In fact, a look at the magnificent châteaux of the Loire brings one within striking distance of all the Touraine vineyards. Jasnières is northwest of Tours and Vouvray just north east of the town. Montlouis lies between the Loire and the Cher, just upstream from Tours.
Over 5,500 hectares of vines, producing around 350,000 hectolitres per annum. 45% red, 40% white, 8% sparkling and 7% rosé. Once again, the soil composition is complex and very varied. From “perruches”,clay with silex, to “aubuis” calcareous clay over a subsoil of chalk. In the east the soil is sandier, with clay, but there is also light gravel and sandy soil, the “faluns”.

The climate is at the confluence of two major influences. To the west maritime and to the east much more continental. The combination of soil and climate directs the choice of grape varieties. Earlier ripening varieties to the east and later maturing ones to the west.
Grape varieties : White - Sauvignon (almost 80%), Chenin Blanc and a little Chardonnay for the sparkling wines. Red - Gamay is often grown as the only variety, but not always (60% of total planted red grape surface). Also Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Pineau d’Aunis, but this last is being phased out by Cabernet Franc.
The wine of Touraine has always been served at the tables, the bistros and the bars of Paris, with an absolute apogee in the 19th Century, and this continued to a lesser degree until the Second World War.


Winter 2006 was long and cold and the budding did not start until mid April. Moderate temperatures at the beginning of May and modest rainfall helped the vines towards flowering, in mid June. It was a rapid flowering, quite homogeneous across the various appellations and without either shatter or uneven fruit set.
The weather conditions were favourable and mildew was avoided, with less pressure from other diseases as well. In consequence,less treatments of the vines were needed. The flowering was over by the end of June and the weather continued warm and dry, with certain signs of drought beginning to appear in some of the vineyards.

By the beginning of July, the small grapes were already well set and formed. Total bunches were formed by July 20th, which is slightly later than usual. However, this delay was rapidly wiped out, and later even became an advance due to the very hot, very dry July weather. The turning of the colour started on August 3rd, a full two weeks in advance, with growing unease and worry about the continued drought, with became preoccupying. However, the relative abundance of rain (40mm in the third and fourth decade) in August, diminished fears of both hydric stress and maturation stoppage.
By the end of the month, the vines were back to their “normal” development pattern for the time of year.The sugar levels were then relatively high, as was the potential alcohol degree. However heavy, sometimes violent, rain started falling on September 10th, lasting three weeks and accompanied by relatively high temperatures. These warm and humid conditions provoked several outbreaks of Botrytis at the onset of the vintage.

The earlier ripening varieties, such as the Sauvignon, the Chardonnay, the Côt and the Gamay were, where ready and mature, picked before the degradation of the weather and allowed the harvesting of grapes with high enough sugar levels and acidity to make fresh, balanced Loire wine. In Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, the wine growers pulled together to optimise picking before the crop was degraded and the positive effect of grassing the vineyards played a role in absorbing some of the moisture.
The Chenin grapes showed much more variety in evolution, according to where they were planted, the training method, the number of bunches per vine and the vigour of the plants. The possibility to effect several selective pickings was severely hampered by the rain.
The quality of the grapes, destined for sparkling wine was still good, but those grapes destined for sweet wines suffered serious damage.Overall most of the grapes were ripe, but the rain curtailed the potential of making exceptional wine.


The same trend of weather as in the other Loire regions.Ideal and beneficial conditions of warmth and dryness, interspersed by relatively small amounts of rain. The white wine - still, sweet and sparkling - proved to be a great success. The grapes were ripe, with high sugar levels and good acidity levels. They producedopulent, aromatic, energetic and very attractive wines.
The different white varieties showed their specific characteristics to the maximum as well as expressing their “terroir” particularly well, with notes of minerality, intense aromas, exotic notes, but also purity and elegance.The resulting red wines were structured, rich and quite powerful, with nice tannins that are already beginning to show smoothness and silky textures. Some grape varieties have produced very fruity wines, whilst others have imparted a lovely note of spiciness to the wine.

Unfortunately, this idyllic picture was somewhat marred by the devastating hailstorm of July 27th that ripped through the area. At Blois, the historic cathedral had its delicate, century old, glass windowpanes damaged by, in some places, chicken egg sized hail stones. 500 of the 5,000 hectares of the appellations were touched. The storm originated in the Indre-et-Loire and passed over the Cher Valley, from south to north, touching some communes more than others.Nevertheless, 2005 is an exceptional vintage in the Touraine vineyards, even if it is forcibly a small one!


AOC TOURAINE EFFERVESCENT
2006 TOURAINE EFFERVESCENT
Fines Bulles, Sparkling White Wine
Château de l’Aulée - Cuvée Intense
COLOR : Bright, pale, light yellow. Good foam, nicely fine bubbles of good activity.
NOSE : Attractive, fruity, slightly yeasty bouquet.
PALATE : Clean and fresh. Good acidity. Almost dry, biscuity finish.


AOC VOUVRAY
METHODE TRADITIONNELLE
VOUVRAY - Sparkling White Wine
Domaine Sylvain Gaudron - Brut
COLOR : Very pale, light yellow. Very good foam hold, quite fine, very active bubbles.
NOSE : Very balanced, attractive bouquet of fresh almonds, delicate floral notes, ripe fresh fruit. Refreshing, aromatic expression with fine acidity strain.
PALATE : Good mouth feel, bubble movement energetic, acidity well integrated, but fruit flavours quite shy. Quite long at the end, floral notes. Hint of earthiness. Very agreeable wine.

Domaine du Viking
Methode Traditionnelle Mousseux, Brut Non Vintage
COLOR : Pale, bright, light yellow. Good foam, fine bubbles, continuous activity, good swirl.
NOSE : Very attractive bouquet. Nicely clean and very refreshing. Hint of honeysuckle and other white blossom, ripe and fresh white and yellow fruit. Finish on relatively chalky notes. Long and lingering.
PALATE : Good refreshing acidity, clean and fresh mouth feel. Delicate, fine bubbles movement on the tongue.Very reserved flavour expression, but lovely bright and fresh finish.


AOC MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE
METHODE TRADITIONNELLE
MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE - Sparkling White Wine
Caves des Producteurs de Montlouis - Brut
COLOR : Pale, light yellow. Rapid, good foam. Very fine bubbles.
NOSE : Good yeasty, biscuity notes. Fresh and clean.
PALATE : Good attack in the mouth. Bubbles lingering on the tongue. Ripe and fruity. Long, lingering, clean finish. Lemon acidity. Very attractive and invigorating.


AOC TOURAINE
2005 TOURAINE - White
Domaine de Bellevue - Sauvignon
COLOR : Bright, pale yellow, nice green reflections.
NOSE : Fine mineral attack, delicious expression of fresh fruit – gooseberry, fresh apple. Good acidity. Length and quite deep aromas. Crisp and juicy bouquet.
PALATE : Excellent fruit with touch of citrus. Crisp, delicious acidity. Long, attractive and refreshing. Lingering fruit to finish. Well balanced.

Domaine du Pré Baron - Domaine du Pré Baron
COLOR : Very light, pale yellow, brilliant and shiny reflections.
NOSE : Complex, fragrant approach. Very vibrant acidity,
different green and exotic fruit aromas, includingvery ripe, quite rich gooseberry. Hint of citrus notes. Long and balanced. Backdrop of fine minerality.
PALATE : Very good attack, fruit, quite tight knit structure, refreshing, crisp acidity. Exotic and technicalat the same time, but with character. Relatively long finish.

Domaine Joël Delaunay - Sauvignon
COLOR : Very light, pale, almost white yellow.
NOSE : Very strongly fragranced, floral attack. Rose leaves, exotic petals. Hint of honey and grilled notes.
PALATE : Deep, yellow fruit flavours, deep and evident, combining beautifully with the fine acidity, givinga tonic effect to the wine. Nicely balanced. Quite exotic Sauvignon.


AOC TOURAINE - AZAY LE RIDEAU
2005 TOURAINE
AZAY LE RIDEAU - Dry White
Pascal Pibaleau - Noblesse d’Aziaum
COLOR : Pale, bright, light yellow.
NOSE : Cooked fruit, lemon zest acidity, honey notes. Hint of minerality and spice. Quite exotic bouquet.
PALATE : Honeyed fruit, balanced richness with crisp acidity. Long and satisfying fruit flavours. Delicate spiciness. Long and refreshing. Honeyed balanced with spicy hint of acidity towards finish. Very good, well made and harmonious wine of character.

Domaine James & Nicolas Paget
COLOR : Pale, bright, shiny lemon yellow.
NOSE : Minty minerality, very spicy bouquet with nicely expressed fruit acidity balance. Clean, fresh and ripe aromas.
PALATE : Very mellow, fragrant and rich. Firm acidity, hugely mineral with ripe fruit. Long, clean finish. Very individual, perhaps a touch abrupt at end.


AOC CHINON
2005 CHINON - Dry White.
Domaine de la Noblaie - Les Chiens Chiens
COLOR : Pale yellow, bright, shiny reflections.
NOSE : Rich, creamy, ripe fruit and minerality. Delicious and long. Crisp and clean.
PALATE : Mellow, rich and ripe flavours with lovely spicy notes. Bright acidity supporting fruit. Long in the mouth. Good firm mineral finish. Well balanced. Very attractive, well made wine.

Les Montifault
COLOR : Vivid, still vibrantly red purple edge, intense, shining purple ruby heart. Deep, ruby reflections.
NOSE : Young, juicy grapes, almost still primary. Quite spicy with lingering touch of vegetal bitterness. Peppery notes.
PALATE : Plenty of spicy fruit, but on the whole rather raw and tight. Not settled down and the tannins tend to dry the mouth. Nice dense texture. There is deep red and black fruit, which might pull the wine together and unite the various elements. Needs time to settle and then to be tasted again.


AOC VOUVRAY
2005 VOUVRAY - Dry White.
Domaine des Aubuissières - Le Marigny
COLOR : Pale yellow, golden reflections.
NOSE : Fresh attack, crisp and juicy, fruity acidity, hint of minerality, balanced expression.
PALATE : Balanced, full flavoured, fruit mellowed, but still nice and fresh. Mineral background. Quite attractive, round, supple and long. Generous.

Domaine de la Chataigneraie
Clos de la Lanterne (Sec)
COLOR : Light, yellow, shiny bright.
NOSE : Fresh, fragrant fruit, generous and lively. Nice, clean acidity. Hint of honey, touch of minerality.
PALATE : Balanced, juicy fruit, fresh acidity, mellowing
flavours. Quite long and cheerful. Bright and enjoyable, excellent with own personality.

François Chidaine - Argiles
COLOR : Pale yellow, bright and brilliant.
NOSE : Fresh, crisp, vigorous fruit and acidity. Bright to end of lively bouquet.
PALATE : Succulent fruit, deep mellowing flavours, acidity well blended, quite long fruit, right to end. Fine length. Very attractive.

Philippe Brisebarre - Vignobles Brisebarre Sec
COLOR : Very pale light yellow, shiny and bright.
NOSE : Very fresh, very vital mineral, crisp acidity. Delicate almond notes. Fine fruit aromas.
PALATE : Lovely expression of Chenin in all its nuances.Quite rich and mellowing. Long, smooth, yellow fruit. Brisk, attractive, well made wine with purity.


AOC MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE
2005 MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE - Dry White
Les Loges de la Folie - La Nef des Fous (Sec)
COLOR : Very bright, pale light yellow, shiny reflections.
NOSE : Subdued, emerging slowly. Crisp, light, fresh and bright fruit. Lovely mineral backdrop. Brisk, but restrained acidity.
PALATE : Fresh, attractive, very pronounced minerality with good fruit acidity. Good balance. Some elegance and finesse. Fine mineral finish.

Le Rocher des Violettes - Touche Mitaine
COLOR: Very bright, quite pale, light yellow. Nicely shiny.
NOSE : Fresh, brisk fruit, lovely fruit acidity; Very fine minerality. Vigorous bouquet.
PALATE : Lively fruit and crisp acidity, very finely expressed minerality. Pleasing structure. Appealing, well made wine, with delicious, juicy fruit and mineral
finish. Clean, deep flavours. Complex, refined, streamlined elegance.

Le Rocher des Violettes - La Negrette
COLOR : Bright, very pale, light yellow with shiny reflections.
NOSE : Exuberant freshness and lively fruit. Good minerality and lovely, fresh fruit acidity.
PALATE : Refined with more weight, mellow ripeness.Very crisp acidity, firmly pronounced minerality. Well made. Depth and soundness. Round, generous attractive.

François Chidaine - Clos du Breuil
COLOR : Bright, pale, light yellow, brilliant depths.
NOSE : Complex, fine and quite elegant attack. Honey, lemon crispness, delicate acidity, quite rich, fresh fruit. Delightful minerality. Long, lingering bouquet of considerable finesse.
PALATE : Refinement grows in the glass. Very fine expression in the mouth. Beautiful structure and texture.Yet remaining feather light, a caress. Very well mastered wine.

Domaine Levasseur Alex Mathur
Sec Les Lumens
COLOR : Bright, light, pale yellow, shiny.
NOSE : Bright, slightly toasted, yet lemony fruit. Almonds and mineral notes. Very open and generous aromas. Quite pure bouquet with delicate fruit acidity.
PALATE : Attack of pure, long and ripe fruit with restrained fruit acidity. Notes of fresh almond, fine minerality.Long and very balanced. Powerful yet seeming light. Iron fist in a velvet glove! Refined notes, lovely, long, satisfying complexity.


AOC JASNIERES
2005 JASNIERES - Dry White
Cave de la Roderie - Le Clos des Molières
COLOR : Pale, light, bright yellow.
NOSE : Excellent attack, deeply marked by “terroir” characteristics. Lovely, deep, ripe, fresh fruit of fine quality. Balanced, supporting acidity. Long, lingering, vibrant bouquet. Grows in the glass. Quite complex, if individual.
PALATE : Fresh, mellow fruit attack, ripe, round and lengthy. Complex flavours. Well sustained by fine, lemon fragrance acidity. Vibrant, long and quite elegant. Highly individual and rather haunting. Great mellowness in fruit / honey combination. Serious, pure and well made wine.

Domaine de Bellivière - Les Rosiers
COLOR : Deep, bright, lemon yellow, golden reflections.
NOSE : Beautifully fresh, lemon honey attack. Lime tree, floral fragrance. Rich, big, deep and ripe bouquet with crisp, bright, restrained acidity. Lovely balance.
PALATE : Honey and lemon attack. Fresh, mellow, ripe and fruit. Deep and opulent expression, fine structure, harmonious and complete in the mouth. Long and lingering
aftertaste. Lusciously expansive, deeply mellow wine.


AOC CHINON ROSE
2006 CHINON - Rosé
Domaine Arpenty
COLOR : Bright, fresh salmon pink.
NOSE : Lemon acidity. Fresh, crisp, very brisk attack. Ripe, quite rich red fruit, mineral notes. Hint of red liquorice.
PALATE : Juicy, red fruit, good acidity balance. Quite fresh. Pleasant, easy drinking, picnic wine.

Le Logis de la Bouchardière - Bouchardière
COLOR : Very light, pale peach.
NOSE : Clean florality, touch fruit. Lemon acidity.
PALATE : Restrained expression, crushed rose bud, clean. Fruity and fresh. Very light, easy drinking Rosé.


AOC TOURAINE
2005 TOURAINE - Red.
Domaine des Roy - Pinot Noir
COLOR : Light, fruity, red with purple hue.
NOSE : Light, clean, pleasant, well fruited and fresh.
PALATE : Clean with nice, bright fruit acidity. Light wine, almost free flowing, but spicy and juicy fruit. Pleasant with slight tannic presence on the finish. Enjoyable wine.

Les Vignerons des Côteaux Romanais
Cuvée du Savoir (Gamay)
COLOR : Bright, ruby red.
NOSE : Light, fruity bouquet with mineral background.
PALATE : Light, pleasant, easy and fruited with the tannic background that asserts itself on the finish and ensure a longer life. Pleasing and refreshing wine

La Cave des Vallées - Cuvée des Chêneaux
COLOR : Deep, quite dark ruby red.
NOSE : Big, intense bouquet of deep, red and black fruit. Quite rich bouquet;
PALATE : Big, granular tannins, long flavours of fine fruit and nice acidity with a strong fruit / tannin finish. A juicy and generous wine which will be most enjoyable in a couple of year’s time.

Domaine Ricard - Le Vilain P’tit Rouge
COLOR : Deep, rather opaque, ruby red.
NOSE : Robust, spicy, fruit and quite generous bouquet.
PALATE : Generous fruit on granular, but integrating tannins. Nice accessible wine. Fruit is ripe and fruit acidity balanced. Cherry stones and kernels on palate. Attractive.

Domaine de Bellevue - Côt
COLOR : Bright, purple with ruby hue, still a touch opaque.
NOSE : Very attractive. Good fruit attack, very mature dark cherry, hint of vanilla at end. Juicy and generous.
PALATE : Tight, fruit with almond and stone fruit notes.Fruit acidity is delicate at moment, but generosity of wine sustains balance, fruit very ripe. Agreeable, rich fruity wine.

Domaine James & Nicolas Paget - Côtcerto
COLOR : Deep, intense, dense purple right to edge.
NOSE : Rich fruit with fresh mint aromas. Peppery notes. Vigorous, generous fresh fruit. Fine acidity strain. Long finishing bouquet.
PALATE : Juicy fruit attack. Powerful wine, huge structure, but plenty of succulent, ripe, fresh fruit to cope with it. Tannins present, but quite smooth and will integrate nicely. Lovely fruit finish. Intense, yet juicy wine with a lot of promise.

Domaine de l’Aumônier - Cuvée Henri
COLOR : Young appearance, still textured almost opaque, but nice hues of purple and developing ruby.
NOSE : Good spicy fruit. Red and black berries. Integrating, fruited acidity. Hint of smoky spice on a fruit finish. Generous and vigorous energetic bouquet.
PALATE : Tight, good fruit structure, yet to develop and open up inherent potential. Fruit there, tannins are well mastered and smooth, if still slightly austere, but this will be remedies by deep, yet fresh and minty fruit core. Integrating and harmonising. Nice body weight, without excess.


AOC TOURAINE-AMBOISE
2005 TOURAINE-AMBOISE - Red.
Damien Delecheneau - Ad Libitum
COLOR : Intense, deep purple to edge. Ruby reflections.
NOSE : Powerful, robust, hint of “terroir” attack. Deep, black stone fruit – cherries and plums with blackcurrant.
PALATE : Good acidity, quite energetic and smooth attack. Fruit driven wine, tannins softening, integrating and nicely juicy. Attractive touch of severity and grip at the end. Very agreeable, well made, intense, dense wine with great fruit and freshness.

Domaine de la Gabillière - Cuvée François 1er
COLOR : Intense, deep purple to edge. Ruby reflections.
NOSE : Deep, powerful, black cherry and plum, hint of spiciness, fine acidity. Full and vigorous bouquet.
PALATE : Rich, creamy, energetic fruit, good acidity, tannins present, but smoothing into rich, ripe fruit based element. Balancing acidity. Very persistent, juicy fruit, touch of chocolate at end. A trace severe and serious, but ample bodied. Long in the mouth, warm and satisfying. Fine potential in the generous, open, opulent wine.


AOC TOURAINE MESLAND
2005 TOURAINE MESLAND - Red.
Clos de la Briderie - Clos de la Briderie
COLOR : Deep, quite intense ruby red, purple ruby edge, ruby reflections.
NOSE : Very spicy attack. Deeply aromatic, rich and developing fruit fragrance. Good acidity balance. Long and lingering. Attractive.
PALATE : Huge fruit, rugged texture on tongue, quite fresh, fruit acidity. Tannins smoothing, but quite powerful. These tannins have the potential to mellow completely into the juicy body of the wine in time. Already generous, very fruit driven and fresh. Enjoy this delicious wine in 2 – 3 years time.


AOC BOURGUEIL
2005 BOURGUEIL - Red.
Cave des Vins de Bourgueil - Sélection
COLOR : Dense, deep ruby purple.
NOSE : Notes of chalky minerality, fruit acidity. Deep, dark, black cherries and plum.
PALATE : Very ripe fruit. Tannins slightly aggressive at moment, as yet not quite harmonious or pulling together.All elements are there to mellow into an attractive
whole. Good finish. Sound and clean.

Domaine des Raguenières
COLOR : Deep, bright, dense ruby purple. Ruby reflections.
NOSE : Lovely, spicy ripe juicy fruit. Long with nicely expressed acidity. Succulent and harmonious attractive bouquet with hint of chocolate.
PALATE : Image of bouquet. Deep fruit, fruit driven, beginning to soften tannins, still young, but with potential to integrate. Juicy fruit, energetic, balanced acidity with enough body to be a seriously good wine. Length and wholeness with excellent freshness. Promise a fine bottle.

Cave des Vins de Bourgueil
Lieu-dit Beauregard
COLOR : Deep, darkly intense purple with bright ruby reflections.
NOSE : Quite attractive bouquet with powerful aromas.Deep, ripe fruit, chocolate and spice. Vibrant acidity, but fine balance and length. Very good!
PALATE : Fresh, vigorous and powerful. Invigorating fruit acidity, deep fruit, plenty of chocolate. Still slightly stern tannins, but will smooth ou and integrate into rich fruit core. Chocolate notes return on end. Very good, intense, rich and big wine, but use patience.

Domaine de la Noiraie - Prestige
COLOR : Deep ruby purple, bright ruby reflections. Quite intense
NOSE : Subdued. Dense, dark chocolate forming backdrop, deep fruit just making its presence known.
PALATE : Deep, dense chocolate flavours. Ripe, intense fruit, blackcurrant, blackberry, huge, very granular, good tannins, not fully integrated yet, but generous, deeply, rich fruit will absorb this. Need to wait for this one, it is powerful, heavy weight wine with tremendous, dark and rich structure. Rather massive, but well built wine.


AOC ST NICOLAS BOURGUEIL
2005 SAINT NICOLAS BOURGUEIL - Red.
Joël Taluau & Thierry Foltzenlogel
LeVau Jaumier
COLOR : Deep, dark, dense purple.
NOSE : Primary fruit tones. Deep, dense and powerful. Red and black, fresh, ripe fruit, hint of cherry stone and spice. Very Cabernet Franc bouquet.Touch of florality, rich, red rose petals.
PALATE : Smoky, deep black fruit, stone (black cherry) fruit. Concentrated fruit and nice fruit acidity. Tannins present, but not aggressive. Quite powerful wine with fresh finish. Needing considerable
time to round out.

Guilbaud Frère - La Mineraie
COLOR : Darkly, dense and deep purple.
NOSE : Deep, dark, red floral notes, rich, open and dark stone fruit. Fresh, crunchy fruit. Smoky spice and vigorous, but contained acidity. Long bouquet.
PALATE : Attack a touch dry. Dark and dense developing fruit. Tannins more in background, but rugged textured, however will integrate in time. Fruit driven, big and long in the mouth. Complete wine. Ready earlier.

Vignoble de la Jarnoterie - Concerto
COLOR : Dark, quite deep purple, lighter rim.
NOSE : Spicy, chocolate attack. Very fresh dark cherry with black pipped, berry fruit as well. Primary aromas. Powerful, masculine and attractive bouquet. Balanced acidity.
PALATE : Juicy, fruit attack, brisk but tolerable acidity. Lovely yielding centre, huge density, fine rugged structure at present. Tannins quite powerful, but enough body to blend and mellow into. Nice freshness. Very attractive, but a mere infant as yet, but an excellent wine in the making.

Yannick Amirault - Les Malganes
COLOR : Dense, dark and deep purple black.
NOSE : Still very young and unshaped. Freshly crushed grape aromas. Powerful and pungent. Spicy, concentrated, dense chocolate notes. Primary, but almost succulent finish.
PALATE : Massive, but surprisingly a lighter structure and more expression of fruit. Spicy and succulent.Quite elegant, balanced fruit acidity. Huge, granular, noble tannins but plenty of room to integrate successfully over time. Showing development already. Fine potential, well made, all there to make an excellent complex, deep wine in future.


AOC VOUVRAY
2005 VOUVRAY BLANC DEMI SEC
Off Dry, Semi Sweet White
Philippe Gendron - Clos Cartaud
COLOR : Bright, pale, light yellow.
NOSE : Brisk attack of fine, pure, intense mineral notes. Lively and vibrant. Tight knit aromas.
PALATE : Fresh attack. Quite light, fruited and pleasing, restrained sweetness. Well made, medium sweet wine with great freshness and clean vitality. Refreshing and satisfying.

Château Gaudrelle - Château Gaudrelle
COLOR : Bright, pale, light yellow.
NOSE : Fine, firm acidity followed by bright minerality, mellow, imposing aromas. Quite heavy, rich blossoms.
PALATE : Florality on attack. More concentrated flavours, mirroring the bouquet. Deep, quite heavy, most attractive and well made wine Good balance. Clean, fresh, dry minerality on the end. Richer style of Off Dry / Semi Sweet Vouvray.


AOC VOUVRAY
2005 VOUVRAY BLANC MOELLEUX
Sweet White Wine
Cave des producteurs de Vouvray
Lieu-dit Les Fosses d’Hareng
COLOR : Pale, very light yellow. Pale lemon yellow, brilliant reflections.
NOSE : Fresh minerality, clean, fruit sustaining acidity, but without excess sweetness. Hint of almonds. Delicate bouquet.
PALATE : Smooth in the mouth with delicate flavours. Semi sweet wine, rather spicy and remaining fresh. Clean, ripe fruit. Lightly structured, fresh to the finish. Well made, harmonious and balanced.

Domaine Vincent Careme - Peu Morier
COLOR : Pale, very light yellow. Pale lemon yellow, brilliant reflections.
NOSE : Fresh, clean and quite vigorous and crisp. Some richness (notes of blossom) and personality.
PALATE : Harmony and fruit and sweetness, all well balanced. Fresh almonds and white fruit, hint of nuts, fine minerality at the back, finish quite light and firm. Smooth acidity. Nicely mellow and ripe. Well made wine with good length.


AOC MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE
2005 MONTLOUIS SUR LOIRE
BLANC MOELLEUX - Sweet White Wine
Lise et Bertrand Jousset - Sur le Fil
COLOR : Very pale, light yellow.
NOSE : Fresh, quite vigorous bouquet. Fresh minerality, bright, lemony fruit, rather exotic, brisk acidity. Nicely balanced expression, with an odd note.
PALATE : Rounded, mellowed fruit and sweetness, nicely integrated, clean, fresh and balanced acidity. Rich wine with good, deep fruit. Flavours and presentation in the mouth superior to bouquet. Strong, fresh to mineral finish. Fruity (yellow fruit) and energetic sweet wine.


AOC JASNIERES
2005 JASNIERES - MOELLEUX
Sweet White Wine.
Domaine de la Charrière - Clos Saint-Jacques
COLOR : Quite deep hued, light yellow. Nicely bright.
NOSE : Vigorous bouquet, deep with hint of freshness. Lovely florality of white blossoms, almost honeysuckle, grassy. Minerality very pleasing, quite forceful and fresh. Fresh notes of almond. Lemony tones.
PALATE : Fresh, clean, brisk acidity, note of fresh hay, ripe, white fruit and quince. Strong minerality blending with ripe, healthy, but restrained fruit and balanced by clean fruit acidity. Long in the mouth, fresh and crisp and harmonious. Forceful finish. Nice glass of wine.

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