Loire 2013 – what's new

Novelty is an irresistible force. Each year, every wine region gives birth to their new vintage and presents it, barely out of swaddling, to the world. This is the cue for an immediate assertion of the fineness of its features and its striking resemblance to particular forebears. Pronouncing on what's new is part of human nature.

Last week it was Burgundy 2012, but now it's Loire 2013 – a whole year newer! Not only that, but with this article an appellation has been added to our ever-growing tasting-notes database: that of Châteaumeillant (pictured), which your online Oxford Companion will...