Awards and citations:


1997: Le Prix du Champagne Lanson Noble Cuvée Award for investigations into Champagne for the Millennium investment scams

2001: Le Prix Champagne Lanson Ivory Award for investdrinks.org

2011: Vindic d'Or MMXI – 'Meilleur blog anti-1855'

2011: Robert M. Parker, Jnr: ‘This blogger...’:

2012: Born Digital Wine Awards: No Pay No Jay – best investigative wine story

2012: International Wine Challenge – Personality of the Year Award




Sunday 3 April 2016

Recently enjoyed Loires in late March


2012 Vouvray Sec, Domaine du Clos Naudin, Philippe Foreau
Very precise, classic Vouvray Sec 

Two very good Vouvrays from Philippe Foreau: 2012 Sec above and 2003 Demi-Sec below


 2003 is famous as the heatwave year 
This lovely demi-sec while rich has good balance of acidity.
Just delicious, especially paired with blue cheese  
 
During our three week stay in the Loire we enjoyed (avec modération) a number of good bottles. This should be the first post of several. 

 1989 Cuvée Cénomane, Coteaux du Loir, Joël Gigou
Red from the Loir Valley – 100% Pinreau d'Aunis or mainly so.
This was an emergency consummation as I discovered that 
the cork had been leaking and the level was mid-to low shoulder.
Showed how resilient Loire wines can be still in 
very good, spicy condition. Memorable!  
 

Crémant de Loire Rosé, Lamé Delisle Boucard
100% Cabernet Franc 
Very attractive, light red fruits, delicate 


2008 Sancerre. Henry Natter 
Excellent mature and complex Sancerre from 
the consistently good Henry Natter, who is based in 
Montigny at the western end of the appellation.
Underlines again that good Sancerre can age beautifully    

 Crémant de Loire, Brut Zéro, Château de l'Aulée
100% Chenin Blanc and brilliant value from this 
Azay-le-Rideau based domaine


 2014 Pélo, Saumur-Champigny, Le Petit Saint Vincent  
Good concentration of black fruits but retaining freshness in the finish.
Yet another 2014 Cabernet Franc showing very well at the moment

 2011 Vieilles Vignes, Saumur-Champigny, 
Château de Villeneuve, Jean-Pierre Chevallier 
Softly fruited 2011 red showing that this vintage 
is showing well at the moment 
and shouldn't be overlooked
 
2003 Anjou Villages Brissac, Domaine de Bablut, Christophe Daviau
Rich, concentrated and now mature 

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