This is going to be one of those slightly frustrating, short-on-words, big on pictures posts. It’s just that I am in the Loire, in Blois, not far from Touraine, and – as often happens on these sorts of trips – I’m so busy that blogging is tricky.

I arrived yesterday evening, after a train journey that took the best part of a day, but which allowed me to get some more work done on my wine science book revision. I find trains are great environments for working.

I’m here in the Loire to judge the Councours Mondial Sauvignon awards, with some 60 other wine professionals from all manner of different countries. We are judging in the wonderful environment of the castle in Blois, which is a stunning place.

Today we did some visiting after tasting: first Oisly, a new appellation in Touraine based on a special terroir, and then Chenonceau, which is also a new appellation in Touraine, as well as being a rather amazing Chateau that spans the River Cher.