Les 5@Café de la Promenade: 1989, 1976, 1964 and 1959

 The 1964 cork

 1989 cork and bottle 

Last night four of Les 5 – David Cobbold was unable to get away from Paris until early this morning – were treated to a great vertical by Philippe Pitault (Domaine Pitault-Landry in Bourgeuil) and Thierry Foltzenlogel (Domaine Taluau-Foltzenlogel in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. We started with the 1989 and 1976 (from Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil) and concluded with the 1964 and 1959 from Bourgueil. All showed well, although the 1959 was the least impressive of the four with quite strong acidity showing through and without quite the quality of fruit still present in the other three. 

A forceful demonstration that contrary to the received idea that Loire reds are light, fruity and should be consumed young, the best wines have the ability to age well especially in very good vintages.  

 1989 cork and crystals 

Before the vertical we tried a sparkling red from Michel Thibault – unfortunately Hervé's verdict was rather over hasty!

 Crudities 

 Guillaume Lapaque 

 Marc Vanhellemont

Philippe Pitault

Thierry Foltzenlogel

In the Cave of Café de la Promenade

Marc Vanhellemont

Michel Smith

Café de la Promenade, Bourgueil