JIm@2015 Decanter World Wine Awards

 In the middle of judging some Loire whites

My thanks to John Switzer who took the photos

Surrounded by a duo of legends: 

John Livingstone-Learmonth (left) – Andrew Jefford (right)

Decanter World Wine Awards 2012

Chris Kissack: the Wine Doctor 

It's going to be a busy week as it is judging time for the 2012 Decanter World Wine Awards. Once again I will be regional  for the Loire and, for the first time, judging for the Loire will now stretch from Monday to Thursday. I have a blend of old and new panel members. 

On Monday's panel will be Chris Kissack, The Wine Doctor flying in from Edinburgh and a well established Loire DWWA judge. He will be joined by master sommelier Yves Desmaris and Ken Mackay MW, whose buying responsibilities for Waitrose include the Loire. 

Amongst other things it will be fascinating to see how the 2011s are developing and how closely they correlate to how they were tasting only a few weeks ago in the valley itself.        

John Livingstone-Learmonth: King Roan considering the form

The week is also a great opportunity to catch up with many wine people from around the world. 

I gather that once again the DWWA has attracted a record entry this year with over 14,000 wines. As I said it will be a busy week!