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Dinsdag 9 Februari 2010
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My personnal best London restaurant opens hotel... |
17 12 2009 |
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The team behind London's St John Restaurants is to open a hotel and restaurant in London's Leicester Square, on the former premises of Manzi's.
A banner with the restaurant's iconic pig logo (pictured), and scaffolding, are the only evidence of the refurbishment underway at 1 Leicester Square.
But owner Trevor Gulliver – who is working with long-time business partner chef Fergus Henderson – says the property will open in the summer of 2010.
'It will be the rare thing – a hotel where people would actually want to eat,' said Gulliver.
The Michelin-starred St John Restaurant in Smithfield and St John Bread and Wine near Spitalfields are known for reintroducing traditional, British "nose-to-tail" cookery, and for straightforward presentation and minimalist decor.
Since many years, before it hit a Michelin star, it is my favourite UK restaurant.
Gulliver said the 15-room hotel will be 'mini-grand'.
'It will reflect the local neighbourhood like our other restaurants do,' he added.
'Fergus and I don't do cushions, we don't do curtains. But just as you feel well-fed and well-taken care of when you eat at St John, we'll take that spirit into the hotel. There might even be a bit of colour.'
The location of the former London seafood institution Manzi's, which has been vacant for a number of years, was particularly attractive.
'If you're a Londoner like me, you'll remember going to Manzi's as a child, after theatre,' Gulliver said.
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La Tour d'Argent auction raises over 1.5 million |
11 12 09 |
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The auction of wines from celebrated Parisisan restaurant La Tour d'Argent made €1,542,717.
Among the lots sold were 12 bottles of Chateau Lafite 1997 for €3,500, 3 bottles of Chateau Margaux 1990 for €2,500 and a single bottle of Chateau Lafite 1982 for €1,700.
Six bottles of 1988 Vosne Romanee were sold for €5,100, well above their estimate of €2,750.
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Wine drinkers live longer... |
09 12 09 |
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Drinking red wine and cooking with olive oil may help us to live longer, say scientists. Figures from the European Union show that people living in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy can expect to live longer on average than people in other countries. Key ingredients in both substances can significantly increase the lifespan of yeast. Since yeast and humans share many genes, scientists have speculated they may have the same effect in people. The findings provide more evidence to suggest that the Mediterranean diet may be the secret to living a long and healthy life.
Key molecules
The scientists, from Harvard Medical School and Biomol research laboratory in Philadelphia , have identified resveratrol as the key ingredient in red wine. This molecule is abundant in red wine. It gives red wine its anti-cancer and anti-heart disease properties. They have found that this molecule can influence genes that have been linked to lifespan in yeast.
The scientists found that resveratrol could increase the lifespan of yeast cells in a variety of doses. However, similar tests on human cells showed that dosage is important. A very broad range of doses were very effective in yeast, however, it was different with human cells. There appeared to be a very narrow range at the low end. If doses were too high they appeared to have the opposite effect.
The also found that quercetin, which is abundant in olive oil, has a similar effect. In particular, they affect those genes that have been shown to extend life as a result of a calorie-restricted diet by enabling cells to live longer.
In the case of resveratrol it was found to extend the life of some yeast cells by as much as 70%. Previous studies have suggested that severe calorie restriction can increase the lifespan of organisms like yeast, fruit flies, worms and rats.
Scientists are trying to develop drugs that could have a similar impact on humans. The discovery that resveratrol and quercetin can increase the lifespan in yeast could boost those efforts.
Scientists are planning similar tests on other species, including mice, to see if the molecules can extend their life. Although very early in the research stages, it highlights the potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It certainly brings us closer to being able to intervene pharmacologically in humans to extend longevity.
Figures from the European Union show that people living in Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy can expect to live longer on average than people in other countries.
Average life expectancy in Spain is 75 for men and 83 for women. This compares to the UK , where men can expect to live until they are 75 but women can expect to live to 80. In the US , average life expectancy is 74 for men and 80 for women.
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FLES COGNAC à 25000 €uro... |
07 12 2009 |
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Een fles cognac uit 1788, Clos du Griffier (fine Champagne), is vanavond in Parijs voor 25.000 euro onder de veilinghamer gegaan. De fles maakte deel uit van de wijnkelder van het bekende Parijse restaurant La tour d'Argent. Een deel van die voorraad, 18.000 flessen, werd en wordt vandaag en morgen door veilinghuis Piasa in de Salons Hoche aangeboden.
Het was voor het eerst in haar ruim 400-jarige geschiedenis dat het restaurant een deeltje van zijn 'cave' (vier procent) van de hand deed. Het geld voor de fles cognac gaat naar het goede doel.
Twee andere flessen cognac, in iets minder goede staat, leverden 17.000 en 15.000 euro op. Alle drie de flessen waren ingezet op 2.500 euro. (Bron: de Morgen online) |
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The road to London .... |
01 12 2009 |
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De 49er (spreek uit als forty-niner) is sedert de Spelen van Sydney 2000 de Olympische “Skiff” klasse. Een skiff is een zeilboot met “vleugels” of “wings” waarop de bemanning plaats neemt. Het verschil met andere zeilboten is dus dat je als het ware buiten de boot staat, terwijl je in de andere klasses op of in de boot zit terwijl je zeilt. De 49er is net zoals zijn Olymische broertje de Laser een éénheidsklasse. Concreet wil dat zeggen dat bijvoorbeeld de zeilen door één en dezelfde firma gemaakt worden.
Zijn grote zeil oppervlak van 56 vierkante meter (aan de wind “slechts” 20 vierkante meter) in combinatie met zijn onstabiele romp van 4,87 meter maken van de 49er dé spectaculairste Olympische zeil discipline. Wanneer je een 49er, zonder bemanning op een windstille dag in het water legt, kapseist hij dan ook direct. Hierdoor is het zelf voor ervaren en getrainde zeilers in het begin niet altijd evident om de boot recht te houden. Menig zwemuurtjes maken deel uit van het groeiproces van ieder team!
Maar oefening baart kunst en eens je er mee weg bent is het echt een verslavende boot om mee te zeilen. Aan de wind vaart de boot verschrikkelijk precies en in goede omstandigheden kan je zelfs aan de wind planeren. Voor de wind gaat de 49er ontzettend snel en is het vaak kwestie van niet te “nosediven”, zoals dat heet. Dit wil zeggen dat je de boeg van de boot als het ware in een golf plant en op die manier over kop vliegt!
Naast een enorm verslavende boot is de 49er ook een klasse waarin op het allerhoogste niveau gevaren wordt. Het duurt meestal vele jaren alvorens je de absolute top kan bereiken, en dan nog moet je blijven knokken om er in te blijven.Al 2 jaar varen ze samen als teamriders, maar zijn al jaren zeilvrienden. Sinds 2007 hebben ze een gezamenlijk doel “the road to London 2012” and beyond. Met deze slogan willen Matthieu en Yannick zich kwalificeren voor de Olympische Spelen in London.
Een “kanjer” van een uitdaging. Dankzij de steun van een hele schare familie, vrienden en supporters zijn ze al flink onderweg en op weg. Hun vastberadenheid, ongelooflijke motivatie en inzet, doorzettingsvermogen, zin en wil om in 2012 er in London bij te zijn, is gegarandeerd de beste cocktail tot succes!
Hopelijk brengt deze jeugdige 2-koppige bemanning ons in de aanloopperiode naar London mooie races. Graag laten onze teamriders en homeys in hun kaarten kijken en vertellen u meer over hun campagneaanpak en programma.
Ik ben heel trots Yannick Lefebvre en Matthieu Janssens te kunnen steunen met een UNIEKE SPECIALE WIJNACTIE!!
Hiervoor kan ik U 2 mooie en betaalbare wijnen aanbieden, Ch. Fongrave , een droge, witte en fruitige wijn en Ch. Brun Despagne 2005 " Cuvée Héritage " Bordeaux Supérieur, allebei met een uniek speciaal etiket voorzien met een prachtige foto van hun 49er in volle aktie.
De wijnen kan U bekomen op het telnr. 0479/708929 of 0475/313916 voor een zeer democratische prijs! ten voordele van deze jonge , toekomstige Olympische kampioenen.
Prijs per fles:
Ch. Fongrave 2008 Wit @ €uro 10,00 btw in/fles
Ch. Brun Despagne 2005 " Cuvée Héritage" @ €uro 12,00 fles btw in. of 11+1 gratis (enkel voor de rode wijn)
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Ch. Labégorce Zédé over and out! |
10 11 2009 |
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Chateau Labégorce Zédé, Cru Bourgeois from Margaux, will disappear from the 2009 vintage.
It will instead become part of Chateau Labégorce, creating one 55ha estate. This has been the intention since the late Hubert Perrodo – founder of the Perenco oil group – bought first Labégorce in 1989, then its neighbours Chateau de l'Abbé Gorsse de Gosse in 2002, and Labégorce Zédé in 2005.
The three had been combined before the French Revolution, and split into separate properties in the ensuing centuries.
Perrodo also bought underperforming second growth Chateau Marquis d'Alesme Becker, a few months before he died in a skiing accident in 2006.
After his death, the plans were put on hold, but his 27-year-old daughter Nathalie has now taken over the property, splitting her time between Bordeaux and London. She is carrying out her father's wishes.
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2009 vintage will be top-quality |
08 11 2009 |
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Extravagant praise for the 2009 Bordeaux vintage is pouring in - while merchants gear up for their annual battle over prices.
According to figures from Meteo France, September's 233.49 hours of sunshine was 50 more hours than the 30 year average.
The rainfall of 48.6mm was almost half the 30 year average of 90.3mm. This exceptionally hot and sunny weather continued into October, with most grapes in the wineries by mid-October, earlier than in 2008.
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Pre-revolutionary Cognac, great Bordeaux including a Cheval Blanc 1928, and other rareties are being auctioned in December as 18,000 bottles from La Tour d'Argent go under the hammer.
Acknowledged as one of the world's great restaurants, La Tour d'Argent's 450,000-bottle cellar is equally renowned.
Now head sommelier David Ridgway has 'pruned' the collection to pull out wines 'from every single wine region of France.'
The auction will offer such wines as Chateau Lafite 1970 and 1982, dozens of vintages of Latour including the 1982, Cheval Blanc 1928 and 1949, and Margaux 1970.
From Burgundy, lots include Meursault Clos de la Barre Lafon 2004, Puligny Montrachet Referts Sauzet 1992 and Volnay Santenots Leroy 1969.
From the Loire there will be a Silex Dagueneau 2005, and a Vouvray Haut Lieu Huet 1919.
Ancient spirits include a Fine Champagne Clos de Griffer 1788, and a Grande Fine Champagne Monnet 1858.
In a press release, Tour d'Argent owner Andre Terrail said the sale would 'keep La Tour d'Argent in the spotlight' for a new generation of connoisseurs.
The collection, on sale over two days on 7 and 8 December at auctioneer PIASA in Paris, is expected to fetch more than €1m.
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Part Tour d'Argent cellar for sale |
21 10 2009 |
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Il lui avait fallu beaucoup de persévérance - et six dîners dans la salle mythique avec vue plongeante sur Notre-Dame - pour convaincre la direction de lui vendre ce fleuron, une Fine Champagne Clos du Griffier.
Début décembre, trois bouteilles de ce spiritueux datant d'avant la Révolution seront proposées aux amateurs et collectionneurs de vin lors de la première vente aux enchères organisée par la Tour d'Argent, l'un des plus vieux restaurants d'Europe.
Pour faire de la place dans les 1.250 mètres carrés de cave, qui contient près de 450.000 bouteilles, et renouveler les stocks, l'établissement se sépare de 18.000 flacons, mais toutes les références resteront à la carte, un document de 400 pages pesant huit kilos.
"Cette cave considérée comme une des plus belles de France, peut-être du monde (...) est vraiment connue comme la Mecque, comme une cathédrale, c'est le Saint du Saint", s'enthousiasme Alexis Velliet, le commissaire-priseur chargé de la vente pour la maison Piasa. "Un acheteur non initié peut venir les yeux fermés".
En juin 1940, pour protéger ses bouteilles les plus prestigieuses des troupes allemandes entrées dans Paris, le propriétaire de la Tour d'Argent, André Terrail, avait muré l'une des portes de la cave, creusée à un jet de pierre de la Seine. Certains de ces crus, "sauvés" des nazis figurent aujourd'hui à la vente, organisée les 7 et 8 décembre.
"BEAUCOUP D'AMOUR"
Les aficionados pourront acheter des crus en provenance de toutes les régions viticoles de France, dont plusieurs Château Cheval Blanc, un Vosne Romanée Jayer et des Armagnacs de la fin du XIXe siècle.
La bouteille la moins coûteuse, un Jurançon, a été estimée à 10 euros et les Clos du Griffier de 1788 à 2.500 euros pièce.
Ce sont des estimations théoriques puisque ces spiritueux n'ont jamais été sur le marché, rappelle André Terrail, deuxième du nom, qui a repris les rênes de l'établissement en 2006.
Le total des enchères est estimé, dans sa fourchette basse, à un million d'euros, argent qui sera réinvesti dans de nouveaux crus et pour divers projets. Le produit de la vente de l'une des trois bouteilles vedettes sera reversé à une organisation caritative française.
Même s'il se défend de vouloir faire un coup financier, le jeune homme d'affaires concède que la vente se déroule "au bon moment", le pire de la crise économique étant passé après une baisse de 5% du chiffre d'affaires du restaurant début 2009.
Fondé en 1582, l'établissement a vu défiler dans sa salle de restaurant perchée au sixième étage les têtes couronnées - des tsars de Russie aux souverains britanniques - les leaders politiques, dont une ribambelle de présidents américains, et de multiples stars, venus déguster le "canard au sang", le plat vedette inscrit à la carte en 1890.
Visage rond et noeud papillon noir, le Britannique David Ridgway règne depuis plus de trente ans sur la cave de la Tour d'Argent qui ne contenait "que" 200.000 bouteilles à son arrivée, en 1981. Il s'apprête aujourd'hui sans tristesse à voir s'envoler certains de ses "enfants".
"Quand ils ont eu beaucoup d'amour dans leur jeunesse, ils partent plus facilement", glisse-t-il dans un sourire avant de jurer qu'il serait incapable de fournir un conseil pour la vente.
Il espère toutefois que, trois semaines avant Noël, des amateurs modestes pourront acquérir quelques-uns des flacons les moins chers pour les offrir autour d'eux.
Le vin est une histoire de partage, rappelle le sommelier. "Le plus grand vin du monde, si vous le buvez avec quelqu'un qui vous déteste, il aura un goût amer".
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Cannes-tastings 2010 |
08 10 2009 |
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I'm proud to annouce that I'll be present at the 32e International Convention de Vins et Spiritueux held in Cannes, Carlton Hotel in February 2010. I hope to find some new, good wines for you. |
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Bordeaux 2009 harvest news... |
05 10 2009 |
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Winemakers are being urged to be aware of over-extraction during the 2009 Bordeaux harvest.
'The problem in great vintages like 2009 is the false assurance that every bit of tannin will be ripe, so you might see over extraction of wines,' said Pierre Olivier Clouet, oenologist at Chateau Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion.
'With weather so good and grapes so ripe, people think they can pigeage and pump-over to their heart's content, but I never saw as many over-extracted wines as I did in the 2005 vintage,' comparing 2009 to 2005.
Rémi Edange, assistant manager at Domaine de Chevalier, too warned of the dangers of over-extraction.
'When you have thick, hard skins like this, you do not want to pump over or pigeage too much because you could force out some hard tannins,' he said.
Rain is forecast on Monday (5 October) for Bordeaux, and Edange said that while humidity softens the skins, 'a real rain shower would mean that we will have to pick fairly fast, to avoid the spread of rot.'
On the left bank at Chateau Léoville Barton in St Julien, Merlot was not picked until 27 September and the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest will end on Saturday (3 October), said owner Anthony Barton.
Neighbour Léoville Poyferré started picking Merlot on 29 September and will not begin picking its Cabernet until next week.
'We see no reason to rush; we think we will get more from the grapes,' said Michel Rolland, oenologist at Léoville Poyferré.
'It is an intuitive decision based on tasting the grapes.'
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Wines for the road to London Olympics |
30 09 2009 |
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We're very pleased to annouce you that both wines Ch. Brun Despagne 2005 Cuvée Heritage and Ch. Fongrave white has been selected by Manta-sailing for their Belgian Olympic class boat " 49er ".
Both wines will be offered with a special, limited sailing label which is quite unique.
The Belgian " 49er " -sailing team needs an extra financial support for their trainings abroad.
Once their will be selected for the Olympic games in London 2012, it could be thanks to your support by buying some of those excellent value-for-money wines.
The more wines we sell, the more they can participate abroad.
Thanks for your help!
The wines will be available by the end of October and can be bought from me or from Manta-sailing. |
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ANGELUS STARTS SUPER HARVEST 2009 ! |
25 9 2009 |
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Today, Friday 25th September 2009, harvesting begins at Château Angélus.
At 9 a.m., a team of twenty harvesters started gathering grapes from a lovely plot of Merlot vines located in the western-most part of the estate.
A light mist that swathed the vineyard this morning will soon disappear and give way to the sun, emblematic star of this new vintage. It shone constantly throughout the summer, but not too fiercely, and now continues to accompany us as autumn begins, with a real Indian summer.
The first bunches of grapes are picked and from baskets to harvesting tubs, the fruit is transported to the vat house. Around the sorting tables forty expert hands deal with selection. Only perfect berries will enter the vats for winemaking to commence.
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Top prices for Pétrus |
25 9 2009 |
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Op een veiling bij Sotheby's brachten 3.000 flessen bordeaux en champagne van Albert Frère 1,2 miljoen euro op. De veiling van een selectie topwijnen uit de kelder van de Belgische financier Albert Frère (83) was een succes.
De hoogste prijs van 32.000 euro ging naar een lot met 12 flessen Château Pétrus uit 1989. (belga/mvdb) |
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BORDEAUX HARVEST STARTED |
04 9 2009 |
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Pessac Léognan estate Château Carbonnieux has kicked off the 2009 Bordeaux vintage, making this a much earlier harvest than 2008.
Carbonnieux's Sauvignon Blanc grapes were picked on Thursday August 27 and first growth Château Haut-Brion is due to follow early next week.
Carbonnieux director Eric Perrin told me, 'We are bringing in grapes with a potential alcohol of between 12.5 and 13°, and with a great delicacy and freshness.
'The harvest began last year on September 5, and with both red and whites we are around one week to 10 days in advance of 2008, with a larger quantity and healthier grapes.'
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BACK IN BUSINESS |
13 7 2009 |
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Dear wine-lovers,
Thanks for all your support, i'm back in business!
Bernard |
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New York restaurant sells for more cellar space |
05 11 08 |
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Top New York restaurant Le Cirque is auctioning rare bottles of Margaux, Petrus and Yquem in a bid create more storage space in its cellars.
The restaurant, in the city's East Side area, is selling hundreds of bottles through Nywines/Christie's at its 17 November sale. The majority of the wines, which come to 170 lots, were held in the 8.2m (27 feet) glass and steel cellar in the centre of the restaurant's café.
Highlights of the collection include cases of 1959 Château Margaux (estimated at US$20,000, £12,300), 1982 Château Mouton-Rothschild ($18,000, £11,000), 1995 Château Pétrus (US$20,000) and 1967 Château d'Yquem (US$18,000).
Owner Sirio Maccioni says the proceeds will go to refreshing his wine list and to pave the way for more recent vintages.
Maccioni has played host to the rich and famous for almost three decades. Past diners include Henry Kissinger, Woody Allen and King Juan Carlos of Spain.
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I hope to be back in action again in the next few weeks! Thanks for understanding
Bernard |
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I'm currently not taking any orders due medical - surgery reasons.
I hope to be back soon
Bernard |
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CH. CARBONNIEUX OWNER DIES... |
24 09 2008 |
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Anthony Perrin, the owner Bordeaux chateau Carbonnieux, has died of lung cancer aged 68.
Perrin, described by Stephen Brook in The Complete Bordeaux as 'genial', was one of the main figures in Bordeaux's winemaking circles.
Along with his father Marc, who brought the run-down and abandoned property in 1956, he is credited with reviving the fortunes of Carbonnieux, situated in the Pessac-Leognan area of southern Bordeaux.
Among other accomplishments, Perrin was president of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux from 1992-1994. He is also credited with being instrumental in bringing the Passac-Leognan appellation into being. Until 1987, the region was part of the wider Graves appellation.
But it was at Carbonnieux that Perrin made his name. The chateau had been empty and neglected since the First World War. It was sold by owner M Chabrat in 1956. At the time of the acquisition, Perrin's father Marc also owned considerable vineyard area in Algeria, which the family lost following the country's independence from France in 1962.
Marc Perrin died in 1982, leaving Anthony to run the estate.
Along with several modernising moves throughout the last 30 years, Perrin is credited with calling on the services of renowned wine consultant Denis Dubourdieu who started advising for Carbonnieux in 1988.
A regular face on the Bordeaux wine scene, Brook said Perrin was, 'a familliar and welcome presence at events both formal and informal'.
The 92ha (hectare) estate is unusual for its appellation in that its vineyards are roughly evenly split between red (50ha) and white (42ha) vines. Most top chateaux in the region have signifcantly more plantings of red varieties than white.
Perrin also made numerous acquisitions, including chateaux Haut-Vigneau, Lafont-Menaut, and Le Sartre, all in Pessac-Leognan. The latter, purchased in 1981, was formally passed onto Perrin's sister in 2005.
He is survived by his wife and three children. Sons Philibert and Eric are understood to be taking over the running of the family properties.
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WARENHUIZEN VERKOPEN ANDERE WIJNEN!!! |
20 09 2008 |
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| bron: het Nieuwsblad 20/09/08 |
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Warenhuizen beloven topwijnen in brochures, maar leggen mindere jaargangen in de rekken
Wie zijn jaarlijkse wijnvoorraad inslaat op de wijnfestivals in de warenhuizen, kijkt beter goed uit. De aanbiedingen in de folders blijken NIET altijd overeen te komen met wat wordt verkocht in het rek.
Honderden flessen wijn, opvallende presentaties, glossy folders en stevige kortingen: het wijnfestivalseizoen is op gang geschoten in de supermarkten. Veel mensen zien in festivals dé gelegenheid om hun wijnkelder aan te vullen, tegen zachtere prijzen dan normaal. Maar wat blijkt als je de festivalfolders vergelijkt: niet zelden wijkt de informatie af van wat je in de winkel vindt.
De fouten gaan van minimaal - een medaille die vermeld wordt bij een fles in de folder, maar niet voorkomt op diezelfde fles in de winkel - tot ingrijpend: een jaargang 2004 of 2006, bijvoorbeeld, die verkocht wordt in de plaats van een aangekondigde 2005. Precies dat laatste is, bijvoorbeeld voor bordeauxwijn, van groot belang: het jaar 2005 staat daar te boek als een zeer goed jaar.
2005 is trouwens een gehypet jaar, voor heel Frankrijk. De prijzen gingen daardoor de hoogte in, dus het kan nogal wat uitmaken of je een 2005 dan wel een 2004 koopt - zeker voor de duurdere Franse flessen. De situatie is het ergst in de festivalfolder van Carrefours Groot Wijnfestival 2008 , maar ook Colruyt en Delhaize laten steken vallen.
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Didier Dagueneau dies! |
19 09 2008 |
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Didier Dagueneau, one of the greatest Sauvignon Blanc producers in the world, has died in a flying accident at the age of 52.
Dubbed 'one of the greatest winemakers of our generation' by renowned consultant Denis Dubourdieu, Dagueneau was known worldwide as an outspoken and brilliant winemaker.
Unlike many winemakers in the Pouilly Fumé and Sancerre regions, Dagueneau did not start his career in wine and raced sidecars in his youth. He said it was only after 'two falls in quick succession' that he went into winemaking.
See also:
An extract from Oliver Styles' interview with Didier Dagueneau for Decanter magazine last year
Didier Dagueneau - the Decanter interview
Even after settling on winemaking, he remained true to the pursuit of reckless sports, making a name for himself in the world of sled dog racing, in which he won the European and world championships.
He was killed yesterday, in a microlite accident in the Dordogne region of France. According to reports, the microlite stalled after take-off, plunging 50m before hitting the ground. One other person was seriously injured.
Constantly on the quest to make the greatest Sauvignon Blanc in the world, he produced several wines from vineyards scattered around his winery in St-Andelin, in Pouilly Fumé. Notable wines included Buisson-Renard (orginally the vineyard was called Buisson-Ménard, until a renowned French wine writer misread the label), Pur Sang, and Silex – perhaps his most famous wine.
Dagueneau also produced the exhorbitantly-priced Asteroïde cuvée from 18 lines of ungrafted vines. He also made wines from a vineyard in the steep Monts-Damnés region of Sancerre, and produced a sweet Jurancon with friend Guy Pautrat.
Known as the 'wild man of the Loire', Dagueneau was equally notorious for his outspoken opinions, frequently attacking winemakers in the region for their lax attitude towards winegrowing and winemaking practices.
He was equally critical of members of his family.
'I had a few scores to settle with the family,' he said. 'So I decided to make wine, to make better wine than them. That was my first motivation. So I decided to make the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Not at all pretentious for someone who's been making wine for two years.'
He us survived by his partner Suzanne, and four children.
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HARVEST STARTS IN BORDEAUX... |
08 09 2008 |
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The 2008 harvest in Bordeaux started today with Chateau Carbonnieux in Pessac Leognan bringing in the first Sauvignon Blanc grapes, ten days later than last year.
Harvest dates all over the region are around two weeks behind usual, due to a lack of sunshine throughout the growing season. There is, however, generally less rot in the vineyards than last year, due to good weather in the last two weeks of August.
But rain started falling again earlier this week.
Pessac Leognan is traditionally the earliest appellation in the region to start the harvest. Carbonnieux's Technical director Eric Perrin told that yields are down on last year, due to uneven flowering and fruit set back in May.
'The grapes are in very good health, with acidity levels of 5-5.5g/l, and potential alcohol around 12.7-12.8 – very similar to last year,' he said.
Perrin expects to start harvesting Semillon grapes in 10 days, with the first of the reds – Merlot – not expected to come in until the end of September.
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Pontet Canet news... |
24 08 2008 |
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Alfred Tesseron, at fifth growth Chateau Pontet-Canet, said results from biodynamic anti-mildew treatments of copper, willow and nettles have worked well for the 2008 vintage!
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Cos d'Estournel buys Chateau Montelena (Napa).. |
11 08 2008 |
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Michel Reybier, the owner of Bordeaux second growth chateau Cos d'Estournel, has purchased iconic Napa estate Chateau Montelena for an undisclosed sum, it was announced last week.
The deal, which was reached with owners Jim and Bo Barrett, has been agreed although final authorisation from the US authorities is not expected until October this year.
Jean-Guillaume Prats, general manager at Cos d'Estournel, would neither confirm nor deny whether the sum of US$110m had been paid for the estate, in north Calistoga |
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CH. MARGAUX 2007! |
06 06 2008 |
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Chateau Margaux is now out with the release price 26% down on last year. This is rated by Robert Parker as his top First Growth. The price is € 315,00 ex. per botlle. Naturally, all customers buying 2007 First Growths will be the first to be offered the next vintage.
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LEOVILLE BARTON 2007... |
06 06 2008 |
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It has been a busy day today with some important new releases. With Lynch Bages selling well, we now have the equally popular Leoville Barton on the market. It is absolutely clear to us that we have considerably more demand than supply on this wine, which is very fairly priced at € 41,00 ex./bottle. Consequently, we will be allocating stock as fairly as possible and will be giving priority to customers as follows:
1. Customers who purchased Leoville Barton 2006 this time last year and have ordered/pre-ordered other wines in 2007;
2. Customers who did not purchase Leoville Barton 2006, but who now purchase Langoa Barton 2007, may order an equal quantity of Leoville Barton 2007 (subject to stock remaining);
The best way of getting yourself to the front of the queue is to purchase Anthony Barton's "other" Saint Julien, the excellent Langoa Barton which is released today at only € 33,50 ex. botlle. This is a top quality wine that I rate very well. |
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PAVILLON ROUGE & BLANC DU CHATEAU MARGAUX.. |
05 06 2008 |
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Meanwhile Margaux have released Pavillon Rouge at € 43,00(far cheaper than Les Forts de Latour, Carruades Lafite and Petit Mouton)and very good in 2007!
Pavillon Blanc is also released but we only have a handful of cases, which will be offered to regular buyers.(€ 100,00)
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TODAY RELEASE OF ONE OF MY FAVOURITE 2007 |
02 06 2008 |
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| VIEUX CHATEAU CERTAN |
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Grapes from the 30 year-old vines rather than the 60-year old made the final stiff selection this year (only 50% made the grand vin). The Cabernet Franc (28%) gives the wine a crystalline edge. Fresh, pure and tender with a delicate tannic structure so not for the long haul. Drink 2012-2020. PRICE ONLY 70 EURO'S PER BOTTLE EX. VAT
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ROBERT MONDAVI DIES AT AGE OF 94 |
16 05 2008 |
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| The Mouton Rothschild of America... |
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Robert Mondavi, a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer who helped lead California wine into international prominence, died at 9 a.m. today at home in Yountville, Calif. He was 94.
Outspoken, energetic and charismatic, Mondavi was one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history. He was the driving force behind his namesake winery in Napa Valley, which he established in 1966 and which for years was the most famous winery in California, until it was sold in 2004.In a career that spanned eight decades, Mondavi often led by example, setting lofty goals for his winery and inspiring California winemakers to make wines that would compete with the best in the world. His name, influence and passion for wine and life spread well beyond Napa and California. Winemakers around the world credited Mondavi with encouraging them to set higher standards and make better wines.
Inspired by Europe
A tireless global traveler with an inquisitive mind, Mondavi began visiting the great vineyards and cellars of Europe in the 1960s, when California wine was on the verge of a renaissance. Those sojourns helped Mondavi realize that California needed to improve its wines to gain acceptance in the nation's top restaurants and became the foundation of his vision for how California wines could gain greater respect.
His son Tim said his father's first trips to Europe were vital to his success and that of California wine. "He was one of the first [people] to go to see the best, the worst and everything in between in all the different areas," Tim said. "His desire was to ask the questions about why some of the wines were so great and why they got to be that way."
He also built strong personal ties with many winemakers, Tim said. "He developed friendships with other [winemakers] and exchanged ideas with many people. Not only did he learn from them but we shared what we had learned."
Through his outgoing personality and business acumen, Mondavi forged a number of important joint ventures with prominent European vintners. The first and most significant came in 1979, when he teamed up with Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Bordeaux's famous Château Mouton-Rothschild to create Opus One in Napa Valley. That union brought together two of the wine world's great minds, creating a wine that relied on a fusion of French and California winemaking traditions rooted in Oakville soil.
Opus One caught the attention of vintners and businessmen worldwide. Baron Rothschild's desire to partner with Mondavi validated the quality of California wine and ushered in a new era of foreign investment in California. By the end the 1980s, dozens of international firms had bought land and built or bought wineries in the state.
A Champion of Good Living
Mondavi's love of wine spilled over into what he termed a gracious way of living. He showed a deep appreciation for music and the arts, and he embraced fine cuisines of the world and elegant dining, in which food and wine enhanced each other.
As Mondavi's reputation grew, the stylish Mondavi winery became a mecca for visitors to Napa. Its educational tours and tastings, art shows and summer concert series became a focal point for many tourists.
To promote the marriage of food and wine, Mondavi and his wife, Margrit Biever Mondavi, created the "Great Chefs" programs at their Oakville winery in the 1970s. Each year, they hosted influential culinary masters, such as Julia Child and Paul Bocuse, to cook and experiment with different food and wine pairings.
But rather than limit wine to fine dining, Mondavi championed making it a part of everyday life and of a healthy lifestyle. When wine came under attack in the 1980s, Mondavi was a vocal critic of anti-alcohol campaigns and advocated research into the benefits of moderate consumption of wine.
Mondavi "understood the need for education about wine, Napa Valley wine and California wine," said Harvey Posert, his long time confidant and public relations advisor. He added, "The programs--comparative tastings, harvest seminars, great chefs, summer concerts, the mission program--all had the sole purpose of explaining wine's positive values to the public and to the industry he served. Many of these ideas originated with others, but he had the will and the financial strength to make them happen."
The Path to Success
A native of Hibbing, Minn., Robert Gerald Mondavi was born June 18, 1913, to parents who had emigrated from Italy. Mondavi's parents, Cesare and Rosa, moved to Virginia, Minn., where his father worked in a mine and, with his wife, ran a boarding house and later a saloon. Robert recalled that his mother was an especially talented cook, and wine was part of daily meals.
In 1921, Robert's father decided to get into the grape business, and two years later the family moved to Lodi, which at the time was the grape capital of California. After working for his father and starring on the Lodi football team, Mondavi attended and graduated from Stanford.
By the 1930s, Robert became more interested in fine wines from Napa Valley, and he eventually worked at Sunny St. Helena Winery (now Merryvale). In 1943, he learned that the famous Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena was for sale and convinced his father to buy it.
"Bob Mondavi was born into the wine business and by genes or training developed an intensity to compete and succeed in that business," said Posert. "In those 1940 to 1960 years it was an old-time, immigrant- and import-based farming business, but his Stanford business [education and] training helped him apply business thinking [to wine marketing]."
The Mondavis moved to Napa, and Cesare, Robert and Robert's younger brother, Peter, ran the winery. But there were disagreements about how the winery should be run, and after Cesare's death, Robert and Peter clashed. While Robert, the more flamboyant of the two brothers, pushed for better wines, Peter favored a more conservative path. One day, they ended up in a fistfight, and Robert was asked to leave the family business.
In 1966, at the age of 52, he started Robert Mondavi Winery, building the first new winery in Napa since the late 1930s. He also sued for his share of Charles Krug and, in 1976, ended up with a settlement that left Peter in charge of Charles Krug, but gave Robert most of the family's key vineyards in the Oakville area.
Once his winery was underway, with the help of his sons Michael and later Tim, Robert accelerated his efforts to fine-tune his wines. Increasingly this led to trips to Europe, where he studied the great wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Loire Valley.
During Mondavi's seminal travel experience in 1962, "I tasted wines I'd never find in the United States, and I saw first-hand the European way of making fine wine and aging them in oak barrels," he wrote in his 1998 autobiography Harvests of Joy. "I also came to see the role of the wine maker in a much different light." He began a quest to understand terroir--the French notion of how soil and climate impact grapevines and shape the character of a wine.
In Bordeaux, he honed in on the roles Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc played in Bordeaux reds, and also studied the texture and structure of those wines, which he admired. In Burgundy, he studied the fickle Pinot Noir grape and Chardonnay. At times, Mondavi's Pinots were considered among the best in California.
With Robert setting the goals and Tim overseeing the winemaking, Robert Mondavi Winery built a reputation for classy Napa Valley Cabernets and Chardonnays and started a trend with Sauvignon Blanc, which Robert called Fumé Blanc. The winery's best wine, its Reserve Cabernet, captures the rich earthy currant flavors of Napa Valley. But the wines were also distinctive for their suppleness, elegance and grace.
At the end of the 1970s, the winery launched an inexpensive line of generic table wines; those table wines from the Central Valley evolved into the Woodbridge label, which provided the company with a steady flow of cash.
The Opus One venture coincided with the debut of the Napa Valley Wine Auction in 1981, which Mondavi was instrumental in creating. A single case of the debut vintage of Opus One sold at the inaugural auction for a breathtaking $24,000. The event has since grown into one of the world's largest charity wine auctions, raising millions each year for Napa health care, low-income housing and youth services organizations.
The Public Years
In 1993, seeking the capital for even greater growth, Mondavi became a public company, and Robert gradually turned over more of the business decisions to his sons. Michael concentrated on sales and marketing and Tim focused on winemaking, while Mondavi's daughter, Marcia, also sat on the board. Eventually Mondavi became chairman emeritus and traveled on behalf of the winery to promote its wines.
During this period, Robert Mondavi Corp. formed partnerships in Italy with the Frescobaldi family, in Chile with the Chadwick family of Viña Errazuriz and in Australia with Rosemount, which later became part of Southcorp. The company also acquired some prominent California wineries, including Arrowood, and purchased renowned Tuscan winery Ornellaia with Frescobaldi.
Meanwhile, Mondavi turned much of his energy to philanthropic endeavors. He spearheaded a drive to build Copia: The American Institute for Food, Wine and the Arts in downtown Napa and donated $20 million to get the cultural center, which he had conceived of in 1988, off the ground.
He also donated $35 million to the University of California at Davis: $25 million to establish the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science and another $10 million to finish the campus' performing arts center, which was named after him and his wife. The gift was the largest private contribution to UC Davis and represents one of the most generous single gifts from an individual donor in the history of the University of California.
But by 2000, Robert Mondavi Corp. had begun to experience financial strains that were worsened by the subsequent recession, the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack and a slump in wine sales. In 2004, after a series of internal disputes with board members over a planned restructuring of the company, Michael resigned. Although the board had originally decided to sell off Mondavi's luxury brands, it then agreed to sell the entire corporation when Constellation Brands made a takeover bid of more than $1 billion.
"This ambitious striving led [Mondavi] down some unfortunate paths,” said Posert. Going public was a decision Robert later regretted, Posert said.
The sale temporarily left Mondavi out of the wine business for the first time since the 1930s, although Constellation kept him on as an ambassador for the winery. Then in 2005, at the age of 92, he joined his son Tim and daughter Marcia in a new venture to make Napa Valley Cabernet.
"Of all the things he learned, the most important was that wine was meant to enhance a meal, and that's something he never forgot," said Tim.
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wine tasting... |
06 05 2008 |
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib6k3M30lus&feature=related
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Cantenac Brown to open luxure hotel... |
28 04 2008 |
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The owner of Chateau Cantenac Brown has received preliminary permission to turn part of the chateau into a luxury hotel.
Plans lodged with Margaux town hall reveal that owner Simon Halabi, a Syrian-born British investor, intends to open a four star hotel with 102 bedrooms, including 11 suites.
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First Robert Parker news on the 2007 vintage |
22 04 2008 |
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Interview with Robert Parker
April, 2008
1. Mr Parker, you just come back from Bordeaux where you have tasted the vintage 2007 in Primeur. Could have we your general opinion about it?
The vintage presents itself better than I had thought it would, based on the miserable summer Bordeaux endured. The dry, warm, sunny month of September seems to have saved the vintage from being poor. Overall, the very best estates, where they had the financial resources to do extensive work in the vineyards and make a relatively strict selection once the wines were fermented, produced wines that are fruity, soft, very charming, and flattering to drink at an early age. Of course, the wines don’t have the density, structure, and power of the greatest vintages, but they do have finesse, elegance, and generally good balance. At the lower levels, which is where the bulk of the production is, the wines are much thinner, herbal, even vegetal, and largely disappointing. |
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COS D'ESTOURNEL 2007 |
21 04 08 |
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| Vintage review |
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2007-vintage of the great terroirs. This is the result of various weather-related factors: an exceptionally dry and mild April (the mildest since 1947) as well as a warm start to autumn.No rain in the first fortnight of August which resulted in quality hydrous stress. 2007 was marked by a very mild winter and spring, resulting in very rapid budburst and early flowering-very similar to 2003. The heavy rain from May to the end of July resulted in mildew development, obliging them to treat agressively. However, we noticed that despite 51 days of rain (a relatively high number), the hydrous result at the end of July was very similar to that of vintages such as 2000 or 2002. In mid-August, the great terroirs of Cos d'Estournel were showing very clear signs of quality hydrous constrains due to a fortnight without rain during that month.THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS: te Merlots were very ripe and showed exitic notes, as in 2002. The good weather which arrived at the end of the ripening process was good for the Cabernet Sauvignons which are of exceptional quality and also much more classical than the Merlots. |
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PRIMEURS 2007 TASTING RESULTS... |
08 04 2008 |
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Bernard's Top 27 Wines of the Vintage " 2007 "
RIEUSSEC 96/100 BVDD
HAUT-BRION BLANC 95+/100 BVDD
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER WHITE 95/100 BVDD
LEOVILLE LAS CASES 94+/100 BVDD
CALON-SEGUR 93-95/100 BVDD
LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 93-94/100 BVDD
VIEUX CHATEAU CERTAN 94/100 BVDD
AUSONE 94/100 BVDD
PONTET CANET 94/100 BVDD
ANGELUS 94/100 BVDD
EVANGILE 94/100 BVDD
TERTRE ROTBOEUF 94/100 BVDD
LA MISSION HAUT BRION 94/100 BVDD
HAUT-BRION 92-94/100 BVDD
PAPE CLEMENT 92-94/100 BVDD
PALMER 92-94/100 BVDD
COS D'ESTOURNEL 92-94/100 BVDD
MONTROSE 93+/100 BVDD
PAPE CLEMENT WHITE 93/100 BVDD
LEOVILLE BARTON 93/100 BVDD
MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 93/100 BVDD
RAUZAN SEGLA 93/100 BVDD
LYNCH BAGES 91-93/100 BVDD
MARGAUX 91-93/100 BVDD
LA CONSEILLANTE 91-93/100 BVDD
GRUAUD LAROSE 92/100 BVDD
LA TOUR DU PIN (by Cheval Blanc90-92/100 BVDD
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Global warming ok for Margaux |
14 03 08 |
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Chateau Margaux general director Paul Pontallier has endorsed his fellow producers' views on climate change: it is no bad thing.
Pontallier was speaking at a Margaux masterclass at Christie's in London, which he presented along with Corinne Mentzelopoulos, owner of the renowned Bordeaux first growth.
Asked about climate change and rising alcohol levels in wines, he said, 'We are so fortunate with global warming. Look at the number of great vintages we have had in the last 12 or 13 years. It is absolutely amazing.'
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coming soon. Stay tuned for more ! |
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Wine Palace to be open in Olympic City... |
25 11 2007 |
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A vast 'Palace of Wine' is being built in the Chinese city of Qingdao in Shangdong Province.
The 2,700 square metre building is part of a huge residential development. Qingdao, on China's east coast, will host the sailing competitions in next year's Olympic Games.
Many Carruades de Lafite (Pauillac) are already shipped to China for this event as well, that's why the price is becoming COMPLETLY CRAZY for this wine today. It's lost it's value-for-money meanwhile.
There's very few left on the European market , but don't forget that's it's still a second wine!
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HUGH JOHNSON IMPORTANT NOTICE... |
14 11 2007 |
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Top UK wine writer Hugh Johnson has claimed that wine vintages do not really matter any more.
Speaking to UK broadsheet the Times, the veteran taster said that numerous techniques had been developed by wine growers to ensure that their crops are no longer ruined by bad weather or diseases. He claims that any year is now a good one for drinkers.
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CHATEAU LA POINTE POMEROL SOLD! |
25 10 2007 |
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Famous Chateau La Pointe in Pomerol has been sold from the D'arfeuille family to a big assurance company |
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SUNNY BORDEAUX... |
20 09 07 |
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Today the weather forecast annouced 28°C in Bordeaux, good for those who are harvesting already, but all grapes are NOT in perfect condition...so the big-technical ones will be lucky again... |
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CH. PALMER STARTS HARVEST 2007 UNDER THE SUN... |
19 09 07 |
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Today , the harvest starts at Ch. Palmer, one of Margaux' blockbusters! It's very sunny in Bordeaux today, so they are lucky again.
We keep you informed. They'll start with the Merlots in the morning... |
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POMEROL STARTS HARVEST... |
18 09 07 |
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The Merlot harvest began in Pomerol last Friday (September 14) reportedly for young vines on some Moeuix estates, and chateaux on the plains.
The harvest is due to continue this week in Saint Emilion, Graves, Pessac Léognan and most communes of the Médoc. It comes two weeks after the first Sauvignon Blanc grapes were picked in Pessac Leognan.
The general opening for Merlot (and Malbec) grapes in any remaining appellations is September 20. Cabernet Sauvignon in AOC Bordeaux for rosé wines begins on the same day.
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2007 Harvest begins in Bordeaux today.... |
28 08 2007 |
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| Ch. Carbonnieux white first Cru Classé to pick.. |
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Chateau Carbonnieux in the Graves region south of Bordeaux has kicked off the 2007 harvest.
The chateau, which produces both red and white wines, began the white harvest yesterday, bringing in Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The Semillon grapes, which generally make up the blend of white wines in the region, will not be harvested until the end of this week or the beginning of the next.
The weather is extremly good today (30°C)!!! so ideal to pick.
It might be a good vintage for the whites as Haut Brion and La Louvière started as well today.
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The first Bordeaux whites almost ready to pick.... |
25 08 2007 |
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The first Bordeaux whites will begin being collected this week in Pessac Leognan and Entre deux Mers.
A spokesman for Despagne Family vineyards in Entre deux Mers told me that they will begin harvesting their Sauvignon Blanc grapes for Chateau Tour de Mirambeau early next week.
'These vines are planted to 10,000 feet per hectare, meaning smaller berries and earlier ripening. Our whites are looking very good, as they do better in cooler summers, but we don't feel so confident with the reds.'
A cool wet summer has meant that mildew has been felt throughout the region's vineyards – with organic producers being hardest hit, some losing up to 90% of their crop.
But for the majority of winemakers, the mildew threat has been contained through expensive and regular treatments and very close green harvesting, meaning that the main effect will be on the volumes, expected to be significantly lower overall than in both 2006 and 2005.
An April that was the hottest for 30 years has so far been the highlight of the vintage, allowing an early and even flowering that carried most vines through to a good, even fruit set, but there has been little to be optimistic about since.
The quality of the reds depends on the weather over the next month: the Merlot harvest is expected to begin in mid-September. At the moment the biggest threat is the acute risk of rot from from the continuing rain.
When I visited the Bordeaux-region begin august I was surprised that all grapes were growing very, very slow and badly.
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Smallest wine harvest since 2003... |
16 08 2007 |
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The French wine harvest is expected to produce just under 50m hectolitres of wine, the lowest production level since 2003, says the French agriculture ministry.
The ministry revised its figures earlier this month following an original prediction in July of 51.2m hl (hectolitres). The current estimate now stands at 49.9hl, 2.4m hl higher than the 2003 harvest, which was greatly affected by summer heat waves.
Although bad weather this year has been partly responsible for the drop in production levels, the agriculture ministry says there will be a 23% drop in Vin de Table production due mainly to the continued program of grubbing-up vines in south France.
The production of appellation wines is expected to fall 2% this year.
However, the ministry did confirm that the change in estimate between July and August is due to the recent bad weather. Officials say that further bad weather could continue to reduce the crop, threatening to reduce overall yields to 2003 levels.
According to weather services Meteo France and the UK's Met Office, further bad weather is expected to sweep through the country this week. Bordeaux and Burgundy are expected to be hit by rainstorms tomorrow afternoon, and much of the country is expected to experience downpours on Thursday.
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Baron Elie de Rothschild has died... |
08 08 07 |
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Baron Elie de Rothschild, the man credited with overseeing the post war revival of Chateau Lafite, has died aged 90.
Elie de Rothschild ran the Bordeaux first growth from 1946 to 1974, when current owner Eric de Rothschild took over from his uncle.
Elie Robert de Rothschild was born on 29 May 1917 to Baron Robert de Rothschild and his wife Nelly. One of four children, he was bought up by English nannies in Paris and Chantilly.
At the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, Elie and his brother Alain rode to the front with their cavalry regiment, the 11th Cuirassiers. Both were captured by German forces during the fall of France in 1940.
After unsuccessfully attempting an escape from Nienburg Prisoner of War (PoW) camp, he was sent to the infamous Colditz castle, where he married childhood sweetheart Liliane Fould-Springer by proxy. He was subsequently moved to Lubeck PoW camp where he was reunited with his brother.
After the war, Elie, Alain and their cousin Guy began to rebuild the family banking business, Rothschild Freres, and their investment concern the Compagnie du Nord.
In 1946, one year after the acclaimed '45 vintage, Elie also took over at Chateau Lafite, overseeing its restoration, renovation and administrative restructuring after years of neglect. He also decided to oppose his cousin, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, in his attempt to acquire first growth status for neighbouring estate Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. Nowadays dubbed a 'healthy rivalry' by the Lafite website, the two cousins barely spoke to each other during the period.
Among many innovations, Elie introduced dairy cows to the property in the 50s in order to ready access to organic fertiliser. He was also one of the founding members of the Bordeaux wine guild, the Commanderie du Bontemps du Medoc, in 1950.
After 28 years running Chateau Lafite, Elie handed over to his nephew Eric de Rothschild.
Elie de Rothschild died yesterday at his hunting lodge in the Austrian alps, he was 90 years old. He and Liliane, who died in 2003, had a son and two daughters.
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Recomended 2006... |
24 07 2007 |
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| at opening prices |
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I would also particularly recommend Lynch Bages, Leoville Barton and Grnad Puy Lacoste as properties who have made very good wines in 2006 and which have a consistent track record of fair en primeur pricing. I also managed to have 1 extra case of Haut-Brion... |
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Waiting for the last part of primeurs... |
24 06 07 |
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Just back from Vinexpo where we could meet interesting new markets for the big Bordeaux quality wines
I now expect all the First Growths to come out rapidly, one after the other this hopefully this week!
Also yet to come out are Léoville Lascases and Ducru Beaucaillou (which I didn't like very much). So let's keep fingers crossed for reasonable prices for Angelus, Cheval Blanc, Ausone, Latour, Mouton, Lafite, Margaux and the super-blockbuster Haut-Brion. |
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PAVILLON ROUGE DU CH. MARGAUX 2006.. |
13 06 07 |
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Pavillon Rouge regularly battles it out with Les Forts de Latour for the title of Bordeaux's best second wine. Second wine it may be, but this is always one of the best five wines of the Margaux appellation in my view. This year it represents over half of the total production of Chateau Margaux! For me personnal, the best second wine of 2006. I've only can offer 5 cases!!! so be quick to order. |
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LEOVILLE POYFERRE 2006 IS OUT.... |
12 06 07 |
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Léoville Poyferré is a consistently excellent producer of top class Saint Julien with wines that tend to be more smooth and approachable than the blockbusters of Lascases or the classically structured wines of Barton. The 2006 is no exception to the rule, with the ability to charm in its early life but the potential to stand the test of time. Rated by Robert Parker (91-93+) as being just above Lynch Bages (our biggest-selling wine of the vintage) this is one Chateau that it is always worth buying en primeur and very much an allocation to guard for future vintages.
"Beautiful, vibrant, black raspberry and cassis fruit, fresh acidity, medium to full body, superb ripeness, melted tannins, and a long, savory, expansive mouthfeel are found in this top-notch St.-Julien. Friendlier than the more backward, tannic 2005 Leoville-Poyferre, the 2006 should be at its finest between 2011-2028. 91-93+" Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
" A deep purple/black hue. The nose wafts from the glass and caresses the olfactory sense: blackberries, cherry, cold steel and lots of sweet vanillary new oak. The palate is full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and very pure with plump, Rubenesque, rounded fruit. A voluptuous Poyferré, soft and showy, lush and sensuous.... A medium- rather than long-term wine that is pretty irresistible. 91-93" Neal Martin, erobertparker.com.
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l'ARROSEE 2006!!!... |
08 06 07 |
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We have the release of one of my favorite Saint Emilions of 2006.
I've discovered this wine last only year under the new ownership from the very friendly Mr. Roger Caille and his son! Château l'Arrosée is a wine that unites all the critics as it appeals to lovers of both the "modern" and "traditional" styles. It's not often that Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker see eye to eye on a Saint Emilion but this certainly gets the thumbs up from everyone. This is a beautifully situated property near Ausone that has been revitalised by new owners in the last few years. The price is 31,00 euro's/bt and we are sure that there will be no better Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé released this year at such a fair price!!!
"An ethereal, finesse-styled, Cheval Blanc-like delicacy accompanied by intensity characterize the 2006 l'Arrosee, another terrific effort from new proprietor Roger Caille. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a sweet perfume of crushed rocks, raspberries, cherries, flowers, and spice. Velvety-textured and structured, with considerable concentration yet a lightness of being, this finesse-styled beauty should be ready to drink in 3-5 years, and last for two decades. 92-94 points." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
"Dark and rich. Toasty sweet on the nose with great opulence and, it would seem, admirable selection. Succulent and round and satin texture. Quite dry tannins are overwhelmed by the ripeness of fruit. SO polished! 17.5 points." Jancis Robinson
"A lovely, well defined minerally nose with wild strawberry, cassis and a touch of blueberry. Medium-bodied palate, very ripe but not over ripe, vanilla pod, violets and blueberry again. Very harmonious, focused with a fine, pure, oak-driven finish that is supported by ample black cherry and cassis fruits. An excellent wine. 91-93 points." Neal Martin, erobertparker.com |
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HAUT BAILLY 2006... |
06 06 2007 |
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Today we have the release of one of the best Haut-Bailly's ever! Parker: " This is historically one of the most ethereal and elegant wines of Bordeaux, and under the new proprietor, American banker, Robert Wilmers, backed up by Veronique Sanders, the granddaughter of the former proprietor, Daniel Sanders, Haut-Bailly is making it's finest wines in nearly three decades. The 2006 boasts a dark ruby color along with a stunning bouquet of charcoal embers intermixed with sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, beautifully integrated, subtle oak, medium body, and a gorgeous texture. Despite impressive fruit intensity and impeccable length, it remains light on its feet. This classic Graves tastes like the Cheval Blanc of Pessac-Leognan. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030. SCORE: 91-94/100!! |
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LYNCH BAGES 2006 Bravo!!! |
05 06 07 |
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The big news this morning is the release of one of Bordeaux's most popular wines - Lynch Bages. We are delighted to say that our friends the Cazes family (and especially a personnal friend Jean-Charles Cazes) have had the good sense to release their famous wine at a very fair price despite the excellent quality and good reviews this year
Crucially, it receives a higher Parker score than the 2005 vintage and very good scores from Jancis Robinson and James Suckling. Like Léoville Barton and Calon Segur this is clearly one of the obvious wines to buy in 2006 as Lynch Bages 2006 en primeur is offered at 49,00 euro's/botlle ex vat - cheaper than any other vintage of Lynch Bages on the market today. Bravo Jean-Michel Cazes and family! We confidently predict that this will be our biggest selling wine of the vintage.
"This may turn out to be the finest Lynch Bages made since the 2000. The vintages between 2000 and 2006 are certainly very good, but seemingly lighter-styled in addition to being more forward and soft. The seriously-endowed, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 reveals a classic nose of creme de cassis, roasted meats as well as herbs, licorice, and toasty oak. Fleshy, full-bodied, opulent, and well-endowed, it will be at its peak in 5-6 years, and should keep for 20 or more. 91-93 points." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
"Shows very good concentration of currant and berry fruit. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. Solid core of everything. 92-94" James Suckling, Wine Spectator.
"Blackish crimson with a purple rim. Superripe black fruit and warm mocha aromas though not especially intense and overall a bit inky. Dense yet fresh and aromatic on the mid palate and a long dry finish.17 points." Jancis Robinson
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Tasted at Ormes de Pez, before my stunning dinner where I tasted Lynch Bages 1899 for the second time in my life!!!. A lot of sweet vanillary new oak on the opulent, quite showy nose. A touch of violets begins to develop in the glass, with a scent of brown sugar in the background. The palate is well balanced with good acidity, supple black toasty fruits, blackcurrant and layers of new oak. Cedar, cassis and blackcurrants on the finish. A very nice wine! and perfect value-for-money.... |
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HAUT BATAILLEY... |
24 05 07 |
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This morning we had the release of one of the best super valued wines from Pauillac: Ch. Haut-Batailley. We can offer this super bargain Pauillac Grand Cru Classé @ 22,90 €uro's/ bottle. I'm afraid we only have 2 cases!
This feminine-styled wine is more similar to a St.-Julien than a Pauillac. A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Haut-Batailley offers up sweet aromas of black cherries, licorice, currants, and a hint of underbrush along with a silky texture. Xavier Borie has been upgrading the quality at this estate over the last several years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. |
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LEOVILLE BARTON.../LANGOA.. |
23 05 07 |
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Today we have two of the most sought-after and eagerly awaited wines of the 2006 vintage - Langoa Barton at € 38,00/ botlle and Léoville Barton at € 48,75/ botlle (only for 2005 clients).
There is no doubt that under the stewardship of the universally respected Anthony Barton and his daughter Lilian, these two properties have both been on top form for many years. Léoville is right up there with the so-called "super-seconds", yet the Bartons continue with their admirable policy of selling it for less than half the price of neighbours such as Léoville Lascases and Ducru Beaucaillou. Langoa (the 2006 has the same Parker score as the 2005 and is released at more than € 150,00 cheaper) has really impressed us recently and these days it is not far behind its brilliant big brother.
As Jancis Robinson advises on her web site this morning: "If you want either of these wines (and they were both looking really excellent in early April) jump in NOW."
Château Léoville Barton 2006
"This classically made, dense purple-hued wine exhibits enormous potential, but currently it is forebodingly backward, dense, and broad. Once again, proprietor Anthony Barton delivers a wine with superb concentration, a classic style, and the possibility of three decades or more of ageability. Like most of the finest Leoville Bartons, considerable patience will be required. The 2006 will need 8-10 years of cellaring, and may even rival the 2005." 92/94 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Very dark crimson. Sturdy, tobacco leaf, savoury, some leather and then some ripeness and richness. Lots there, lots to draw you in and no excess of dryness even though it is pretty dry - Léoville Barton? Very energetic and even quite electric in terms of its impact on the palate. Seems to fade on the finish and then revives and completes the tasting experience." 18 Points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com
Château Langoa Barton 2006
"Much like its more famous sibling, Leoville Barton, the 2006 Langoa Barton is a heady, ripe, dense, tannic, powerful wine possessing a deep ruby/purple color as well as aromas of underbrush, damp earth, creme de cassis, and licorice. Rich, layered, and impressive, it will be drinkable between 2013-2030." 90/92 Points, Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
"Very dark crimson. Fresh glossy black cherry aromas. Very well balanced and gracious on the front palate with a nice fragrant dry, racy style. This could easily be Langoa [as indeed it was - I do try not to guess when tasting but this just swamped me with identity]. Very dry finish but not drying. Lift and grace. Just falls away very slightly on the finish. Bone dry - no tarty sweetness."17.5 Points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com
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This afternoon we have the release of one of the leading Margaux properties. Giscours is available at € 32,75/ botlle . The price is much closer to the current price of the 2004 than that of the 2005.
"A deep ruby/plum/purple hue is followed by aromas of tar, licorice, black currants, and roasted herbs, sweet, sexy fruit, soft, velvety tannins, medium to full body, and impressive purity. Drink this plush Margaux over the next 15-18 years. 89/91 points." Robert Parker.
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Lafon Rochet...Fleur de Bouard.. |
22 05 07 |
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We now have a release from a serious Médoc classed growth. This should encourage the others to get a move on....Château Lafon Rochet in St Estèphe is owned by the Tesseron family (of Pontet Canet fame) and the quality here has been improving considerably in recent vintages. The 2006 is released at €22,00 /botlle which is closer to the 2004 price than it is to the 2005 price.
"Always a noteworthy value among the Medoc's classified growths, the 2006 Lafon Rochet offers a dark opaque purple color as well as a classic bouquet of blue and black fruits intermixed with damp earth and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it is not yet complex, but the fruit is present, the texture is enticing, and the wine appears set for 15-18 years of longevity. 89-90" Robert Parker.
On the right bank we have La Fleur de Bouard. This impressively concentrated wine from Hubert de Bouard (of Angelus) is available at € 21,00. It is well rated by Robert Parker but we prefered Les Cruzelles from the same appellation which is available at € 14,75
"The undisputed reference point for high quality in Lalande de Pomerol, this 50-acre estate produces a blend of 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2006 tips the scales at 13.5% natural alcohol. A beautiful effort, it offers sweet black cherry fruit interwoven with notes of licorice, pain grille, and espresso roast. Dense, opulent, medium to full-bodied, pure, and long, it should drink well for a decade or more. The luxury cuvee, Le Plus de la Fleur de Bouard, which is kept three years or more in barrel, will not be released until 2010 or so, but it represents the quintessence of this estate. Unfortunately, I have never seen a bottle of this wine available at retail as the production is so minuscule. 90-93 points." Robert Parker
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Les Cruzelles is a small property that is visible from the back door of L'Eglise Clinet, just over the border in Lalande de Pomerol. At 14,75 €uro's per botlle it is also modestly priced and receives a rave review from Robert Parker "A sensational sleeper of the vintage" and the same score as wines such as Latour a Pomerol and Magdelaine which sell for three times the price.
"This sensational sleeper of the vintage is one of the finest wines proprietor Denis Durantou (also the owner of l'Eglise-Clinet) has yet produced at Les Cruzelles. Sweet licorice along with jammy cherry and black raspberry characteristics dominate this medium-bodied, velvety-textured Lalande de Pomerol. It should drink beautifully for 7-8 years. 89-91" Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
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BORDEAUX TASTING NOTES VINTAGE 2006 ... |
08 04 2007 |
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Here are my PERSONAL tasting notes from the 2006 vintage....
WINES OF THE VINTAGE:
EGLISE CLINET POMEROL '06 (BEST WINE) 96-98/100 BVDD
LEOVILLE LAS CASES '06 95-97+/100 BVDD
HAUT-BRION '06 96-98/100 BVDD
LA MISSION HAUT BRION '06 97/100 BVDD
TERTRE ROTBOEUF '06 97/100 BVDD
MOUTON ROTHSCHILD '06 97+/100 BVDD
CH. MARGAUX '06 97/100 BVDD
AUSONE '06 96-98+/100 BVDD
LE PIN '06 96-98+/100 BVDD
PAVIE '06 96-97/100 BVDD
COS D'ESTOURNEL '06 96+/100 BVDD
LAFITE ROTHSCHILD '06 96+/100 BVDD
VIEUX CHATEAU CERTAN '06 94-96+/100 BVDD
L'ARROSSEE '06 95/100 BVDD (SUPERB!!)
PONTET CANET '06 94-96/100 BVDD
ANGELUS '06 94-96/100 BVDD
GRAND PUY LACOTSE '06 93-95/100 BVDD(very good value!!)
LA CONSEILLANTE '06 93-95/100 BVDD
PAVIE MACQUIN '06 93-95+/100 BVDD
CHAPELLE D'AUSONE '06 93-95/100 BVDD
LATOUR '06 95+/100 BVDD
EVANGILE '06 95/100 BVDD
LEOVILLE POYFERRE'06 94+/100 BVDD
PETRUS '06 94/100 BVDD
ARMAILHAC '06 94/100 BVDD
BRANAIRE DUCRU '06 93+/100 BVDD
LYNCH BAGES '06 93/100 BVDD
PALMER'06 92-95/100 BVDD
GRUAUD LAROSE '06 92-93+/100 BVDD
LE MOULIN '06 94/100 BVDD
TROTANOY '06 93+/100 BVDD
CLOS FOURTET '06 93/100 BVDD
PETIT CHEVAL '06 93/100 BVDD
CERTAN DE MAY '06 93/100 BVDD
LEOVILLE BARTON '06 92+/100 BVDD
JOANIN-BECOT '06 92/100 BVDD
PAVILLON ROUGE DU CH. MARGAUX '06 92/100 BVDD
ORMES DE PEZ '06 92/100 BVDD
GOULEE '06 91/100 BVDD
LANGOA BARTON '06 90-92/100 BVDD
OLDEST WINE TASTED: LYNCH BAGES 1899 !!!! (STILL SUPERB , THANKS TO THE BORDEAUX INDEX TASTING TEAM, IN PARTICULAR SAM AND SEB)
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Still recovering ... |
10 01 2006 |
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Happy new year to you all!
still recovering and will be back begin april 2007!
Don't hesitate to mail for questions or enquiries. |
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good , but smaller harvest in Bordeaux 2006 |
26 10 2006 |
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it seems that 2006 will be a another good vintage.... |
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ST-EMILION HAS A NEW CLASSIFICATION SINCE TODAY! |
07 09 2006 |
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nouveaux 1ers Grands Crus Classés :
Pavie Macquin
Troplong Mondot
Nouveaux Grands Crus Classés :
Bellefont Belcier
Destieux
Fleur Cardinale
Grand Corbin despagne
Monbousquet
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still recovering, more news soon |
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I'm recovering quite well and hope to be back soon.... |
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I'm not taking orders for the moment due illness.
Thanks for understanding
I'll be back soon!
Bernard |
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MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 2005.... |
23 05 2006 |
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The situation regarding the release of the First Growths is complicated to say the least......
Mouton Rothschild have promised that there will be no tranche system this year and have sensibly released all that they have produced in one go - 75% of last year's quantity. |
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CH. CLIMENS 2005 ..A REAL BEAUTY...... |
19 06 06 |
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| Exceptional! |
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One of the finest properties in the Sauternes, Château Climens has produced a real beauty this year. This is sure to be highly demanded.
"As usual, Ch Climens was not assembled in time for the primeurs tastings but, unusually, (a) some lots had already been assembled, because the sugar levels on some were so high that they needed to be matched already to some in which the acidity would counterbalance them and (b) Berenice Lurton did not herself conduct a cellar tour of unusual cask-by-cask length but stayed indoors with her three week old son Aurelien instead. As usual, each lot was informatively different, one particularly nutty, another more citrus and lively, a third more floral and explosive and a fourth extraordinarily high in acidity but it was clear that this was an unusually sweet, rich vintage for Climens but with much better acidity than the 2003. Not quite as thrilling as the 2001 but not too much short of it. Drink 2015-35" 18.5 points Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com |
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PAVILLON ROUGE 2005 IS OUT!! |
16 06 06 |
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This is another superb vintage for this estate. The best Pavillon rouge ever made.
The blend is made from 50% Merlot and the rest with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Buy it now while you can! |
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LANGOA BARTON 2005.... |
14 06 2006 |
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| Very good buy... |
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The hugely popular Langoa Barton is offered at 49 euro per botlle (ex. 21% vat). Despite the significant price increase, we expect this wine to be over-subscribed and we will probably have to allocate orders. Please reply quickly if you would like to place an order.
"Very dark purple. Exceptionally ripe and opulent on the nose - most unusual for St-Julien and at first I thought this wine might be over the top but in fact there is sufficient rigour on the palate - mild constitution, definitely St-Julien. Well done! Not at all hot on the finish - moderate, beautifully judged. If you were in the dock, you'd want this one to be on the bench [on trial/be the judge]. Very neat and mild, and dry, on the finish. Fine tannins. Drink 2015-28. 18 points." JancisRobinson.com
"Gorgeous blackberry, currants and light toasted oak. Exotic. Full-bodied, juicy and velvety, with loads of fruit. Long and delicious. Almost 95-100." James Suckling, Wine Spectator.
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PICHON COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2005 IS OUT.... |
13 06 2006 |
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| SUPER-RECOMMENDED |
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We now have the first true super-second of the campaign. A true Bordeaux blue-blood, Pichon Lalande has made a wonderfully stylish, classic Pauillac in 2005. With the curious exception of Robert Parker, all the others critics loved it, and we couldn't agree more. Tasted on two separate occasions, it showed itself to be balanced, layered and intense, with true class and polish. Pichon Lalande 2005 is available at 93 Euro per botlle (ex. vat 21%). Amongst many of the other bullish prices this year, we think this has to represent a great opportunity to buy a super 2005.
"Deep colour, full and fleshy, really seductive, some leafiness, but full of florality and exotic spices, a superbly smooth wine with more power than is evident now. Drink 2012-35." 18.5 points Steven Spurrier, Decanter Magazine
"Love the aromas here of currants, licorice, exotic fruit, and berries. Complex. Full and silky, with gorgeous tannins. This is really long and reserved. Very close to 95-100. I will see in bottle." 92-94 points James Suckling, WineSpectator.com
"Very dark crimson. Broad and opulent on the nose - scented. Fresh and relatively simple. A little green note? Neat and compact but not as dense as some. Certainly a ripe vintage with dry tannins and representative of 2005, but correct rather than a wow wine. Very competent and well balanced. Finishes quite suddenly. (I tasted the 2004 alongside and was most impressed by its vivacity and depth. It could be even better than the 2005!) More obvious sweetness than the 2004. Drink 2012-25" 17.5 points Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com
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LES ORMES DE PEZ 2005 .... |
01 06 2006 |
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| Reccomended from Bernard!! |
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"A very deep colour, a lovely, spicy, peppery nose with roast chestnuts and black berries. On the palate there is good depth of cassis fruit but also some smooth, velvety tannins. Big, robust, fleshy, there is good concentration but it is well balanced and charming. Will be delicious from 5 years of age. GREAT VALUE. |
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HAUT-BATAILLEY 2005 RELEASE TODAY... |
01 06 2006 |
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"As usual, the 2005 Haut-Batailley resembles a St.-Julien more than a Pauillac. It possesses a deep plum/ruby color as well as a sweet nose of raspberries, black currants, spice, and oak. Elegant, medium-bodied, and made in a less powerful, structured style than most 2005s, it should hit its peak in 5-6 years, and last for 15 or more."88-90 points Robert Parker Wine Advocate 164
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LA LAGUNE 2005 BUY IT NOW!!! |
31 05 2006 |
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This afternoon we have the release of our first Médoc classed growth, and it's a good one. Château La Lagune have made one of their best wines ever in 2005 and it receives high scores from the critics:
"Until now, my reference vintage for La Lagune has been 1982, with the 1990 running a close second. However, the 2005 has the potential to be the finest La Lagune I have ever tasted. Dense ruby/purple-colored with sweet, briery, mountain berry notes interwoven with flowers, cherries, pain grille, and spice, it is intense yet elegant with tremendous purity and precision. While always somewhat Burgundian in style, the 2005 possesses more muscle and power than usual. It should be drinkable in 3-4 years, and last for 25 or more. It is a brilliant effort from this chateau. 92-94 points." Robert Parker
"Black-red, great concentration of ripe blackcurrant fruit with gamey, even leathery overtones, rich, plummy with crunchy fragrance, lively personality and a seductively long finish. Drink 2009-25. 17/20." Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com
"Healthy, moderately deep crimson. Full, ripe, foxgloves aroma. Meaty and sweet- certainly very ripe. Extremely bumptious and charming. This wine is wagging its tail! Not for the very long term perhaps but wonderfully bright and zappy. Drink 2010-18. 16.5" Jancis Robinson
"Very pretty aromas of crushed raspberries, currants and minerals. Medium-bodied, with a lovely, silky tannin texture and a medium finish. Best La Lagune in a long time. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 89-91." James Suckling, Wine Spectator
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Many wines to come out next 2 weeks |
24 05 2006 |
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Watch out my website daily as next 2 weeks we'll have many, many releases en primeur 2005 |
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MARGAUX IN DANGER!!! |
19 05 06 |
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| www.margaux-danger.com |
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The French ministry of transport are planning, incredibly, to build a motorway through Margaux to relieve congestion around Bordeaux city. There are alternatives and the Margaux winemakers need our support to resist these plans.
Please take a moment to view their site (in English as well as French) and sign the online petition.
Thanks,
Bernard
www.margaux-danger.com
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Ch. Gazin 2005 Pomerol has just been released this morning and it's 60% more expensive than last year!!! So sorry, but I've decided NOT to buy this wine in 2005. The wine is NOT double as good than in 2004 |
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Bernardwines on belgian TV tonight |
30 04 2006 |
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As proud sponsor from the Belgian sailing team Yannick Lefebvre, we'll be on Focus television tonight from 06.30 PM as sponsor on his sail! with bernardwines.be
Watch out!
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BORDEAUX VINTAGE 2005 |
26 04 2006 |
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Bernardwines Primeurs 2005
top tastingresults
HAUT-BRION 98+/100 (Wine of the vintage)
MARGAUX 98+/100
LATOUR 98+/100
LA MISSION HAUT BRION 95-97+/100
PETRUS 95-97/100
AUSONE 96+/100
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 96+/100
TERTRE ROTBOEUF 96+/100
PICHON CTSSE DE LALANDE 96+/100
CHEVAL BLANC 96-98+/100
ANGELUS 95-97+/100
MONTROSE 95+/100
COS D'ESTOURNEL 95/100
GRAND PUY LACOSTE 95/100
LAFITE 94-95+/100
EVANGILE 95+/100
EGLISE CLINET 94-97/100
LYNCH BAGES 94-96/100 (tasted at Château)!!
RAUZAN SEGLA 94-96/100
CLINET 95/100
PALMER 95/100 FIGEAC 95/100
PAVIE MACQUIN 95/100
LEOVILLE BARTON 94+/100
FORTS DE LATOUR 94/100
LA CONSEILLANTE 94/100
HAUT BERGEY (WHITE) 94/100
PAVILLON ROUGE 94/100
LE MOULIN 94/100
CLOS L'EGLISE (Pomerol) 94/100
LEOVILLE LASCASES 93-95?/100
MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 93+/100
DU TERTRE 93/100
HAUT BAILLY 93/100
PALMER 93/100
LEOVILLE POYFERRE 92-94/100
PAVIE DECESSE 92-94/100
BELLEVUE (ST-EMILION GCC) 92-94/100
SMITH HAUT LAFITE (WHITE) 92-94/100
PONTET CANET 92-94/100
TROPLONG MONDOT 92-94/100
CLOS LES LUNELLES 92-94/100
GRUAUD LAROSE 92-93+/100
LARCIS-DUCASSE 92-93/100
CANON LA GAFFELIERE 92-93/100
DUHART MILON 92-93/100
GISCOURS 92/100
PRIEURE LICHINE 92/100
LANGOA BARTON 92/100
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 92/100
BRANAIRE DUCRU 92/100
BRANE CANTENAC 91+/100
ROL VALENTIN 91-93/100
BEYCHEVELLE 91/100
DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 91/100
ORMES DE PEZ 90-93/100 (best value)
L'ARROSEE 90-92/100
DAME DE MONTROSE 90-92/100
MALESCOT 90/100
MARBUZET 90/100
ARMAILHAC 90/100
BLASON EVANGILE 90/100
LASCOMBES 89-91/100
LE PIN 89-91/100
and many, many other good wines.... |
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THE FIRST 2005 ARE OUT... |
26 04 2006 |
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Here they are, the first 2005....
Keep watching ,the Primeurs 2005 daily updated... |
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Parker has finally released the notes... |
24 04 06 |
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This evening I'll put some Parkernotes on my website, but if you're in a hurry go to www.erobertparker.com
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CH. GRAND FAURIE LA ROSE SOLD TO CH. LARMANDE... |
14 04 2006 |
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Ch. Larmande,a famous Grand Cru Classé estate in Bordeaux's St.-Emilion appellation, has purchased nearby Château Grand Faurie La Rose from the Ferrand family for an undisclosed amount. Sources in Bordeaux estimate that the deal is worth between $2 million and $4 million.
For the owner of Larmande, French insurance group La Mondiale, the purchase resolves a problem concerning the vinification of 6 of Larmande's 62 acres of vineyards. These vines, located at Berthonneau, are designated as Grand Cru, lower down the classification order, and therefore their grapes cannot be vinified in Larmande's cellar.
With the purchase of Grand Faurie La Rose, a Grand Cru, Larmande will now be able to vinify its Grand Cru grapes in the cellar of the 10-acre estate, along with Grand Faurie La Rose's own crop. This arrangement was already in place for the 2005 vintage, before the sale went through.
Larmande produces around 9,000 cases each year, while Grand Faurie La Rose produces 3,000 cases.
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Waiting for the Chateaux and Bob... |
13 04 2006 |
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| Nobody does him better... |
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I'm currently waiting for the Chateaux prices before we can offer the 2005 vintage online...most Chateaux are waiting for Robert Parker's Jr tasting notes and ratings before they'll release the new prices...for the planet's most interesting discussion board, daily news and access to hundreds of thousands of tasting notes and articles check out the most visited wine site eRobertparker.com |
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BORDEAUX 2005 MY PERSONNAL TASTING RESULTS... |
10 04 2006 |
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| Bernard VandenDriessche 2005 tasting results |
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bernardwines Primeurs 2005 top tastingresults
HAUT-BRION 98+/100 (Wine of the vintage)
MARGAUX 98+/100
LATOUR 98+/100
LA MISSION HAUT BRION 95-97+/100
PETRUS 95-97/100
AUSONE 96+/100
VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN 96+/100
TERTRE ROTBOEUF 96+/100
PICHON CTSSE DE LALANDE 96+/100
CHEVAL BLANC 96-98+/100
ANGELUS 95-97+/100
MONTROSE 95+/100
COS D'ESTOURNEL 95/100
GRAND PUY LACOSTE 95/100
LAFITE 94-95+/100
EVANGILE 95+/100
EGLISE CLINET 94-97/100
LYNCH BAGES 94-96/100 (tasted at Château)!!
RAUZAN SEGLA 94-96/100
CLINET 95/100
FIGEAC 95/100
PAVIE MACQUIN 95/100
LEOVILLE BARTON 94+/100
FORTS DE LATOUR 94/100
LA CONSEILLANTE 94/100
HAUT BERGEY (WHITE) 94/100
PAVILLON ROUGE 94/100
LE MOULIN 94/100
CLOS L'EGLISE (Pomerol) 94/100
LEOVILLE LASCASES 93-95?/100
MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 93+/100
DU TERTRE 93/100
HAUT BAILLY 93/100
PALMER 93/100
LEOVILLE POYFERRE 92-94/100
PAVIE DECESSE 92-94/100
BELLEVUE (ST-EMILION GCC) 92-94/100
SMITH HAUT LAFITE (WHITE) 92-94/100
PONTET CANET 92-94/100
TROPLONG MONDOT 92-94/100
CLOS LES LUNELLES 92-94/100
GRUAUD LAROSE 92-93+/100
LARCIS-DUCASSE 92-93/100
CANON LA GAFFELIERE 92-93/100
DUHART MILON 92-93/100
GISCOURS 92/100
PRIEURE LICHINE 92/100
LANGOA BARTON 92/100
DOMAINE DE CHEVALIER 92/100
BRANAIRE DUCRU 92/100
BRANE CANTENAC 91+/100
ROL VALENTIN 91-93/100
BEYCHEVELLE 91/100
DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 91/100
ORMES DE PEZ 90-93/100 (best value)
L'ARROSEE 90-92/100
DAME DE MONTROSE 90-92/100
MALESCOT 90/100
MARBUZET 90/100
ARMAILHAC 90/100
BLASON EVANGILE 90/100
LASCOMBES 89-91/100
LE PIN 89-91/100
and many, many other good wines.... |
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BORDEAUX 2005 NEWS |
10 04 2006 |
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Just back from Bordeaux where i've tasted the extraordinary 2005 vintage! My personnal scores tonight online.....
watch out! |
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I'm in Bordeaux until next saturday to taste the biggest vintage ever ...2005 |
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ROBERT PARKERS' FIRST COMMENTS ON BORDEAUX 2005 |
27 03 2006 |
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| Top vintage.... |
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"2005 will not be over-hyped....it is that special....the wines are unlike any I have tasted in 28 years of doing these March tastings.....why?....highest tannins ever measured.....among highest dry extracts ever measured....highest alcohols ever....13.5-14.5% is normal(can't wait to hear the whines from the British MWs).....very crisp acidities which is the anomaly in a year of such massive richness....and of course every AOC seems to have hit their fair share of homeruns.....I predict there will hundreds of potentially top wines at reasonable prices...but the prestige labels will be absurdly priced....BTW....and unusually...dry whites and the sweet nectars are also extremely successful...." - Robert Parker, 25/3/06
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CH. CANTENAC BROWN SOLD! |
22 03 2006 |
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| sold to Syrian business man |
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Château Cantenac-Brown, a third-growth Bordeaux estate in Margaux, has a new owner. AXA Millésimes, the French insurance giant that owns several prominent properties in Bordeaux and other wine regions in Europe, finalized an agreement on March 20 to sell Cantenac-Brown to the Halabi family, headed by Simon Halabi, a London-based real-estate investor and reputed wine connoisseur.
The sale price was not disclosed, but sources in Bordeaux estimate it to be around $72 million. Halabi can certainly afford that. Born in Syria but now a British citizen, he heads the investment group Buckingham Securities and is reportedly worth more than $1.2 billion.
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CHATEAU MARGAUX 2005 HOT NEWS |
21 03 2006 |
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| Chateau Margaux best vintage ever... |
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Winemaker and manager Paul Pontallier called the wine "the greatest vintage we have ever made,” |
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BORDEAUX 2005 BIGGEST VINTAGE EVER??? |
19 03 2006 |
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Many rumours on the international market as everyone thinks that Bordeaux 2005 will be the biggest vintage ever in the hottest and best wine-region of the world!
Let's kep fingers crossed that prices will be reasonable...
My yearly tasting trip is planned for the 1 st week of april!!
Tasting reports from the 2nd week! |
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CH. SOUTARD FOR SALE! |
130306 |
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| St-Emilion Grand Cru Classé for sale |
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St-Emilion grand cru classé Château Soutard, one of the oldest in the region, is for sale.
Owned and run by the des Ligneris family since 1836, the 27ha estate, which dates back to 1762, is worth approximately €35m.
Francois des Ligneris, who has worked at the chateau since 1978 and took over as director in 1988, and also runs estates in Corbieres and Entre-deux-Mers, as well as the restaurant/ wine-bar L'Envers du Decor in St-Emilion, had previously denied reports of a sale.
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HOT NEWS ON 2005 VINTAGE!! |
23 02 2006 |
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Worlds' famous oenologist and winemaker Denis Dubourdieu(who was one of my teachers in Bordeaux-University in 1989 and famous owner of Ch. Reynon and Clos Floridène) just anounced that
2005 is better than any vintage he had seen since he came to Bordeaux in 1972, surpassing such legendary years as 1982 and 2000, a sentiment that has been echoed across the region.
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BORDEAUX VINTAGE 2005 |
07 02 2006 |
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After my short visit in Bordeaux last week, I have to confirm that it will be a very good vintage and particulary in St-Emilion.
I've never tasted such good wine on the barrel in january!
Let's wait and see for the big tastings begin of april.... |
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CH. MONTROSE SOLD??? (hot news from decanter.com) |
01 02 2006 |
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Chateau Montrose looks set to be sold, decanter.com has learned.
Martin Bouygues, head of the French construction giant Bouygues, is looking to buy the second-growth Bordeaux chateau.
Although Bouygues and his brother, Olivier, are acting alone, the bid to buy the estate was confirmed today by the company.
'Martin and Olivier Bouygues are in negotiations to buy the chateau either alone or with associates,' said Bouygues press officer Stéphanie Beauvais. 'The project is personal and does not concern the Bouygues group.'
Late last week the Journal des Finances, a French stock-exchange monitor, reported that the Chateau's owner, Jean-Louis Charmolüe, had put the estate on the market.
'Several big industrial names have stated their interest in the vineyard,' said the report.
Montrose is considered the 'Latour of Saint-Estèphe' and, by a general consensus, produced the 'wine of the vintage' in 2003.
Charmolüe could not be reached for comment.
The Bouygues group, which also includes a telecommunications arm, has an estimated market value of US$14.4b and the Bouygues family is, according to Forbes, worth around $1.3b.
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Bordeaux 2005 trip |
17 01 2006 |
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I'll be in Bordeaux from wednesday 18th january to taste the first 2005....!
As anounced it will be a very good, exceptionnal vintage!
More news next week.. |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! |
01 01 2006 |
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Watch our website daily |
21 11 2005 |
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as we'll put top Barrossa Valley wines online from friday , as i've tasted them today in London. Top performance from Australia |
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CH. TERREY GROS CAILLOU ST-JULIEN SOLD! |
07 11 2005 |
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Ch. Terrey Gros Caillou, a famous St-Julien Cru Bourgeois, has been sold recently to Ch. Ducru Beaucaillou Grand Cru Classé in St-Julien, owned by the Borie family (Grand Puy Lacoste, Haut-Batailley) |
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YQUEM SOLD OUT! |
05 10 2005 |
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We're sorry to inform you that Yquem 2001 is already sold out!
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YQUEM 2001 RELEASED!!! |
29 09 2005 |
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The most wanted Sauternes ever Ch. Yquem 2001,(100/100 Robert Parker) has been released a few minutes ago...
I will anounce my selling price tommorrow....
Priority to Yquem 2004 buyers! |
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MORE NEWS ON BORDEAUX 2005....CHEVAL BLANC... |
29 09 2005 |
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At Cheval Blanc, Pierre Lurton said the 'big difference' between 2005 and 2003 – another small and powerful vintage – is the relatively lower temperatures this year. 'It has been just as dry but not nearly as hot so we can look forward to an excellent vintage.'
Elsewhere in Bordeaux producers are equally bullish. Château Haut-Brion reported reds 'in a perfect, healthy state,' while a spokesman for Château Olivier in Pessac said, 'This is really looking like one of the best harvests for a very, very long time.'
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TOP VINTAGE 2005 IN BORDEAUX.... |
28 09 2005 |
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Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus, president of the St-Emilion Syndicat, is ecstatic. 'Much of the Merlot has already been picked, so we know that the quality is superb. The weather forecast predicts sunny days and no rain for the week ahead, so there is no rush to harvest the Cabernet Franc.'
At Cheval Blanc, Pierre Lurton said the 'big difference' between 2005 and 2003 – another small and powerful vintage – is the relatively lower temperatures this year. 'It has been just as dry but not nearly as hot so we can look forward to an excellent vintage.'
Elsewhere in Bordeaux producers are equally bullish. Château Haut-Brion reported reds 'in a perfect, healthy state,' while a spokesman for Château Olivier in Pessac said, 'This is really looking like one of the best harvests for a very, very long time.'
At Domaine de Chevalier, the white grapes are currently being picked, with the first Merlots forecast to be picked in about two weeks. 'The grapes have optimal health and their balance is excellent,' maitre de chai Rémi Edange said.
What ramifications such quality will have on the rest of Bordeaux – and France – remains to be seen. If the vintage lives up to expectations there seems little doubt that Robert Parker will mark highly, which will bring many American buyers back into the fold.
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Christie's take over running Hospices de Beaune |
21 09 2005 |
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Sweeping aside a century and a half of tradition, Christie's is to take over the running of this year's Hospices de Beaune auction.
The auction house is to auction all lots over two days in November, and introduce bottle lots, a move that was last mooted, and thrown out, in 1980.
The auction of barrels of the latest vintage from the 60ha of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus vineyards held by the Hospices de Beaune, a charity set up in the 15th century, is widely taken to be a barometer of Burgundy prices.
Christie's will depart radically from another venerable tradition, that only negociants can buy the barrels of wine. For the first time since the auction was started in 1859, private buyers will be able to bid directly, when previously the only way they could buy would be to contact a negotiant and instruct them to bid.
'There will be two ways in which buyers can take part in the sale,' Christie's says bluntly. 'They can contact Burgundian negociant-eleveurs in the normal way…Or they can send their bids to Christie's directly.'
Selling bottles as well as barrels may be a departure from tradition, but just how unprecedented direct bidding will be can be gauged by the reaction of Louis Fabrice Latour, president of the Burgundy syndicat des negociants, when such a move was suggested last year.
'If the Hospices were to try to sell their wines themselves, that would be considered a declaration of war', he said in November 2004. It has not been possible to contact the syndicat at the time of going to press.
Some sort of change has been on the cards since last year. 2004 prices were down one-third on 2003, and a bitter war of words broke out, with Hospices organisers accusing negociants of price-fixing.
Hospices staff insisted the auction should not lose sight of its charitable origins. Low prices would mean less money for the poor, sick and elderly of Beaune.
Negociants were equally adamant that prices as high as they had been in 2002 would result in less wine being bought from growers.
Christie's – which sees its role as 'harmoniously to combine tradition with modernity' - will tread delicately between the two factions, both upholding untold centuries of tradition and financial interest. While the crisis afflicting French wines has raged most fiercely in Bordeaux and the south, Burgundy has not been immune. It is always in negociants' interests to keep release prices low.
Expressing confidence in the quality of the 2005 harvest, Anthony Hanson, International Wine Department consultant, said, 'In the world of wine, this is an event without equivalent. Thanks to the traditional generosity of the bidders and to the fine quality I am confident buyers will encounter, we believe this sale will be a great success.'
Les Hospices de Beaune is also a famous movie-location from " La Grande Vadrouille " starring Louis de Funès...(worth renting the movie)!
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POMEROL STARTS HARVEST |
08 09 2005 |
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| BEST VINTAGE SINCE 1998 ! |
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The harvest at Petrus and Trotanoy has started – two weeks early – and the quality is 'impeccable,' according to proprietor Christian Moueix.
He ordered the pickers in at Trotanoy this morning, and at Petrus this afternoon.
They are the first right bank properties to start bringing the grapes in, as Moueix is worried that the rain that is forecast within the next week could be heavy enough to affect the crop.
In any case, he is satisfied that his Merlot is perfectly ripe, at 14 degrees – and he is delighted with the quality.
'The grapes are are impeccable,' he said. 'I have seen nothing like this in many years.'
For his part, Gerard Perse is reported also to be very pleased with the quality of the grapes at his St Emilion properties, which inlcude Pavie, Pavie Decesse and Monbousquet.
According to some observers the vintage could be as good as 1998, if not better. Those watching the sorting tables have said almost nothing needs to be rejected.
Harvest would normally start on the right bank around 15-20 September. Most producers are waiting until then to pick.
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YQUEM 2001 RELEASE NEXT WEEK!! |
02 09 2005 |
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Ch. d'Yquem 2001, the best Sauternes in the world, will be released next week (price not yet released).
The demand is already hugh as the wine received a 100/100 Robert Parker score last april in " The Wine Advocate" and as you might know ; 2001 is the best Yquem since 1811 and 1847 (both wines scored 100/100 from RP!)
My (personnal) best Yquem ever tasted was the 1967. |
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MOET & CHANDON SELLS 15HA OF VINEYARD |
01 09 2005 |
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Top Champagne producer Moët & Chandon has announced it is to sell 15ha of vineyards in a bid to buy more vines for its Dom Pérignon wine.
The vines are all of Champagne's lesser-known grape variety, Pinot Meunier, which does not feature in the Dom Pérignon blend. The 15ha (hectares) are located in the Aisne department, west of the main Champagne region of the Marne.
Moët & Chandon currently owns 150ha of vineyard in the Aisne with the vines costing an estimated €650,000 (£447,862/US$802,511) per hectare.
If all 15 plots are sold the Champagne house stands to make nearly €10m (£6.9m/US$12m). Moët & Chandon intends to use the money to acquire more plots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this time in the department of the Marne.
Both more widely-known varieties are used in the Champagne house's top cuvée, Dom Pérignon.
'By buying in the Marne, we can increase our production of Dom Pérignon, thus enhancing the status of the house,' said a spokesman for Moët.
Pinot Meunier is used in Moët & Chandon's own vintage and non-vintage wines.
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BEAUJOLAIS DUBOEUF SCANDAL! |
31 08 2005 |
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Top Beaujolais producer Georges Duboeuf is being investigated by French authorities for incorrectly labelling and blending 225,000 litres of wine, it emerged yesterday.
A preliminary investigation was opened after France's fraud office found that Duboeuf's vinification plant in Lancié, in the departement of the Rhône, was mixing wines without respecting strict appellation rules. The rules govern blending and marketing wines from specific areas.
Reports indicate that 690 hectolitres (hl) of wines from specific vineyards and over 12,000hl of generic Beaujolais Villages were being blended and labelled incorrectly. In total, this affects around 300,000 bottles of Duboeuf wine, around 5% of Duboeuf's total production.
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harvest started in Bordeaux! |
30 08 2005 |
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Haut-Brion is regularly the first Bordeaux property to begin harvesting. Not only is it situated in the warmer Graves region, south of Bordeaux, but it is also in the suburb of the town, ensuring warmer temperatures than other properties in the region. Most other domaines are still waiting.
'The other, more precocious, properties in the Graves will begin harvesting next week,' said Jean-Louis Vivère, head of the Graves regional wine body. 'The Sauvignon Blanc is showing well and growers are keeping an eye on the acidity levels. By mid-September all the white grapes would be in. We'll still have to wait and see for the reds.'
The dry weather that has been affecting vines Europe-wide has not left Bordeaux untouched.
'There has been a very, very heavy drought,' said Vivère. 'Some vineyards will have had some problems although there was a storm last week, which put a smile on growers' faces. Still, young vines or those in deep gravel soil will have problems.'
Despite the threat of drought, some Graves winemakers are still in a very confident mood.
'We should begin with the whites in the middle of next week and this is really looking like one of the best harvests for a very, very long time,' said a spokesman at Château Olivier.
'If the climatic conditions stay the same, the harvest will be very good,' Gabriel Vialard of Chateau Haut-Bailly told the France 2 news channel.
I'll keep you informed...
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We're on holiday till august 16th.
Watch new updates...and wines soon |
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We are proud to be selected as retailer at Robert Parker. |
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| Quality Bordeaux Wine |
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Come visit often and stay up-to-date with the latest wine releases. |
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| New logo, New site, New wine |
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The new site will be updated daily. Check out our latest Primeurs or take a look in our shop. Contact info is available in the about-section. |
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* all prices are ex. VAT (21%) and ex. Cellars Oostende (B)
Subject remaining unsold
Payment conditions: by invoice |
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