Thibaud Boudignon Savennieres La Vigne Cendree 2020

This tiny site of 0.5 ha on soils of clay over purple schist and granite lies high above Chateau de Varennes not far from La Roche aux Moines. Thibaud bought and renovated this plot in 2014. This small vineyard is enclosed by trees on all sides so it is a peaceful space where one hears only the birds. "La Vigne Cendrée", in spite of its small surface is an exceptional mosaic of terroir : purple schist, granite and clay silt. Because of the clay and the southern exposition, this wine is naturally richer. Half is aged in 226 litre burgundy barrels and half in foudre, with no new wood, for 12 months. This wine is very "Burgundian" except that there is no malo resulting in a wine with great drive and length though also good texture and complexity from the ageing on lees. Just 2,000 bottles produced from this unique and tiny vineyard.

””Zen” is the best word to describe the 2020 Les Vignes Cendrees. It is a very pretty style with pure nectarine fruit, pineapple and a trace of grilled nuts. The wine blossoms in the mouth, offering texture. The wine spent 18 months on lees without being racked, but it retains a sense of weightlessness. The avoidance of the malolactic conversion at this estate means there’s a line of acidity that makes the mouth water incessantly while an attractive Indian tonic bitterness creates an additional layer of complexity.”  95 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media, June 2022