some 2007 Loire

We can't have very high hopes for 2007 in the Loire.

When M. Chene from Dom Ambinos (Beaulieue sur Layon) dropped by unexpectedly last week (just as dinner was almost ready) I didn't expect a tasting. (Could he have called? No, he was on the road not too far away, didn't have our number with him). But he said he had brought some bottles, were we interested?

Well, OK. A quick call to our nearby friend Francoise completed the party. (Lucky there was a roast duck with peaches and cognac in the oven, so she could stay for dinner. Even if the potatoes were a little burnt.)

First we were introduced to a nice young fellow (Ludo) who it turns out is taking over Ambinos this year, as M. Chene is retiring. Sadly there appears to have been a bit of a falling out within the family, his son is not continuing as we had hoped with the full estate. Rather he inherits 7 ha which will go into "fully organic" (no stabilizers) production, and Ludo gets the rest.

M. Chene has bought a 1.5 ha plot on a steep slope, for his retirement he will clear it out, plant vines and do everything by hand: to steep for tractors. Sounds like a plan.

It turned out Ludo made all the wines they brought, all 2007 not yet bottled. Clearly he made these under the auspices of M. Chene as they have not changed stylistically.

We started with the SB, bracingly acidic, a decent kir wine without being more. Really a little unripe, but lots of grapefruit.

The Anjou Rouge was a herbaceous CF, fresh with nice fruit. A simple wine, not up to the 2005 which we are drinking now. Not bad though given the weather.

The Anjou Rose sec was correct, nutty with restrained rasberry fruit. A nice wine.

The Cabernet d'Anjou was fresh, bright fruit, good balance, an excellent BBQ or picnic wine. A success given the year.

The Demi-sec: probably a little rot on the vines, a little botrytis in the mouth, suprisingly sweet, decent balance but not up to standards. A useful wine at the price but not a keeper.

Coteaux du Layon Beaulieue: supple, drinkable and pleasant as aperatif, probably not a keeper.

No SGN... Quantities were limited apparently but if ever there was a year for rot it was 2007... (although I guess even the rot likes a little dry at the end.)

Anyway it shows that the year is not a total wash, some useful wines will be made.

-E

Reply to
Emery Davis
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I haven't had any 2007 Loires yet. I did read part of a report from Mark Lipton's friend Joe, which seemed to indicate a more normal (less ripe) year than its predecessors, with lots of rot issues. But I think he indicated a lot of good classic wines from growers who made right decisions (and maybe got lucky). Not a fish in the barrel vintage, but one where you could do well if you chose wisely. Maybe Mark read more and could comment.

Thanks for report!

Reply to
DaleW

Hi Dale,

2007 was an absolutely execrable year weather-wise. It rained every day

-- literally -- from May to mid-August. Then it rained some more, but did clear up for harvest for those who had anything left to wait for.

So, less ripe is for sure. Rot is for sure. Those who are expecting some of the lush 03-05 Loire wines will be in for a wake up call!

-E

Reply to
Emery Davis

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