of Pouilly-Fumé, died yesterday in France in a small plane accident. A perfectionist, Dagueneau was known for the purity of his wines, and his philosophy of working hard in the vineyards in order to do as little as possible in the cellar. His Pouilly Fumé Cuvée Silex and Pur Sang are known the world over. His total dedication to making authentic wines has inspired many winemakers in the Loire Valley, and his formidable passion for life extended to other areas such as art.

“The wine world has lost a great vigneron and the world has lost one of the most original, charming and mischievous characters to ever grace a vineyard row” said Joe Dressner, of Louis Dressner Selections in New York City.

I never met Dagueneau, though it was high on my list to do so. He came to the Bay Area fairly often, though. Many people considered him to be the greatest maker of Sauvignon Blanc in the world. I wouldn't disagree. I enjoyed his wines on many, many occasions and his single-vineyard Buisson Renard is a wine that is special to me and my wife for many reasons.

Silex was Dagueneau's most famous wine and it's still available on the market, though expensive. I have a bottle sitting in the fridge and will toast to honor the great winemaker tonight.