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archive index
Read about:
v The Bordeaux vintage 2007
v The Decanter Bordeaux Encounter London, impressions
v Second Michelin
star for Plaisance
v What Ronald has been drinking this month
v Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule 2008
v We ask for your help!
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 With Michael Broadbent in London
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Dear Wine Lover,
It was an exciting month in Bordeaux. Of course we tasted the vintage 2007 at the dégustations des Primeurs, the futures tastings. More about that in this and in the following Newsletter.
We were very exited meeting Bordeaux guru Michael Broadbent last month in London. You can see my snug face while Mr. Broadbent visited our booth at the Decanter Great Bordeaux Encounter. I will give you some impressions and some pictures of this unique event at the Landmark Hotel in London.
Bittersweet
| Quote of the month: |
"Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age."
- Attributed to Pope John XXIII -
(and lately used a lot by Ronald ) |
Both the quote of the month as the "What Ronald has been drinking this month" have a bittersweet after taste as I turned 50 this March. I do hope this month's quote: -Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age- applies to me. Anyhow we tasted some great wines and I will give you my opinion on them in this Newsletter...
In the coming Newsletters there is a new topic I would like to address: Wine storage. But I need your help for that. I am going to discuss with you different solutions for storing wine. This will be a topic for the next few issues I am asking for your input for that.
If you have created a wine storage solution that is a bit out of the ordinary please contact me at Ronald@BXWINEX.com, remember to include a picture of your cellar with your mail.
I hope you'll enjoy reading this Newsletter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers from Bordeaux!
Ronald and Margaret Rens |
Don’t drink
anything I wouldn't drink!
Have a great spring!
Ronald Rens, M. Sc., Wine Master
President
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The Bordeaux vintage 2007, my verdict
 Many things have changed in Bordeaux. In the old days difficult years used to produce wines that never seemed to come around. Nowadays with all our knowledge, strong selections, lower yields and second wines, Bordeaux proves it can make good wines even in more difficult vintages.
In the first week of April everybody with something to say about Bordeaux descended on the region for the Futures Tastings of the new vintage, traditionally organized by the UGCB, the Union des Grands Crus Classés de Bordeaux.
We were all curious how the vintage would be because 2007 is by no means on the same level of 2005. Even Bordeaux can't produce blockbuster vintages every year.
   
The 2007 is a difficult year with a lighter structure and elegance more than power. At the tastings both Margaret and I found a huge difference in quality, even within appellations. When they are properly made, the 2007 are very pleasant with a good balance and not too heavy.
Ronald and Margaret tasting the 2007 at
Chateau Latour Carnet |
When they are NOT properly made, they can be disappointing and sometimes even mediocre. They are in general wines that will be appreciated in their relative youth and are wines with a lesser ageing potential. This is not a bad thing as we also want wines that are drinkable before we turn 60...(OK the 50 year barrier still hurts...).
I am by no means Robert Parker but like every year I will give you my opinion on some of the wines I tasted. For this I use the French 20 points scale, where 20 is the highest rating possible.
I will give you the wines that stuck with me for their good quality. For all rated wines please go to The Bordeaux Wine Experience vintage notes 2007.
In the next issue of this Newsletter I hope to give my opinion on the First Growths of 2007.
Tasted at Chateau Latour Carnet, Chateau Lascombes and Ch la Couspade |
| Those we liked (left bank) 2007 |
Those we liked (right bank) 2007 |
Medoc
Palmer, Margaux, 3th Growth
Lagrange, St Julien 3th Growth
Pichon Baron, Pauillac 2nd Growth
La Tour Carnet, Haut Medoc, 4th Gr
Brane-Cantenac, Margaux, 2nd Gr
Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 5nd Growth
Pessac-Léognan
Pape Clément, Cru Classé
Smith Haut Lafitte, blanc (white)
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Saint Emilion
Angélus
Figéac
Clos Fourtet
Laniote
Saint Georges Côté Pavie
Canon-la Gaffelière
Pomerol
Gazin
La Conseillante
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For all rated wines please go to The Bordeaux Wine Experience vintage notes 2007.
The Decanter Bordeaux Encounter London, impressions
The Decanter Great Bordeaux Fine Wine Encounter took place at the Landmark Hotel, Marylebone, London on Saturday 23 February. In this distinguished surroundings over a 1000 Bordeaux lovers tasted wines from chateaux like Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Angelus, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château Giscours, Château Climens.
The Bordeaux Wine Experience was present of course. We were thrilled to receive Michael Broadbent. Mr. Broadbent has over 50 years' experience in wine and used to lead the wine department of Christie's. It was exciting to receive Mr. Broadbent in our stand and discuss the latest developments in Bordeaux.
In Londen we came across with quite a few familiar faces. Some well known Bordeaux Chateau owners we meet at a regular basis. I would like to share some impressions with you so I hope you'll enjoy meeting them by means of the following pictures.
Second Michelin star for Hostellerie de Plaisance
 Saint Emilion's spectacular Michelin rated restaurant the Hostellerie de Plaisance obtained its second Michelin star. This second "macaron", as the french lovingly call the Michelin stars, was long overdue. The excellent and very modest chef Philippe Etchebest surprised many of our guests with his original and delicious creations. The location of the restaurant is just spectacular especially with the view from the terrace in the summer.
On our Grand Tour of Bordeaux we traditionally enjoy a delicious meal prepared by this gifted chef.
 Many of our guest have asked me why the Plaisance didn't have a second star. I have had the pleasure of eating in many Michelin rated restaurants, but I could give no reason why. The Michelin inspectors finally agree with our verdict. We already have extended our warmest congratulations to Philippe and we are looking forward to our next food and wine experience in the Plaisance.
Bravo Philippe! Hope to eat with you again soon.
 What Ronald has been drinking this month...
The best improve with age...
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The most interesting:
We had two very special dinner party's to commemorate my lost youth. On the first we started with a foie gras prepared in sea salt with a Chateau Haut-Bergeron 1990, one of the most decorated chateaus in Sauternes. The 1990 was excellent and has everything we look for in a great Sauternes in a top vintage; a beautiful balance buttery notes and honey and of course tropical fruit like pineapple and papaya.
For the main course we had a Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1994 with the label by the Dutch artist Karel Appel. The classical nose of the 1994 had hints of black fruit mixed with toasted smoky notes. On the palate we enjoyed the round and soft tannins and a beautiful balanced fruit. A delight!
The most interesting wine was without a doubt the Chateau Jean Faure 1958, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé. This bottle had been reconditioned and re corked at the chateau in 1991. I served this wine without decanting on the cheese dish. A very light fragile color. Very soft hints of tannins that had almost all melted away. Some spices and a bit strong in the acidity without a doubt as a result of the less than optimal weather conditions in 1958. Still a very interesting and unique wine experience. The first time I tasted a Bordeaux from "my" vintage.
The cork from the reconditioned 1958 Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé, re corked, rebouché, in 1991
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Outstandingly the best:
The second dinner we hosted for my big 50 (yes, yes, I know) started with an impressive Chateau d'Yquem 1995 to accompany the foie gras.
This wine had an impressive "jammy" taste with a good balance between the sweets and the acidity.
There were hints of pineapple and peach.
The wine seemed to go on and on and on. A great Sauternes!
 For the main course I selected a little vertical of Mouton's from my cellar. I picked bottles with a special meaning to us. We began with the Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1991, the year Margaret and I were married. This Mouton was a little closed but gave beautiful aroma's of vanilla, leather, cedar wood and tobacco. This wine was followed by a massive and impressive Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1985, (the year Margaret and I met!).
This 1985 showed a distinctive and well developed nose with hints of spices, herbs and ripe fruit. In the mouth we really liked the elegance of this wine that was ready to drink but on the other hand still had some 10 to 15 years of ageing potential left.
On the cheese (Stilton) I served a Tuke Holdsworth Vintage Port from the vintage 1958. How this young bottle could have gathered such a thick layer of dust I don't understand (okay, indulge me...).
With difficulty we managed to get the cork out in some chunks.
The 1958 was a fragrant and delicate Vintage Port. It was an aromatic and elegant wine with a gentle tawny color. The wine still had good fruit and balance.
The good news is I still have a bottle left to celebrate my 60th birthday, so more on this wine in the 2018 edition of this Newsletter...
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Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule 2008
The vat room at Chateau Mouton Rothschild |
Just imagine yourself visiting Bordeaux and tasting at the world’s most famous chateaux like Margaux, Latour or Haut Brion. Picture yourself in the famous round aging cellar at Lafite Rothschild or visiting the private wine museum at Mouton Rothschild and tasting their most recent vintage direct from the barrel. Every wine lover in the world would like to visit those places but they are not easy to get in to. I invite you to let us open those doors (and bottles) that usually stay closed for outsiders. I will guide you through the entire experience like an insider! And touring with me, you'll taste more Classified Growths than on any other Bordeaux wine tour! I know that the wine world can be a bit pretentious and elitist at times and Bordeaux is no exception. Don't worry I have a more down to earth approach to wine and wine tasting. With us you'll taste, learn and enjoy in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
We proudly present the following Tours and dates for 2008:
§ The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour
(June 23 - June 28, 2008 and July 7 - July 12, 2008)
§ The Bordeaux Harvest Tour
(September 22– September 27, 2008)
§ The Grand Tour of Bordeaux
(May 26 - May 31, 2008 (Sold out) and September 1 - September 6, 2008)
These Tours are 6 days, 5 nights. (Please click here for the Itineraries).
 People that join our tours are wine lovers and wine drinkers and usually this is their first trip to the Bordeaux region. They want lo learn about wine and wine tasting, and what better place to start than in Bordeaux, the world’s most famous wine region. I am convinced you will grow to love our region as we do if you join us on one of our tours.
Remember we want to keep things personal. That's why we only organize tours for small groups and tailor made trips. A small group from our perspective means a maximum of ten people. That’s just you and four other couples! All tours start with a two guest minimum.
Click here for more information on our Bordeaux Wine Tours.
Subscribe your Friends
 Dear Wine Lover, I hope you enjoyed this
newsletter. I would like to ask you to subscribe your friends, family
members and colleagues that love wine, because
it's fun, it's easy and it's free!
Please help us and vote for TheBordeauxWineBlog
 We need another 1000 votes, so please help us: Click here to vote The Bordeaux Wine Experience your favorite blog. Please vote once per day.
Thanks very much for your help!
Have a great spring and we look forward to seeing you all in Bordeaux this summer!
Cheers from Bordeaux,
Ronald and Margaret Rens
The Bordeaux Wine Experience
at Chateau Coulon Laurensac
   
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Visit our
website:
Bordeaux Wine
Tours
www.BXWINEX.com
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2008
Wine Tour Schedule
(Just five
couples per tour!)
We proudly present
the following Tours and dates for 2008:
(Now open for booking)
The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour 2
June 23 - June 28, 2008
The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour 3
July 7 - July 12, 2008
The Bordeaux Harvest Tour
Sept 22– Sept 27, 2008
The Grand Tour of
Bordeaux 1
May 26 - May 31, 2008
(Sold out)
The Grand Tour of
Bordeaux 2
Sept 1 - Sept 6, 2008
These Bordeaux Wine
Tours are 6 days, 5 nights.
Avoid disappointment and
reserve your place today!
(Click here!)
Available in 2008:
The most complete Day Tour Packages in Bordeaux!
Médoc Grand Cru or
Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Two day, one night private wine tour packages
(Click here!)
and
Best of Both Worlds
Three day, two nights private wine tour packages
(to Médoc or Saint Emilion)
(Click here!)
The Bordeaux Wine
Experience Gift Vouchers
An original
gift idea is a Bordeaux Wine Experience Gift Voucher.
These gift vouchers
can be used for:
- Wine Day
Tours,
- Paris Wine
Tours,
- Full week
wine tours.
You tell us what you
would like to offer and we will prepare a beautiful invitation card that will
serve as gift voucher for the tour you would like to offer.
These invitation
cards are much appreciated and are considered an original and elegant gift.
Click here for more information.
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