Grand Vin Wine Merchants UK | Blog

It's not even 10:30 and we've reached our 6th chateau, Pontet Canet one of the biggest estates in the Medoc. During our visit and whilst taking a clip of the vineyards, I was surprised to see horses still being used (see below). This chateau is unusual - not only is it producing organic wine, but 2010 marks its first bio-dynamic wine, awarded a Bio-dynamic certificate... More on Bio-dynamics later.

We jump in the car and we're off to the next stop, I ask Martin and Simon, what they think of Lafite and the morning so far. Listen!

I was in luck, Philippe Dhalluin was here, I capture some footage discussing some elements of the vintage with our team, and then, I scooped the first official interview of the day, and asked him to discuss the 2010 vintage further.... Needless to say I was feeling very lucky at this point, you can hear me grinning from ear to ear as I thank him at the end of the footage.

Charles Chevallier discusses the weather with our CEO, please turn up your volume up for this one its slightly muffled. Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Stunning surroundings and very impressive. Here are some of the photos, we were already beginning to run a little behind schedule... Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. Here is the chateau's website, and beautiful images of the chateau. http://www.estournel.com/en/home/

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

First stop of the morning, Calon Ségur in St Est è ph e, the most northern point of the St Estèphe commune, now run by Madame Gasqueton. Curious about the label, I find that the chateau's name derives from the owner in the 18th Century, Marquis de Ségur. This gentleman (who although running several prestigious vineyards at the time) was emotionally attached to this chateau, and is quoted "my heart belongs to calon". I have no idea when the heart was added to the label, however, with the symbol on the label, the enchanting story, and atmosphere when you arrive, you can't help but be bewitched by this chateau. Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

By the time we arrive in Bordeaux on Sunday, Martin was an Uncle.... His sister gave birth to baby Oliver, Martin was simply radiating and can't wait to get back to the UK to see him. We raised a glass together, and send our best wishes to the new family. Congratulations! And here he is......

heatherbwi's photostream on Flickr or http://www.flickr.com/photos/hbwi/ We're starting with Sunday's antics. Here is my tour of Chateau Carignan part 1, the rooms and living areas. Up next the winery! Added a few more of these this morning. Winery is in a video format.

At last I find a spot where I have wifi! Its been a while since you heard from me.... more on that in a mo. I'm at Chateau Belgrave, I've just had an interview with Mathieu Chadronnier, of CVBG Grand Crus, I asked what vintage he would compare with the 2010 vintage, and if he thought wine-lovers were being priced out of the market... I'll post his interview when I get back.

Wow what a day , I have so much to share with you ! We got back to the chateau about 30-40 minutes ago . Every piece of technology has run out and I'm eeking the last little bit of juice from the laptop . I have not once been able to get online to keep you updated ... for this ; apologies. But I have treats to share , but, first I am going to whisk myself off to a bite of dinner ! Bon appetit , and I'll get blogging once I've charged my batteries just a little .

The team rendesvoused early this morning over a sausage or bacon bap in the departure lounge where we received news that our first tasting would be on imminent arrival… Plans of showing you round what will be our stunning home for four days, will have to wait to the next window of opportunity. Quick call to mum (being a terrible daughter not spending mother's day with her) to wish her a happy mother's day and hope she liked the daf's... As we run to the gate, the lounge was awash of wine traders/merchants and journalists, suddenly I was surrounded by tall, and, well dapper looking gentlemen with loud voices as we boarded the plane. I felt quite surprised, how did I know they were in the trade? I hate to stereotype but there seemed to be a theme of blue jackets, (majority linen), checked-shirts and beige trousers… Once we'd gone through the airlines safety instructions the air hostess insisted 'we have a lovely section of wines onboard today' at which the whole p...

As exciting as it is to be part of the En Primeur frenzy, it's important not to get too carried away by the glamour of the Châteaux and their dinners, and the joy of talking with old friends. I empathise with your excitement, Hch, and remember those first visits well! Ah the tastings...the lawns...the beautiful Châteaux...the dinners...oh look, more delicious food! But Bordeaux, as a wine region, is facing some of its greatest challenges, in a history not unmarked by hardship, controversy and swings of fortune. The golden halo of Bordeaux's greatest wines - her first growths and 'garage' (a terrible term) cult wines - is flickering. There is a danger that the financial success of these producers, and in particular their prices, is alienating wine lovers, at a time when their 'quality', in many senses, has never been higher. There have been some rather unedifying squabbles over journalistic embargoes, as well as some very genuine concerns over the role of merchan...