We’re delighted to release a quartet of 2005s from the Loire as part of our ongoing Prêt à Prendre series from four delightful growers. The 2005 vintage was one of the most magical in recent memory along the Loire, with even ripening, small berries, no excess heat (unlike 2003, for example), leading to concentrated, well-structured and finely-balanced wines.
In Muscadet, we have the «Le “L” d’Or» from Domaine Luneau-Papin, with its exquisite mix of stone fruit, lees and mineral flavours, all melded together with a persistent yet gentle acidity. The Muscadet Réserve from Michel Brégeon is altogether different, its full body due to the long aging on lees (60 months before bottling!) and impenetrable, dark gabbro bedrock. Both are drinking very nicely now.
We also have a series of contrasts with our two Chenin Blancs – a dry, powerful and mature Savennières «Les Genêts» from Damien Laureau, having shed some of the oak influence and now showing the schist/flint nature of the terroir, along with the honey notes of older Chenin Blanc. Similarly, the sweet Vouvray Cuvée Botrytis from François Pinon is showing honey and fresh flowers, with a touch of tea leaves from the botrytis. Both wines will age further, but they are at a very nice stage now, especially for pairing with food.
