Our October trip to Bordeaux.

[JimHow]

I've been so swamped I haven't had a chance to report on our absolutely delightful quick trip into Bordeaux in October. I met up with Tom, Gail, Alex. Christine, Timmy, we went to Chateau Pavie Macquin, Chateau Bellefont Belcier, Chateau Tour St. Christophe, Chateau Branaire Ducru, and Chateau Siran, as well as rowdy dinners at Chateau Rychlewski.

Every one of the visits was superb, we were greeted by very friendly and enthusiastic hosts. Pavie Macquin is an absolutely gorgeous plot of land, as are the properties of our friends the Kwok family of Bellefont Belcier and Tour St. Christophe. We had an absolutely delightful afternoon with the owner of Chateau Siran, Edouard Miailhe, he was so much fun. Branaire was gorgeous, it was a thrill to be there. Seriously, we were treated wonderfully at all five properties.

We had a delicious lunch at La Dominique, the food was outstanding but the only downside was an overbearing waiter who overzealously insisted that we buy a 2013 from the menu, which turned out to be disappointing.

It was a thrill to have a glass with Nicolas Thienpoint at Pavie Macquin, and our host there was fun. All of our hosts were great. Let's get a BWE group back to Bordeaux this spring!

The weather was splendid, there seems to be a little angst about the vintage, at least on the right bank, or perhaps they are more anxious about how the wine press is perceiving it, the winemakers seem to be positive.

[Tom In DC]

Great pix, Jim. It was a great quick visit.

[AlexR]

Thanks for posting Jim.

It was great to see you and the others even if your trip was short.

There are an infinite number of things to discover in Bordeaux!
Yes, by all means come back and we'll continue where we left off!
I might add that visiting châteaux with just a few people is easier than with a large group.

We shared two dinners at my place, to which everyone contributed wines (thanks guys!)

The first focused on non-classified Bordeaux with:
2017 Ch. Rahoul, Graves blanc
2016 Ch. du Glana, Saint Julien
2010 Ch. de la Rivière, Cuvée Aria, Fronsac
2010 Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg
2012 Calpolicella

The second dinner featured:
2012 Veuve Clicquot
2012 Dom Pérignon (Dom won hands down)
2019 Ch. Siran, Margaux
2002 Ch. Léoville Las Cases
2002 Ch. Mouton Rothschild
2002 Ch. Latour
1986 Ch. Talbot
1979 Ch. Margaux
2001 Ch. Doisy Daënes
1997 Ch. d'Yquem
1953 Kopke Colheita Port

2002s - Most favored Latour, I leaned towards Mouton. LLC decidely not up to snuff.
1986 Talbot: Jim bought a bottle of this in Saint Emilion; It showed really, really well.

All the best,
Alex

[JimHow]

Much thanks for the epic BWE hospitality Alex.
Yes, it was a nice little group and I liked that we only went to one property per half day.
I'd be up for another similar trip with a half dozen BWEers or so.

[Harry C.]

Err, Uh. Alex. Of course you meant St Julien for the Talbot.

[AlexR]

Harry,

Château Talbot is indeed in Saint Julien.
But when I wrote “1986 Talbot: Jim bought a bottle of this in Saint Emilion”, that was not a mistake. Jim, Tom, Tim, Gail, and I visited Etablissements Martin in Saint Emilion, and this is where Jim found the bottle, in the underground cellar where they keep the old wines.
http://www.martinvins.com/

All the best,
Alex

[Thong_WAS]

It's great to learn about your trip and the experience with the Bordeaux buddies. I'm new to Bordeaux wines but quickly falling in love with the reds. I'm planning for a 3-day trip to Bordeaux in late May. I've never been to Bordeaux before and would love to hear any recommendations for the trip. Apparently, vineyards and wine tasting should stay on the top of the list. Appreciate any info and advice! Merci d'avance!!!

[marcs]

Let’s get to the important question - who’s the cutie in the miniskirt?

[Thong_WAS]

Hey @marcs, find out after some sips of Bordeaux Supérieur

[un bureaucrate]

Let’s get to the important question - who’s the cutie in the miniskirt?

“Hey, Sugar! I thought this wine wasn’t chaptalized!”

[JimHow]

Ha ha that’s Julie Fauchie, chargee de communication at Pavie Macquin, she was very nice, we had a very lovely visit there, a beautiful property.