Loire Valley Vintage 2017
After Jo Locke MW's usual quick visit at harvest time it was clear that 2017 would yield some excellent results. Following her regular February 2018 trip she was delighted to report that she couldn't remember when she was last so excited by a Loire vintage!
Muscadets are gorgeous across the board, and they are such adaptable wines and so light on the stomach. Central Vineyards sauvignons from Domaines Laloue (Exhibition Sancerre) and Riaux (Pouilly-Fumé) are delicious too, with ripeness and freshness in perfect balance. Go to Reuilly, Quincy, Chenonceaux, and Touraine sauvignons for value. Serious chenin lovers will need to wait a bit longer for the 2017s.
The reds have delightfully bright, generous fruit (though it is still early in their progress) which at harvest looked likely to be structured and concentrated as the berries were small and yielding less juice than expected. They have given wines with delightfully bright, generous fruit.
