2022 Etienne Bodet Saumur Graippeaux Blanc

100% Chenin Blanc planted 1953 + 1957 almost directly across the road from his Clos Durandiere vineyard near the family house and cellars in Montreuil-Bellay. From a cooler north-west facing vineyard in the village of Montreuil-Bellay this is the first vintage of this single vineyard white wine raised in barrel with no malolactic fermentation and no S02 during elevage. Etienne selects the heart of the pressings discarding the last press for this wine aiming for maximum elegance and finesse. Aged for 2 years in barrel and for another year in bottle before release in January 2025. The extra time in bottle has given more expression to this tightly coiled wine with beautiful aromatics giving gentle hints of tarragon and anise and Chartruese herbs together with bright apple and orchard fruit aromas. Excellent length and intensity on the palate yet so fine and restrained at the same time.