1976 Le Mont Demi-Sec,Vouvray SA HuetIan imported Huet wines for many years
Have just heard the very sad news that Ian Smallridge of Prestige Vintners died this morning. Ian had been ill for some time – first with cancer and then a heart problem.
Ian was a great Loire enthusiast and imported wines from many of the leading growers Huet, Couly-Dutheil and Lame Delisle Boucard (Domaine des Chesnaies, AC Bourgueil). Despite dealing with Loire producers over many years, Ian never learnt to speak French, he left that to his wife Therese.
He was also a lover of fine fino from Jerez. Even on trips to the Loire, Ian would make sure he took along a few bottles with him.
He was a man of great charm – one of nature’s gentlemen. My thoughts are with Therese and Ian's family.
Prestige Vintners
Lake Tawstock. Barnstable
1976 Le Mont Demi-Sec, Vouvray, Huet
Drank this as an aperitif on Friday night and showing wonderfully well. Burnished gold, honeyed complexity, a thrilling balance of quite rich fruit and austere acidity and great length. From a very hot year and showing no signs of decline, the 1976s should continue to delight for many years. A wine of pristine purity and undoubtedly a grand vin.
Its quality would have delighted, although not surprised, Ian.
Ian was a great Loire enthusiast and imported wines from many of the leading growers Huet, Couly-Dutheil and Lame Delisle Boucard (Domaine des Chesnaies, AC Bourgueil). Despite dealing with Loire producers over many years, Ian never learnt to speak French, he left that to his wife Therese.
He was also a lover of fine fino from Jerez. Even on trips to the Loire, Ian would make sure he took along a few bottles with him.
He was a man of great charm – one of nature’s gentlemen. My thoughts are with Therese and Ian's family.
Prestige Vintners
Lake Tawstock. Barnstable
1976 Le Mont Demi-Sec, Vouvray, Huet
Drank this as an aperitif on Friday night and showing wonderfully well. Burnished gold, honeyed complexity, a thrilling balance of quite rich fruit and austere acidity and great length. From a very hot year and showing no signs of decline, the 1976s should continue to delight for many years. A wine of pristine purity and undoubtedly a grand vin.
Its quality would have delighted, although not surprised, Ian.
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