CHAMPAGNE TO BORDEAUX, RIDING THE WHITE HORSE – PART THREE

Day Two was a trip to the Left Bank with breakfast consisting of a glass 2006 Yquem at Chateaux d Yquem a highly recommended way to start the day! Up to Lynch Bages where we caught the tail end of a tour (not to worry lunch was leisurely and bloody tasty so why rush!).

Our tasting adventure climaxed (the wines were that good!) at Chateaux Gruaud-Larose. David Launay was our informative and knowledgeable guide and took us through the Chateaux where we met the Maitre de Chai, Philippe Carmagnac who was dead keen for us to get into some wines. The 2007 Gruaud-Larose (again full of hedonistic pleasure) was followed by the 1998 and 2003 Gruand-Larose all exceptional wines. After a very enlightening discussion on winemaking techniques Phillipe bundled us off with a couple of bottles of the 98 and a promise to come and visit. The 2011 Rugby World Cup will be densely populated with Chateaux owners leaving the harvest in the capable hands of the many open and friendly winemakers we met on our travels.

DISMOUNT

A early morning rise to catch (just) the red eye to Munich was followed by an enlivening 250 km zoom through the roads of Munich to meet Florian at Wine in Motion a distributor of New Zealand wines into Europe. A traditional meal of White Sausage, Pretzel and Beer (I had two - bloody good Hefe Weizen) preceded a rather sedate meeting and then a tasting of Man O' War that has resulted in some fantastic opportunities for us.

A night of fine food and wine (and a deep sleep) at the KonigHof hotel in Munich with a mate of Big B's, Werni who was an amazing host, a bottle of 2004 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling from J J Prumm and then to finish an outstanding bottle of 1986 Cheval Blanc, truly an amazing vinous experience and one I won’t forget, great to finish with the famous white horse!

Currently ensconced in B's pad in London winding down and warming up for stage two - the Battle for Britain!

Cheers

Dunc