Hello, Summer has hit Sweden with its accustomed ferocity, and the dynamic Duo has repaired to what my old friend Hugo calls our dacha, and Mike T at one time called the penthouse - a pocket size apartment in Nice (fortunately we have a balcony,. or I would be unable to stretch out). Also stopovers in Bourgogne and Alsace. We have met various wine producers who have, not surprisingly, complained about the weather (it goes a bit with the description - grows wine, owns vineyard, disgruntled about weather).
We have learned that one of our old standbys (standbies?), the Dom Launay of Pommard, has ceased to exist - the owners have sold out the vineyards, and retired. Apaprently, no heirs. So we will have to find a new producer in those parts. Bummer, we liked their POmmards, not least the Vigne Centenaire ...
Jim Tanner, who is an excellent fellow, pointed out a little jewel of a restaurant in Meursault - Le Chevreuil. It is really a hotel, I wouldn't know what the rooms are like (we always stay at the Golf Colvert in Levernois), but the resto is higly recommended, e g, after a morning tasting at Coche-Bizouard. Menu regional at EU 18, more ambitious menus at 39 and
Ma Cuisine in downtown Beaune still excellent with a wine list to die for and an intelligent assortment of open wines and half bottles. The blackboard menu is EU 20 and good value. Advance reservation still a must!
As has already been pointed out, a small AFW-meet was held in Imperia, where we had the distinct pleasure of meeting friends old and friends new, friends on-line and friends physical. It was a particular pleasure to meet Dale, Betsy, and David, face to face - but, what a rush! across the Atlantic to stay one week in France ... and then back ...
Also a pleasure to meet Luk again, long time, no see ... and Filippo who is a new aquaintance. We hope to be able to attend their yearly manifestation in Rapallo next summer - we keep our fingers crossed.
According to Oz Clarke, the white wines of Cassis are the most overpriced of Southern French whites - he is wrong. That trophy must go to the white Bellet. We have tasted whites from a couple of producers now, and to charge EU 18 for these is nothing less than daylight robbery. No doubt they have a problem with the temperature which results in a what can only be described as flab, and a perceptible RS. And to think that the same price will buy a bottle of Coche-Bizouard's Auxey-Duresse (except the 2005s are sold out!). The reds are acceptable, but also way over priced - typically EU 18, which means that a quaffable, though not excellent, CdP costs 33 % less.
Cheers!
Nils