Ihad high hopes for this tasting, given the unprecedented, unbroken run of good to very good vintages from 2014 to 2020. Although there were some very good wines, there were also too many disappointments, even from 2018, showing harsh, green tannins that may never soften. Fellow judge Ben Llewelyn confirmed this outlook: ‘The overall impression of the wines was moderate, with some shining stars. Difficult vintages, especially a series of frosted years, have tested the mettle and patience of growers in the region and it showed in many of the wines.’
The tasting covered vintages from 2021 to 2014, plus one from 2011. There were examples from the Pays Nantais, Anjou, Saumur and Chinon, Bourgueil and St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, but none from eastern Touraine. Awarding two Outstanding and 18 Highly recommended, it was clear that
