2024 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Sec, Loire Valley

Le Haut Lieu is where the story of Domaine Huet began. Acquired by Victor Huet in 1928, this historic vineyard remains the spiritual heart of one of the world's greatest Chenin Blanc estates. For nearly a century, Domaine Huet has set the benchmark for Vouvray, producing wines of extraordinary precision, longevity and terroir expression. Farmed biodynamically for decades, the vineyard reflects the estate's belief that great wines are born in the vineyard, not made in the cellar.

Situated on deeper clay soils over Vouvray's famous tuffeau limestone, Le Haut Lieu typically produces the most generous and approachable wines of the estate's three iconic vineyards. While Clos du Bourg often shows power and Le Mont displays tension, Le Haut Lieu is renowned for its charm, texture and early accessibility. The 2024 vintage has captured this personality beautifully, combining ripe fruit, freshness and mineral detail in equal measure.

Pale straw gold in colour, the nose opens with aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple and white peach, layered with notes of lemon blossom, quince and fresh honeycomb. As the wine evolves in the glass, subtle hints of chamomile, wet stone and lanolin emerge, adding depth and complexity. The palate is wonderfully expressive, offering flavours of orchard fruits, citrus and gentle spice wrapped around a silky, mouth filling texture. Bright acidity provides energy and balance, while the limestone influence brings a fine mineral thread that carries through a long, refreshing finish.

This is a versatile and rewarding food wine. Enjoy it with grilled scallops, roast chicken with tarragon, baked snapper, crab and leek tart, or roasted pumpkin with sage and hazelnuts. Fresh goat's cheese and Loire Valley inspired dishes are particularly successful partners. While approachable in its youth, the wine has the balance and structure to evolve beautifully for 15 to 20 years, developing greater complexity while retaining its trademark freshness.

Cellaring: Drink from now through 2045 and beyond.