New list of the Best St Emilion – dawn of a new era

Its out!! the new list that has already caused so much controversy!! Everyone wins with 6 more properties included and no-one coming out. For my background article Congratulations to my favorite Figeac new A only 1 of 2 As with Pavie (the two orginal As never applied Ausone and Cheval Blanc). Angelus pulled out recently …

12 Top Tips when planning a Wine Tour in Bordeaux

I have spent over 30 years here in Bordeaux helping people put together their own wine tours that tick off the key things to see here or guiding wine lovers by the hand around the region as a wine specialised private wine guide (www.wineguidebordeaux). I have summarised the best of my advice in recently published …

The Lucky Grapes of 2021 Bordeaux Harvest

Wine producers are at least happy to have some grapes (the small quantity they had) in the vats after a disappointing harvest. The strong jammy aromas of blackcurrant and cherry waft around the wineries and we could almost be convinced it is a normal time of year. The crimson colour is being extracted from the …

Class in a glass – Leoville Barton St Julien

When most of the châteaux in Bordeaux are following the latest trend of using an army of amphoras in their new chai under construction, Leoville Barton stays with its historic recipe of wooden vats for making and ageing the wine. Tasting their vintage, they manage to achieve as always perfect balance. The château at Barton …

Futures Bordeaux 2019, time for a change?

With the cancellation of the usual primeur tastings first week of April this year wine buyers and journalists have received their barrel samples of the new vintage by the post. And it seems to have worked, as tasting notes have been written and communicated all over the world - despite the fragile nature of these …

My Favorite Places when Wine Touring in Bordeaux

Wine Tours with Nicolle Croft, Bordeaux Food & Wine Guide http://www.wineguidebordeaux.com Thirty years touring this wine region has given me lots of warm memories of people and places. Here are a few of my favorite wine people and some alternative things to do and places to go which will hopefully give you an idea of …

Dog’s Life Lessons

Perhaps we could learn alot from them... Alfie Many wine lovers who come to Bordeaux on my tours are also #dogpeople which got me thinking. We have a lot to learn from dogs in this current situation. #doglifelessonsStretch before rising.Run, romp and play daily.Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.Take naps.Drink lots of water.When you’re happy, dance …

Virus and the Vines

Spring flower bouquet This Last Week – St Emilion, France Written 19 March, 2020 Well here I am having spent the last week under the weather, not in a bed ridden fevered state but in a ‘really not feeling well’ (sore throat and cough) must take it easy way. Perhaps it is THE virus, perhaps …

A for Amphora, learning Bordeaux’s new ageing alphabet

The new wine is now ready, and I love visiting the warm chais (above ground cellars in Bordeaux) this time of year when the leaves are turning golden and temperatures are autumnal. The wine has taken all it needs from the skins which have now been removed. The wine is now ready for the next …

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