Nigel in the Loire during the 2005 harvest

Here are a couple of photos from Nigel's trip to the Loire in early October 2005 to see the harvest. The weather was particularly good, the vignerons very relaxed as they could wait to pick their grapes at perfect maturity and the grapes were wonderful.

Nigel with Christophe Daviau (Domaine de Babut). Christophe is explaining the various stages of botrytised Chenin

First stages of botrytis developing

Now all the wines from the vintage are in bottle, 2005 has been confirmed as a very good vintage virtually across the board, although 2007 and 2008 are more classic for lovers of minerally, dry Loire whites. Some of the sweet wines are very good and the reds have the potential to age beautifully – if they are allowed to!

Nigel's recommendations for 2005s on the restaurant list include:

Whites
Henri Bourgeois: Cuvée d'Antan, Sancerre
Domaine Ogereau: Clos du Grand Beaupréau, Savennières, Vincent Ogereau
Clos du Portail, Vouvray, Didier and Catherine Champalou
Le Volagre, Montlouis, Stephane Cossais

Reds
Les Gelinettes, Anjou Rouge, Mark Angeli
Coteau du Noire, Chinon, Philippe Alliet
Le Grand Clos, Bourgueil, Yannick Amirault


2005 was the last time Nigel was out in the Loire for part of the vintage. The region hasn't had such a good vintage since then. Coincidence? May be but there are hopes that we can put this to the test as Nigel is hoping to get himself organised to get out for a few days in late September/early October............