WTN: Who loves Boudignon?

I’ve heard a lot about Boudignon. And despite my general reluctance to spend that much money when great chenin can be had for much less, the style sounded so appealing that I gave in and bought these wines. Both at a digestible 12%.

2022 Boudignon Savennières Clos de Fremine
Definitely a new idiom of Savennières. Neither the old backwards style nor the pumped up modern style. This showed all the pure clear delicate elegance that I was expecting. Not even sure I would pick it as Savennières blind. The herbal flinty elements made me think of Chablis/Muscadet/Sancerre. As it opens it does show more of the chenin varietal notes. But whatever it is, it is silky elegant deliciousness that convinced me.

2021 Boudignon Savennières Clos de la Hutte
Was expecting a step up, but maybe not the best timing. Even more delicate and more gentle, with the added bonus of the sharper 2021 vintage that leaned sour in comparison. Needs a lot of air to kick into gear, and does become a very nice wine as the midpalate arrives at the party. Not sure if the vintage comparison was too challenging, or if this will just be a lot better with more time. It’s certainly a very delicate and elegant wine, so I’ll give it respect. But this showing did not offer that much more pleasure than the 22 Fremine, for whatever that is worth.

That's a new name for me. Sounds just the sort of Savennières I would like but pricey. This domaine does not appear in any current editions of my reference guides though Googling shows that it made a brief but honourable entry into the RVF guide around 2018. The old backwards style led me into one of my worst purchases ever, namely some mid-90s from Château d'Epiré, most of which transitioned from closed tight to oxidized without an enjoyable interlude.

That's a new name for me. Sounds just the sort of Savennières I would like but pricey. This domaine does not appear in any current editions of my reference guides though Googling shows that it made a brief but honourable entry into the RVF guide around 2018. The old backwards style led me into one of my worst purchases ever, namely some mid-90s from Château d'Epiré, most of which transitioned from closed tight to oxidized without an enjoyable interlude.

He's a relative newcomer, arrived in Anjou in the late 00s, has been slowly buying land and building up his plots. Part of the 'new wave' of Anjou producers, darling of the sommelier set, and depending how you want to subdivide and classify that new wave, he's definitely on the more elegant and electric side of things in terms of wine style. Biodynamic, all the usual obsessive details, and expensive.

I think Epire and other old names are all more generous now, due to climate change and general evolution in winemaking practices. Those old names are also much cheaper than some of these new names. The plus side is that there are many options to choose from and the scene is very dynamic!

I had heard great things about Boudignon, bought a few roses. OK, nothing thrilling. I know a CB specialist, but rose didn't make me super curious, Then Marcus Goodfellow brought a 16 Hutte to a dinner, I thought great. Looked on WS, Hutte availalbe for $100+. So remain happy to try, unlikely to buy.

... brought a 16 Hutte to a dinner, I thought great. Looked on WS, Hutte availalbe for $100+. So remain happy to try, unlikely to buy.

Yes, a lot of competition in that range, including the Collier Charpenterie, which has plenty of fans as well. And of course other regions/countries. I don't take that level lightly.