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2019
"A Thrilling Vintage"
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This year unfolded in an unusual fashion with the global pandemic. As events and gatherings were canceled around the world, time also stood still in Bordeaux, France. Usually in late March, a pilgrimage of over 6,000 people, most of whom are wine professionals and journalists, converge on Bordeaux for an early preview tasting of wines that are still resting in barrels. In this case it was the wines from the 2019 vintage. Referred to as en-primeur, this glimpse of quality sets the tone for worldwide interest as scores are assessed and prices are etched in stone soon afterwards. Due to Covid-19, this year’s en-primeur venue in Bordeaux was placed on pause.
The Grandeur of Bordeaux
WINE REVIEWS
VINE EDUCATION
Bordeaux Wine
"The Inside Story"
One of the great treasures in any wine lover's life is that moment when one really tastes that perfectly balanced, perfectly aged blend of grapes that make up one of those iconic bottles of wine from Bordeaux, whether red or white. I have been blessed to have experienced that moment for both styles in my career. Let me be clear: this “moment” is highly subjective!
LIFESTYLE
A Rendezvous
in Bordeaux
The glorious city of Bordeaux, France is the world’s wine capital. Although awe-inspiring wine tasting experiences are the greatest draw for visitors, the city itself is quite remarkable. This picturesque walking city offers captivating museums, architectural treasures, unique shopping and noteworthy food. You’ll find it easy to navigate on the system of modern trams. Bordeaux has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 350 buildings classified as historical monuments.
WINEWRITER PROFILE
Homage to the Past and Present
My introduction to French wine began decades ago when I was in college. As early as my sophomore year, I began reading the “New Signet Book of Wine” by Alexis Bespaloff. A prominent wine critic who had spent a brief time in Bordeaux, Bespaloff worked for an importer of Bordeaux wines before dedicating his time to writing a regular wine column in “New York Magazine” for over 20 years. I was fascinated by his writings and at the same time understood the dedication ... The wine culture in France was a way of life and appeared immortal. Steeped in history and tradition, it drew me closer.