2023 Thibaud Boudignon Clos de la Hutte Savennieres, Loire Valley

Thibaud Boudignon has become one of the Loire Valley's most admired winemakers, producing Chenin Blanc of exceptional purity and character. His meticulous work in the vineyards and cellar has earned him a devoted following, with Clos de la Hutte regarded as one of his finest achievements. This remarkable Savennières is a wine of extraordinary finesse, concentration and ageing potential.

Clos de la Hutte is a small, walled vineyard in Savennières that Boudignon painstakingly restored and replanted. Its schist influenced soils and carefully tended vines produce Chenin Blanc with remarkable mineral intensity. The 2023 combines the vintage's ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and a beautifully restrained structure.

Pale gold with luminous straw highlights. Quince, ripe pear and yellow apple mingle with lemon oil, chamomile, crushed stone and a hint of beeswax. The palate is concentrated yet wonderfully precise, with succulent orchard fruit, electric citrus acidity and a firm, almost crystalline mineral character. Subtle notes of almond, white flowers and savoury spice carry through an exceptionally long, saline finish.

Try it with grilled marron and lemon butter, roasted cauliflower with hazelnut and sage, or pan fried John Dory with fennel and saffron. Its depth and mineral freshness also make it a superb partner for delicate seafood dishes featuring fresh truffle.

Cellaring: Drink 2028 to 2045+. A serious, beautifully structured Chenin Blanc that should reward patient cellaring for decades.