First was the UGC (Union des Grands Crus) tasting at Hangar 14 on Quai des Chartrons, which gives you a good overview of the vintage with over 150 producers representing all the appellations from Domaine Chevalier in Pessac to Poujeaux in Moulis. An hour and a half time limit allowed the team to get in tune with the vintage before we headed to the JP Moeuix tasting in Libourne.
At the JP Moeuix HQ, We were met by the charismatic and charming Christian Moeuix. The highlights of the tasting was La Fleur-Pétrus and Hosanna, as well as a tip of the hat to Pey Mouton, which is one of their exclusivities and an elegant St. Émilion Grand Cru.
A quick pit stop at the Syndicat de Pomerol where we had a 20-minute speed date with the 2023 Pomerol vintage, where Château La Croix Saint-Georges stood out from the crowd.
Then a quick 15-minute sprint to Chateau de Ferrand one of our rising stars on the right bank. Welcomed by owners Philippe and Pauline Chandon (previous owners of Moët & Chandon) we were treated to a private viewing of the Chai and Château. We then tasted the 2023 vintage; a classy wine offering much grace and finesse.
After lunch we Troplong Mondot the highlight of the 2022 campaign, however, we found that 2023, is a slight change in direction, lacking some definition / density. I have to say I prefer the 2022 vintage.
We then headed to Larcis Ducasse to taste Nicolas Thienpont's collection for the 2023 vintage where our stand out was Pavie Macquin. Next a gallop to Croix de Labrie; a biodynamic St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé with husband and wife team Pierre and Axelle. A definite potential contender to be included in our top ten wines of the vintage.
A quick trip through the vineyards (literally - lots of dirt tracks - Merci lead navigator Andrew!) we landed at Quintus, Haut Brion's right bank property to taste their trio of wines.
Our penultimate stop was with the charming Edoaurd Moueix at Bel Air Monange, a stunning new winery with wines to match.
Final stop was one of the favourite of the campaign so far, Tertre Roteboeuf, and into the cellar with the magicians, Henri and François Mitjavile. The wines (Domaine de Cambes, Roc de Cambes, and Tertre Roteboeuf) were so different to what we had tasted all day; incredible ripeness and density yet elegant, seamless, and sophisticated... almost effortless.
We then headed back to Bordeaux for a special dinner to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Chateau Chauvin with Sylvie Cazes and her family at Chaplin Fin (the oldest restaurant in Bordeaux founded in 1825). Good food, good wine, good company... needless to say we will sleep well tonight!
