Savennières Clos Devant le Jeu

Filled with pride, Thibaud led us through the Clos de la Hutte, past the Clos Frèmine, and on to Clos Devant le Jeu, where he combined his immense experience and the best genetic material—the process of selecting the wood from his favorite, because best, vines for grafting is called Sélection Massale, as has been done here—and planted a vineyard that has the potential to produce incomparable wines.

Devant le Jeu slopes gently down to the banks of the Loire, but does not reach the watercourse, and is located right next to Frèmine. Oh yes, the name, or rather the word Jeu, has nothing to do with games, as it comes from Gaulish and means something like wooded hill.

The aroma of this wine is indescribably beautiful and incredibly present, yet delicate and fleeting.

Athletic, chiseled, and wonderfully energetic, this Chenin Blanc moves across the palate, which it then fills powerfully before departing with flying colors. The finish of Clos Devant le Jeu makes you scan the label suspiciously. How does Thibaud manage to give this infinitely elegant wine such an unmistakable presence?

This wine is magical, and it is not the only one from the Boudignon cellar to which this attribute applies.

Yes, I do find it somewhat difficult to describe this wine, and therefore recommend that you form your own opinion, in the hope that you will be at least as enthusiastic about Clos Devant le Jeu as we all are here.