1999 Loire

A very good year for reds and dry whites, despite the rains that hit most appellations from mid-September through to October. The winter was mild and was followed by a warm frost-free spring. Summer was equally warm and dry and by the beginning of September there was talk of a great vintage in the making. It did rain heavily in September and inevitably this did cause some dilution in the grapes. However there was a spell of dry, warm, weather at the beginning of October and many growers managed to harvest their grapes during this small window of opportunity. The dry whites are of a very high quality while the reds are less consistent, although the best display good depth of colour and will repay medium-term cellaring. It was a difficult year for sweet wine producers with many still harvesting at the end of November.