Archive for April 2009

Château Climens, where en primeur tasting involves dipping into 8 or more barrels, all quite differentThe 2008 Bordeaux campaign is going with something of a swing and it was highly instructive to visit London today to taste a selection of chateaux who were showing their 2008, 2007, 2006 and i…

Carisbrook Castle, where Charles I was caught escaping through a windowThe Priory Bay Hotel on the Isle of Wight is a fine place for children and parents alike, having its own beach, small golf course, swimming pool (as often enjoyed by the local duck population at this time of year as the reluctant…

A classy joint spotted in the Médoc during my visit; atmosphere not includedWell, who'd a thunk it? A Bordeaux en primeur campaign kicked off by Chateaux Angélus and Latour. Further, an en primeur campaign offering wines at semi-sensible prices. Sacré mouflon d'amour. What's goi…

Chateau Ausone this misty morning. Note the vineyard roofBucking the trend, this morning dawned very foggy. The rocade - the ring road around Bordeaux - was slow, but cleared once I was across the Pont d'Aquitaine and I landed in St Emilion with time to spare.It's always going to be a good morning w…

The larval stages of the 2009 vintage at Chateau Smith-Haut-LafitteI have just wandered back from dinner at the Brasserie du Medoc in Blanquefort where one can obtain a gesiers-filled salad starter followed by confit de canard and chips for €20. It's just as well there's a 10 minute walk back f…