Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres Clos Devant le Jeu Chenin Blanc 2023

Sherbert, crushed rock, rock crystals, a hint of something saline. These are some of the flavours and textures that greet the palate when approaching the 2023 Clos Devant le Jeu. As is evident in the Anjou Blanc, this is all about terroir-driven minerality (black schist being at the basis of the soils here) with this wine being more taut and drawn-out than its sibling. This really vibrates with energy, drip-feeding you with flavours of confected lime, green apple and ginger. A fantastic wine - cutting-edge dry Chenin Blanc. - Ches Cook, Five Way Cellars.

This site almost adjoins Clos de la Hutte separated only by stone walls which line the tiny lane-way chemin de la Hutte. One hectare planted in 2020 with 3 massale selection vines coming from 2 of the most famous Loire producers and a third selection made by Thibaud. Remaining 1.3 ha planted in 2022 with similar rootstock taking his holding to 2.3 ha on sandy clay over black schist which is very prominent in the vineyard. Aged mostly in large Stockinger barrel and this 2023 is the first harvest from the 2020 plantings. Shows markedly different character to the Clos de Fremine - perhaps closer to Clos de la Hutte with more rocky minerality compared to the silky finesse of Clos de Fremine. Remarkable depth and character for this first wine. 2023 - 95 points, Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins, Bettane & Dessauve 2027