I’m in the Loire, with Tim Atkin, Sam Harrop and Annette Scarfe. We’re here to judge Loire Sauvignon, and last night we were joined by some Loire growers for a nice dinner at Le Bon Laboureur in Chenonceau.

The food was first rate, but what I found really exciting were the wines. The Loire is a diverse and interesting region, and this was illustrated by what we drank.

Jacky Blot La Taille aux Loups Triple Zero NV Montlouis, Loire
One of a pair of sparkling wines from Jacky Blot. This one is zero dosage, and it’s lovely. Taut, crisp and intense with lovely precision and some herb, apple and pear notes. Nicely complex with good acidity and a dry finish. 91/100

Jacky Blot La Taille aux Loups Brut Tradition NV Montlouis, Loire
Apple, pear and citrus fruit dominate this attractive sparkling wine. Taut and precise with good acidity and lemony fruit on the finish. Attractive stuff. 90/100

Domaine Huet Le Haut Lieu Vouvray Sec 2010 Loire
Taut citrus, peach and pear fruit. Perfumed and bright, with lovely depth and good acidity. Just a hint of sweetness adds richness to this otherwise dry wine. Brilliant. 92/100

La Chapiniere Touraine Sauvignon 2010 Loire
Rich, dense and precise with nice richness to the fruit and good acidity. Great concentration here: superb complexity and intensity. 92/100

Domaine de la Chevalerie Peu Muleau 2009 Bourgeuil, Loire
A really vivid Loire red. Stinky, savoury and medicinal with a bit of brett and some reduction, but it carries these characters very well. I like the lively blackberry and raspberry fruit with its spicy framing. Challenging but delicious. 90/100

Joguet Les Charmes Chinon 2009 Loire
Fresh, vibrant and floral (violet) with sweet cherry and berry fruit. Accessible and smooth yet with a bit of gravelly grip. A seductive, stylish expression of Chinon. 91/100