Bordeaux Perfection

Today was an amazing day! We headed to Bordeaux for some shopping and of course a wine tasting! First stop....Catimini to stock up London with cute French clothes!!! Love it!!!! Why is their stuff so cute!?!?!

After some shopping therapy, Steve researched Le Bistro Gabriel, a Michelin starred restaurant. It was a bit of a gamble since we didn't have reservations, but we made it in for a an amazing lunch. 

OMG, we must be in Bordeaux....a 2002 Pomerol, Le Bon Pasteur for lunch!!!! HEAVEN!!!

This was a bit of a surprise....Steak, Frites with a real steak and not some french entrecôte??? It was SO good. Steve enjoyed Duck Breast with a Sweet Potato Mash. Did I mention that it was only 1:30, we still have another 1/2 a day of perfection to enjoy. Viva la France!

After lunch we were headed to our 3:00 appointment at Chateau Haut Brion for a tour and tasting. 

 Welcome to Heaven....

 First Growth Bordeaux and my other loves....

London was fascinated by the roses at the end of the rows of grapes

Let the tour begin.....We met a very nice couple from Wyoming and a student in Bordeaux that joined us on the tour.

We started our tour with Laetitia in the vat room, of course Steve was drawn to the 225 liters of Haut Brion in the first vat....I can't blame him.

This was a very impressive room and it was quite interesting to learn how they maintain the traditional steps of production but have incorporated very modern ways to ensure the perfect bottle of wine.

After the vat room, we headed to the area where they make their own barrels for Haut Brion.

This was such an interesting room. There was the barrel maker in the room working and his responsibility is to make 5 barrels per day. These barrels are only used for two years and then they are sold to other wineries.

Something new we learned, the barrels are placed over fire to help mold the wood into the shape of the barrel but also to 'toast' the wood to bring out tastes of coffee, oak and earth.

London found these Lion statues outside of the chateau and she loved them.

 London wanted to make wishes in the fountain.

This was the private residence of the Dillon family that owns Haut Brion. They visit the Chateau once a month. I think I could handle that job!

After Chateau Haut Brion, we headed to La Mission Haut Brion.

The Chateau at La Mission Haut Brion. This Chateau used to be used be owned by friars and is now part of the Dillon estate and this Chateau is primarily used for family and guests of the Dillons.

The barrel room at La Mission Haut Brion. This room typically holds 800-1000 barrels of wine. Obviously the man in the barrel room has been quite busy!

Family portrait....such a rare occurrence

London sitting in the original friar pews that are still in the barrel room.

Ahhhh, YES! Tasting time!!!!

I will take the Methuselah please!!!!

 We are both in love with the Methuselah of Haut Brion....

After the tour, relaxing in the garden at La Mission Haut Brion. It has been a very good day!!!