I find it difficult to understand why wines from the Loire like St Nicolas de Bourgueil struggle with their popularity in the land of her Majesty. Being born and raised in the Pays de la Loire might be one of the reasons why such a wine is so appealing to me, but their inherent merits should ensure a wider audience.
St Nicolas de Bourgueil “Cuvee de la Pierre du Lane” Domaine du Rochouard 2006 is a “fantastic every day wine”, made from Cabernet Franc. You will find plums and blackberry flavours and I would definitely recommend to drink it now.
For the 2008 St Nicolas de Bourgueil I would wait another year or two before opening to make sure it reveals its true potential. However I wouldn’t be afraid to open one this spring and enjoy a glass outside with the first ray of sunshine, if Mother Nature allows it of course.
Wines from the Loire don’t have the popularity that Rhone wines have on this lovely island, but rest assured that I’ll be back with more positive notes about them. Watch this space.