Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 2005 Tasting Notes

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 2003

Our Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil this year is from the 2003 vintage when the canicule, or heatwave, provided an exceptional harvest.  Spring and summer started relatively gently but temperatures climbed inexorably into August when the whole of France - and the UK - sweltered under record temperatures.  Fortunately the Loire Valley escaped the worst of the dryness; the grapes ripened perfectly and were harvested in superb condition some two weeks earlier than normal.  The resulting wine is deep garnet in colour, the bouquet of violets and red-fruit leads to a rich, well-balanced palate, but with plenty of body to provide further development in the bottle for at least 10 years if carefully cellared.  

Despite being a little richer than normal, this is a versatile wine to be drunk at any time, with or without food.  In the winter it is best with fish such as salmon, and roast poultry.  In the warmer months it is delicious when served just below room temperature, or even slightly chilled, either drunk by itself or as the perfect partner to cold meats and summer salads.  Try it with a hot goat’s cheese salad - another excellent combination of flavours.

This is an exceptional vintage - the best since 1947 for many vineyards in the area - and the wine is extremely good value for money.