I've traveled around Europe for about a week now from Paris to Amsterdam to Belgium. Two nights ago, we arrived in center Bordeaux where we are staying for this final leg of the trip. Here in Bordeaux, my two travel companions and I will be touring some of the top chateaux of the region for barrel tastings of the 2010 vintage.
Day 1:
It was an absolutely beautiful day in Bordeaux, 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. On to our first wines of the day, mind you it was 10am local time - tastings start early here.
It was about an hour drive north from center Bordeaux to St. Estephe where we were headed to our first tasting of 2010 at Cos D'Estournel. The closer we got the more excited I became trying my best not to work myself up. Dressed to the T in my Sunday best, I pressed the buzzer for the gate to Cos D'Estournel. "Bonjour, Ca va?" I hear from the speaker, Oui, Ca va bien! I kindly tell the voice in the speaker that we are here for an appointment. QUIET?!? A few seconds later, the gates to this beautiful chateau open up and allow us entrance. I feel like I am in the Never-ending Story and it has just begun.
We were greeted at the door with a smile and the day would prove itself to be received in the same way.
At Cos, the wine was showing fabulously. Here, and at numerous chateaux throughout our tastings, we were told that the best time to come taste en primeur is the end of April when the wine has settled down and is very approachable.
After leaving Cos we headed to Montrose where we were treated to quite a surprise. There's no gate at this property, rather, the chateau sits directly in the middle of the vineyards and is stunning. As we tasted, we noted that our host was especially knowledgeable and provided even the smallest details about the wine. It quickly became clear that we were tasting with the winemaker himself, which was the most amazing and unexpected treat.
We left St. Estephe and headed to Paulliac where we spent the rest of today stopping at Mouton, Lafite, and Latour to name a few. At many chateaux, we tasted not only the amazing reds but also the white wines of the region which in this vintage were stunning and filled the palate with thoughts of spring and life.
As I reflect back, it was a wonderful first day and continues to be now as I sit here writing this blog, while sipping on a glass of 2000 D'Issan. Until tomorrow?
Day 2:
Today was another amazing day in Bordeaux. Our first stop took us to D'Issan in the Margaux region and right away we could tell what a difference a few kilometers makes. These wines were good and had nice body to them but need many years in the cellar prior to drinking. The tannic structure was overpowering. Our next stop, one of the more detailed visits we had, was at Chateau Lascombes. We were taken on a guided tour around the entire estate from the vineyard to the first-year barrel cellar and up to the chateau for a tasting. Our host gave us one of our more unique experiences so far by tasting us on each of the 3 grape varietals that went into the wine at 100%: Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. After these tastes we were thrilled to try the culmination of the three in the 2010 vintage.
It's only fitting that the best stop of the day was reserved for Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou. This being my favorite chateau from the Bordeaux region I was anxious to get there. When we arrived I introduced ourselves in French and was quickly greeted with a French response. Little did I know, they thought I could speak fluent French. An older gentleman appeared from the office door and off to the vineyard we went. About three steps out of the office I kindly asked if he spoke English, "non monsieur." "Oh my, what did we do?" I thought to myself. Here we are at my favorite property and our guide speaks no English. Not to worry, six years of French paid off! On our tour, we learned about the way the vineyard is situated so the water drain off is natural and the rocky soil filters the water leaving the best for the vine. We also learned that our tour guide, Roni, is the master winemaker and has worked at Ducru for 33 years. He told us to stick our finger in the barrels and get a taste from the cellar. WOW, what an amazing experience overall!
Tonight we are headed to dinner, on deck 1992 Troplong Mondot and a few bottles of 1993 Latour. Can't beat it!