I said in one of these emails recently that I regarded Sadie Family Mev Kirsten as one of the five finest Chenin Blancs in the world (perhaps in the top two). The only example of Chenin Blanc which I think might eclipse it is the Huet Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg, which is among the world's finest dry white wines. And, at $44.99, it is certainly one of the finest for under $50.
The 2019 has received a 97 point score from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (the highest score ever awarded by TWA to a Chenin Blanc): "The 2019 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Sec offers a deep, rich yet pure and refined, intensely aromatic, darker-toned nose with aromas of fully ripe stone and tropical fruit intertwined with earthy, chalky and yeasty notes that make up for further finesse and complexity. Full-bodied, round and fruity on the palate, this is a deep, intense, juicy, silky-textured yet tight, chalky, very complex, sustainably structured and persistently salty-mineral Chenin from old vines that give extra concentration as well as a spectacularly expressive character. This is a great, age-worthy Vouvray with fine tannins and lingering salty tension and finesse. What a finish! The 2019 needs a while to gain finesse and even more complexity. The wine served from the bottle that I tasted nine days before was incredibly amazing! The 2019 is a duty for all Chenin aficionados! 13.5% alcohol. 97 points."
And from Antonio Galloni: "The 2019 Sec Clos du Bourg is a wine of stature and vertical build. There is real gravitas to the orchard fruit, spice and earthy flavors. Tasted blind, Clos du Bourg might be confused with a red wine such is its feeling of volume and structure. Far from an easygoing Vouvray, Clos du Bourg is a very serious wine. I loved it. In a word: marvelous. In three words: don't miss it. 95 points."
If you can find a cheese called Epoisses (Whole Foods sometimes has it), let it soften on the kitchen counter for a couple of hours until it is soft and cut the top off by looping dental floss around it and pulling it tight. Eat it with a spoon with the Huet Vouvray for a match made in heaven!