Clos Saint-Jacques 1985, Jasnières, Joël Gigou,

3 August 2009

Last night we opened this 1985 Saint-Jacques that we have had for a number of years – proabbly around 20. Lightly gold in hue with little indication that this is now nearly 25 years old and still very lemony, mineral and austere, especially when first opened when it was a little too cold. More weight when it warmed up but classic Jasnières from Joël, who for many years flew the flag for the appellation. Thrilling wine if you like this austere, no holds barred style of Chenin Blanc.

Domaine Saint-Just: report finished

The boys in brilliant white!: Arnaud and Yves Lambert@Salon des Vins de Loire 2009 with a bottle of L'Ardoisier, their sparkling red

The report on my June visit to Domaine Saint-Just is now complete – click here.

Arnaud drawing a barrel sample: June 2009

Sancerre: not just wine....

Street name (White Goat Street) in the old part of Sancerre

The photo is a reminder that Sancerre isn't just famous for its wine but also its goats and their cheese. Before the wines of Sancerre took off on the world stage, there would have been a patchwork of cultures rather than the now virtually unbroken vineyards as for most farmers vines were only a part of their activity. They practised polyculture often having a few goats, rabbits as well as growing corn and vegetables. Now there are very few goats in Sancerre or Chavignol as the herds are now kept outside the wine appellation zone.

There is, however, still a very good goats' cheese maker in the centre of Chavignol – Dubois-Boulay. Their Crottin de Chavignol are highly recommended especially with a glass of Sancerre Blanc. Their shop is open every day from 1st March to 11th November.