2023 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Demi-Sec, Loire

This off-dry Vouvray has terrific depth and a lovely creaminess that’s hard to resist, but it’s tightly wound and needs some time for the aromas to unfurl. With some aeration, red apple and honeysuckle notes emerge. Long, very clean finish that’s pretty dry thanks to the bright acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling

Few names carry more weight in Vouvray than Domaine Huet. Established in 1928 by Victor Huet and his son Gaston, the estate has become one of the world's greatest ambassadors for Chenin Blanc. Today, under the stewardship of the Hwang family and estate director Sarah Hwang, Huet continues its biodynamic philosophy, producing wines that beautifully express the individuality of its legendary vineyard sites. Le Mont is one of the estate's crown jewels, a vineyard renowned for wines that combine richness, minerality and extraordinary longevity.

Perched on the Première Côte overlooking the Loire Valley, Le Mont is planted on shallow clay soils over the region's distinctive tuffeau limestone. The demi sec style allows a touch of residual sweetness to complement Chenin Blanc's naturally vibrant acidity, creating a wine of remarkable harmony. The 2023 vintage has delivered fruit with superb concentration and freshness, resulting in a wine that is both immediately captivating and built for the cellar.

Pale gold with bright green highlights, the aromas unfold gradually, revealing quince, yellow apple and ripe pear alongside white peach, honeysuckle and lemon curd. Layers of chamomile, wet stone and delicate spice emerge with time, reflecting the vineyard's distinctive mineral character. The palate is beautifully poised, balancing luscious orchard and stone fruit flavours against a spine of precise acidity. Notes of baked apple, citrus marmalade and acacia honey flow effortlessly across the tongue, while the limestone driven minerality keeps the wine focused and vibrant. The finish is exceptionally long, leaving impressions of pear, citrus blossom and chalky freshness.

This is a wonderfully versatile food wine. Pair it with roast pork and apple, glazed ham, Thai prawn curry, seared scallops with pumpkin purée or a roasted cauliflower and almond tart. It is equally at home alongside washed rind cheeses or a classic tarte tatin. While already enchanting, the balance of sweetness, acidity and minerality will allow it to evolve gracefully for two decades or more.

Cellaring: Drink now through 2048 and beyond.