Boudignon/Thibaud Savennières Clos de la Hutte 2018

95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Monsieur Boudignon’s parcel in the Clos de la Hutte lieu à dit were planted in 2011, so these vines are a touch older than those in the Clos de Frémine. They too are farmed organically, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and raised in demi-muids, with fifteen percent of the larger casks new for this bottling in 2018. This is even a touch lower in octane than the above, coming in at an even twelve percent alcohol and delivering a beautiful aromatic constellation of quince, breadfruit, a lovely base of stony minerality, lanolin, citrus peel, a hint of oak and a topnote of paraffin. On the palate the wine is vibrant, fullish and intensely flavored, with great cut and grip, laser-like focus and a long, complex and energetic finish. This is outstanding young Savennières- tightly-wound out of the blocks, but with immense potential. It is still a puppy today, but certainly quite drinkable, though the real fireworks will require a few years’ worth of bottle age to unfold. 2021-2045. (May/Jun 2021)"

Bordeaux native Thibaud Boudignon is one of the most exciting up-and-coming producers in the Loire Valley. He has been producing organic and biodynamic wines under his own name since 2009 and emphasizes a minimalist mentality in his cellar. ‘Clos de la Hutte’ is a 7-hectare ancient religious site located in the commune of La Possonniere. Juice is vinified in a combination of demi-muid and stainless steel, which leads to an aromatic and intense wine loaded with flavors of wet stones, citrus rind, tart pear, schist, and gun flint. Sharp, clean, and insanely easy to drink.