Best German Wine Estates to Invest in, Germany

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Dr. Manfred Pruem, Weingut J.J. Pruem in Germany

See: JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

Germany’s leading business newspaper „Handelsblatt“ published a list of the 20 best German wine estates to invest in, established by the Swiss Wine-Stocks company.

Germany’s wine producers were not ranked according to the quality of their wines, but according to wine investment points. “On the basis of these data, we get an overall wine investment points total. The larger the total, the larger is the likelihood that this winery would be a good investment” says Wine-Stocks CEO Freund.

7 indicators were used: Performance of the most traded wines of a winery over a longer period, the average price of all traded wines of a winery, performance of all traded wines over the last twelve months, performance of all traded wines over a longer period, the volume of traded wines, number of wines of a winery with significant commercial quantities and the maximum price of the most expensive wine of the winery. All data used come from auctions worldwide.

For more information, see here (in German).

Here is the listing, with the Wine Investment Points in paranthesis.

1. J.J. Prüm, Mosel (26.680)

Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, with Manfred Pruem, Weingut JJ Pruem.

See:
German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013
3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

See:
JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

2. H. Dönnhoff, Nahe (23.064)

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Helmut Doennhoff, Weingut Doennhoff, Nahe Valley, at Weingut Doennhoff

See:
An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

3. Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen (20.389)
4. Egon Müller, Mosel (19.956)
5. Schloss Lieser, Mosel (16.956)
6. J. Strub, Rheinhessen (16.634)
7. J.J. Christoffel, Mosel (15.807)
8. Robert Weil, Rheingau (15.082)

Picture: Christian G.E.Schiller, Martina Weil, Annette Schiller, Wilhelm Weil at the 2013 Rheingau Riesling Gala

See:
German Riesling and International Grape Varieties – Top Wine Makers Wilhelm Weil and Markus Schneider at Kai Buhrfeindt’s Grand Cru in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Visiting Wilhelm Weil at his Weingut Robert Weil in Kiedrich, Germany
Tasting with Wilhelm Weil the 2010 Weingut Weil Wines in Kiedrich, Germany

9. Müller-Catoir, Pfalz (14.309)
10. Selbach-Oster, Mosel (14.146)

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Johannes Selbach in New York

See:
Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, teams up with Paul Hobbs to make Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, USA/Germany

11. Fritz Haag, Mosel

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and German Winemaker Oliver Haag, Weingut Fritz Haag, in Seattle

See:
The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

12. Karthauserhof, Mosel

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Christoph Tyrell, Karthäuserhof, in Mainz, Germany. The Karthäuserhof in the Mosel Valley is one of the most prestigious wine estates in Germany. It can look back to a long history. For the past decades, it has been run and owned by Christoph Tyrell in the 6. Generation. A couple of months ago, a press release indicated that Christoph Tyrell, who has no children and who is on his mid-60s, has arranged the succession of the Karthaeuserhof with his cousin Albert Behler. Albert Behler lives in New York City, where he is President and CEO of the Paramount Group, one of the largest privately-owned real estate companies in New York City.

For more, see:
The Karthäuserhof in the Mosel Valley: An Eventful History – From Grenoble in France to New York City in the US

13. Gunderloch, Rheinhessen

Pictures: Christian G.E.Schiller with Fritz and Agnes Hasselbach

See:
Visiting Agnes and Fritz Hasselbach at their Weingut Gunderloch in Nackenheim, Rheinhessen, Germany

14. Maximin Grünhaus von Schubert, Mosel

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Carl von Schubert in Washington DC

See:
Carl von Schubert from the Maximin Gruenhaus Estate Returned a Favor: With his Wines in Washington DC (and in Seattle), USA

15. Vereinigte Hospitien, Mosel
16. Dr. Loosen

Pictures: Ernst Loosen, Annette Schiller and Christian G.E.Schiller at the Tasting at Weingut Dr. Loosen

See:
Riesling from Germany and Pinot Noir from Oregon: A Winemaker Dinner with Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen and J.Christopher Wines, at Black Salt in Washington DC.
Riesling, Pinot Noir and Indian Cuisine: A tête-à-tête Dinner with Winemaker Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at Rasika in Washington DC, USA
Ernst Loosen and Dr. L. Riesling - His Hugely Popular Entry-level Wine Sold Throughout the World;
The Doctor Made a House Call - A Tasting with Ernst Loosen, Weingut Dr. Loosen, at MacArthur Beverages in Washington DC, USA
A Riesling Guru and a Killer Guitarist cum Cult Winemaker: Ernst Loosen and Jay Somers and their J. Christopher Winery in Newberg, Oregon
Wine ratings: Two American/German wines - Eroica and Poet's Leap - on Top 100 Wines from Washington State list for 2009
German American Wines: (1) Pacific Rim Riesling (2) Eroica and (3) Woelffer's Schillerwein
The German Winemakers at the 4th Riesling Rendezvous in Seattle, USA

17. Zilliken Geltz, Mosel
18. Schloss Vollrads, Rheingau
19. Fröhlich Schäfer, Nahe

Picture: Tim Froehlich (Weingut Schaefer-Froehlich) and Christian G.E. Schiller in Wiesbaden

schiller-wine: Related Postings (2013 German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy)

Ombiasy Wine Tours: Wine and Culture Tour to Germany Coming up in August 2013

German Wine and Culture Tour by ombiasy, 2013

Weingut Pawis in the Saale Unstrut Region - A Profile, Germany

Tasting at Weingut Balthasar Ress, Hattenheim, Rheingau, with Stefan Ress, Germany

Impromptu Winetasting with Alexander Jung, Weingut Jakob Jung, Erbach, Rheingau, Germany

A Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau, with Angela and Peter Jakob Kühn, Germany

Tasting with Rita Busch at Weingut Clemens Busch in the Mosel Valley, Germany

Ernst Loosen Presented his Wines at Weingut Dr. Loosen, Bernkastel-Kues, Mosel Valley, Germany

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour, Tasting and Lunch with Georg Rumpf, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Nahe Valley, Germany

An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

The World Meets at Weingut Weegmueller, Pfalz, Germany

Tasting with Johannes and Christoph Thoerle, Weingut Thoerle in Saulheim, Rheinhessen, Germany

Impressions from the Mainz Wine Market 2013, Germany

Upcoming in September 2014: Bordeaux Wine Tour by ombiasyPR – Bordeaux Immersion

Picture: With Dany Rolland at Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol during the 2013 Bordeaux Wine Tour by ombiasy

From September 22 – October 02, 2014, we will travel to the Bordeaux wine region. For the exact itinerary, prices and other questions, visit the ombiasy Public Realtions website:
ombiasy Public Relations.

This tour is one of 3 tours by ombiasyPR coming up in 2014, see:
3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux

For last year's tour, see:
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Bordeaux Immersion

We will visit a total of 18 Châteaux (15 are classified) in Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Entre-Deux-Mer, Sauternes, Pessac-Léognan, Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux.

We will get intimate insights into the world of Bordeaux and many top Bordeaux producers.

We will explore Bassin d’Arcachon off the Atlantic Ocean coast, visit an oyster farmer to learn what it entails to grow delicious oysters, and have an oyster tasting.

We will visit a top-notch, family-run cooperage to witness the fascinating art of making a barrique barrel from A to Z, so important to the quality of the wine.

We will visit a wine merchant to learn how the market for Bordeaux wines – La Place de Bordeaux- functions.

We will experience French hospitality and culinary art at the highest level. Every day we will have an exquisite, gourmet wine pairing luncheon or dinner in an intimate setting at different Chateaux which we share with the proprietors and/or winemakers.

Pictures: Tasting in the Cellar at Tertre Rôteboeuf in Saint Emilion with Cult Winemaker Francois Mitjavile

Our way of traveling really allows wine lovers to fully experience authentic Bordeaux. Drawing on our love and deep knowledge of the region and close personal ties to many of the Château owners/ managers/ winemakers, our small group visits many of the hidden gems that other tours pass by, but which are essential to comprehend what Bordeaux is all about.

The tour follows closely the Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy, with a few estates changed. In 2014, we will visit: Pape-Clément, Domaine de Chevalier, Angélus, Canon La Gaffelière, Beauséjour, Figeac, Le Bon Pasteur, Tertre-Rôteboeuf, de Fargues, du Cros, Millésima, Earl Ostrea Chanca oyster farm, Le Reysse, Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Léoville Poyferré, Phélan Ségur, Lafon-Rochet, Latour, Cooperage Berger and Fils, Brane-Cantenac, Haut-Bailly.

Related Postings on schiller-wine

Many of the 2013 Bordeaux Wine Tour highlights were covered by postings on schiller-wine.

See for an overview:

Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

See for individual events:

An Afternoon at Château Pape-Clément (in 2013), Appellation Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

Dinner at Château Canon La Gaffeliere, Appellation Saint-Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé, France

Visiting a “Holy” Construction Site: Château Angélus in Saint-Emilion, France

Lunch at Château Le Bon Pasteur with Winemaker/Owner Dany Rolland, Pomerol, France

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Beausejour in AOC Puisseguin-St.Emilion, France

Visit of an Ultra-premium Non-mainstream Bordeaux Producer: Tertre Rôteboeuf, with Owner and Winemaker François Mitjavile

Visiting and Tasting at Château Climens, with Owner Bérénice Lurton, Bordeaux, France 

Lunch, Tour and Tasting with Owner Catherine Thibault d'Halluin (nee Boyer) and Winemaker Julien Noel - Château du Cros, Château Mayne du Cros, Château Courbon and Clos Bourbon, Bordeaux, France

Visiting an Oyster Farm at Arcachon Bay, Bordeaux: Raphael Doerfler at Earl Ostrea Chanca , France

Tour and Tasting at Château Pontet-Canet, with Owner Alfred Tesseron, Bordeaux

Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Château Léoville-Poyferré, with Didier Cuvelier and Anne Cuvelier, France  

A Tour and Tasting at Château Lafon-Rochet in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, with Winemaker and Owner Basile Tesseron (2013), France

A Tour and Tasting at Château Coufran, Haut-Médoc, with Co-owner Frédéric Vicaire, France

Tour and Tasting at Château Lynch-Bages in Bages, Bordeaux, France

Tour at Tonnellerie Berger and Fils: How is a Barrique Made? Bordeaux, France

Wine Dinner at Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves, France 

Johannes Selbach, Weingut Selbach-Oster, teams up with Paul Hobbs to make Riesling in the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, USA/Germany

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Johannes Selbach in New York City

Johannes Selbach, a German top winemaker and owner of Weingut Selbach-Oster in Zeltingen in the Mosel Valley, has teamed up with Paul Hobbs, a California-based renowned wine maker, with the view of making world-class Riesling in the Finger Lakes region in New York State. Recently, the two winemakers have started to establish a winery on a 27 hectare-estate in New York State, on the southern tip of Seneca Lake. In 2015, Johannes Selbach and Paul Hobbs want to produce their first Riesling vintage, but it will be out of grapes from leased vineyards on Seneca Lake.

This is not the first time that Johannes Selbach will make an American-German wine. In the early days of the Randall Grahm’s Pacific Rim Riesling project, the Pacific Rim Riesling Dry was a wine made out of 80% grapes from California and 20% grapes from the Mosel Valley in Germany, provided by Johannes Selbach. After a few vintages, this practice was discontinued and the wine became a 100% American wine.

See:
German American Wines: (1) Pacific Rim Dry Riesling, (2) Eroica, (3) Woelffer and his Schiller Wine
Pacific Rim Riesling #1 of Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buy List 2011 - Meeting Founder Randall Grahm and Winemakers Nicolas Quille and Steven Sealock

Riesling in the World

Worldwide, there are about 34.000 hectares planted with Riesling. Germany – with 22.400 hectares – accounts for 2/3 of the total. The second largest Riesling producer is Australia, with 4500 hectares. But this is only about 1/10 of the total. Alsace follows with 3500 hectares. Austria, the US with Washington State and New York State as well as New Zealand make up the remainder. But overall Riesling is really a niche wine, accounting for only less than 1 percent of total wine production in the world - but a very special niche wine.

Finger Lakes AVA

The Finger Lakes AVA in upstate New York State encompasses seven glacial lakes, although the majority of plantings are around Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes. Most vineyards are planted on hillsides overlooking the lakes. These deep lakes help to moderate the climate, as stored heat is released from the lakes during the winter, keeping the weather mild (relative to surrounding areas) and preventing early frosts. The reflection of the sun off the lakes during summer extends the growing season. This cool-climate region is often compared to the wine-growing region of Germany, and like Germany, has had special success with Riesling.

Pictures: The Finger Lakes Region in New York State

The Finger Lakes include 4,452 hectares of vineyards, making it New York State's largest wine growing region. New York State is with Washington State the second largest wine producer in the US, with a bit more than 10.000 hectares. Of this, 400 hectares are accounted for by Riesling.

See:
Celebrating the Rieslings of the Finger Lakes Region, New York State, US East Coast
Celebrating the Arrival of the Finger Lakes 2010 Riesling in Washington DC, USA
Celebrating the Release of the Finger Lakes 2011 Riesling in Washington DC, USA
Ranking 12 Rieslings: Finger Lakes (USA) versus Germany

Johannes Selbach

The ancestors of the Selbach family have been cultivating Riesling since 1600. The Selbach family originated from the village "Ürzig" and the Oster family comes from the small village of "Zeltingen" on the opposite side of the river. Today, Johannes Selbach and his wife Barbara are running the winery with passion for the wines and in respect of the long tradition.

Pictures: Johannes Selbach and Paul Grieco

The great-grandfather of Johannes owned a Mosel steamship and shipped his wines in oak barrels down the Mosel and the Rhine to the North Sea ports. These barrels again were made by Matthias Oster, a cooper and the great-grandfather on the paternal side of the family. Therefore, the winery developed in three fields, on one side as a top estate in the region and simultaneously on the other side as a négociant and brokerage firm, making wines from grapes and juice bought from other producers and consolidating the production of smaller producers, offering a broad and comprehensive range of fine German wines.

Hence, there are three companies under one roof:

1. Weingut Selbach-Oster

The Selbach-Oster estate continues the long family tradition producing top quality Riesling. The 20 hectares (49 acres) of the estate are all on the steep slopes of the Mosel in top vineyard sites like Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr and Graacher Domprobst. The production is 12,000 cases per year.

Quality is the focus in the vineyards, where appropriate pruning and, if necessary, green harvest in early September are used to keep yields low. Picking is done by hand and very selectively. Great care is taken to treat grapes, juice and wine as gentle as possible. In the cellar, traditional winemaking is preferred. The wines undergo a cold, slow fermentation and stay on their own yeast (the lees) for an extended period of time. The traditional 1000 Liter oak barrels called "Fuder" are still used.

2. Weinkellerei J. & H. Selbach (Négociant Firm)

J. & H. Selbach Weinkellerei, a négociant firm, incorporated in 1920, has always been devoted to supplying a broader range of fine, high quality Riesling wines and excellent service. Longterm partnerships are the basis for J. & H. Selbach's grapes, juice and wine purchases, ensuring consistency and quality for these wines.

3. Weinkommission J. & H. Selbach (Brokerage Agency Firm)

As brokers on all major German auctions, J. & H. Selbach provides a full service from wine evaluation to buying, consolidating and shipping top wines from Germany's leading estates.

Paul Hobbs

Katie Kelly Bell (Forbes): The Steve Jobs of Wine is an apt metaphor to describe the ardent exactitude of winemaker and consultant Paul Hobbs. He’s a quality fanatic. Twice named Wine Personality of the Year by Robert Parker, Hobbs was first hired by Robert Mondavi for his expertise in oak aging, he then moved on to Opus One and later Simi Winery. Hobbs is also credited with recognizing, despite the skeptics, the winemaking potential in Argentina, (while we were all distracted and busy swooning over California). His efforts helped bring that region into global focus. Now he’s busy running Paul Hobbs Winery and Vina Cobos in Argentina. He’s also consulting, sharing his knack for finding good dirt with winemakers across the globe.

The Joint Venture

Paul’s brother, David Hobbs, a long-time resident of Rochester, NY, will oversee daily operations of the new venture. The wine brand name has not yet been determined.

The venture combines Hobbs’s talent for working with new and historical sites and regions (Argentina, Armenia, California, Canada, Chile, France, Hungary and Uruguay) with the extensive Riesling expertise of Selbach.

“After an extensive two-year search, I am pleased to have found the right property, and Johannes is the right partner to launch this new brand,” says Hobbs. “Fine German Riesling, more than any other wine, influenced my own interest and love of wine. Selbach is one of the most highly regarded producers of the Mosel, and I believe our synergies will result in a very focused and successful project.”

Hobbs and Selbach first met when Hobbs visited the Selbach-Oster Estate in the Mosel valley in November of 1998. They kept in touch over the years, and discovered they shared a mutual desire to explore the Finger Lakes. “I was immediately interested when Paul approached me with the idea of producing first-rate Rieslings in the Finger Lakes AVA,” Selbach says. “I first visited the area in the 1980s, and have been back a few times since. I see many similarities in Seneca Lake to the Mosel valley, including steep slopes, low-pH soils comprised of shale and slate, and a cool growing season which is moderated by the lake. I believe the combination of California and Mosel knowledge allows tremendous potential for super-premium Rieslings.”

Hobbs grew up in upstate New York on a farm, and prior to moving to California in 1975 to study winemaking, he had planned to return home to build a winery with his father. “After almost 40 years,” states Hobbs, “this feels like a homecoming, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

schiller-Wine: Related Postings

1st International Riesling Symposium, Rheingau, Germany

German Spaetlese Wines Can Come in Different Versions - I have Counted Five

How does a Sweet German Riesling Become Sweet?

When Americans Drink German Wine - What They Choose

German Winemakers in the World: Hermann J. Wiemer

German Wine Makers in the World: Dr. Konstantin Frank (USA)

Dr. Frank Wines from Finger Lakes Featured at State Luncheon for Chancellor Merkel in Washington, D.C., USA

Kruger-Rumpf (Germany) and Dr. Frank (USA) Rieslings – The Wines I Brought to the 2011 European Wine Bloggers Conference (#EWBC) Opening BYOB Party

Celebrating the Rieslings of the Finger Lakes Region, New York State, US East Coast

Celebrating the Arrival of the Finger Lakes 2010 Riesling in Washington DC, USA

Celebrating the Release of the Finger Lakes 2011 Riesling in Washington DC, USA

Ranking 12 Rieslings: Finger Lakes (USA) versus Germany

Announcement: New Trends in German Wine - A Tasting with Annette Schiller, Washington DC, USA

Picture: Annette Schiller in the Vineyard (Weingut Kruger-Rumpf) in the Nahe Valley

Dear German Wine Society Members:

This is to invite you to our upcoming tasting and presentation with Annette Schiller (www.ombiasypr.comhttps://ombiasypr.com/), a long–standing member of our chapter.

Please join us Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. for our tasting at the Harbor Square Club Room. Marilyn Scarbrough has graciously reserved this venue in her apartment complex on the waterfront in Southwest Washington, near Arena Stage and Fort McNair.

Annette, who is originally from Germany has been involved in wine since her student days in Mainz, one of the 9 wine capitals of the world. She took classes at the university and later at the oenological school in Geisenheim to gain more knowledge on wine. She organizes wine tours to Germany and France, and wine events in the Washington DC area. Her wide network in the wine community allows her access to top estates and winemakers.

Her presentation will focus on new developments in Germany. She will talk about the new wine regions in eastern Germany, the new VDP classification, and the red wine boom, among other topics.

The tasting list will include wines from the Saale-Unstrut region, red wines, and wines made by the upcoming young generation of winemakers as well as traditional German wines from the Mosel, Nahe and the Rheingau. Annette is still working on the wine list. A detailed list will be included in the next announcement.

The address for our tasting is 500 N St SW, Washington, DC. 20024-4605. It is easy to find and parking will be available inside the complex on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tell the gatehouse guard that you are Marilyn Scarbrough's guest, and they will show you where to park and which elevator to take to the club room.

The price for this tasting is $40 for members and $47 for non-members. The deadline is Monday, April 7. Please send your check with your reservation to ensure a seat is reserved for you.

All Society members and guests are reminded that alcohol consumption can lead to intoxication, and therefore Society members and their guests are expected to drink in moderation at Society events. It is advisable to provide designated drivers or other modes of transit where available, or mostly to taste rather than consume alcohol when such drivers or alternative means of transportation are not available.

Please fill out the form below and send your check to German Wine Society,

5607 Huntington Parkway
Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Please cut the reservation form - do not mail the entire page.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESERVATION FORM FOR GERMAN WINE SOCIETY FOR April 11, 2014, Annette Schiller New Developments Tasting
Member(s) Name(s)_______________________________________________
Guest(s) Name(s)_________________________________________________
Total Enclosed_______Day Time Phone Number_________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________

New Generation – The 111 Best Young German Winemakers (A Listing by Stuart Pigott)

Picture: Annette and Christian G.E. Schiller with Christine Huff, Eva Vollmer and Mirjam Schneider in New York City

Stuart Pigott – the German wine and world Riesling expert – has released a listing of what he believes are the top 111 young German winemakers. The list was published as Special #2 of the European Fine Wine Magazine by the Tre Torri Verlag in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Stuart Pigott: Die folgenden Portaets stellen die 111 wichtigsten Repraesentanten dieser Bewegung vor, die seit der Jahrtausenwende den deutschen Wein neu erfinden.

Picture: Stuart Pigott and Christian G.E. Schiller in Washington DC

Stuart Pigott grouped the top 11 young German winemakers by region. He did not include anybody from the two wine regions in the former GDR: Saale Unstrut and Sachsen.

Ahr

Paul Schaefer – Weingut Burggarten
Meike and Doerthe Naekel – Weingut Meyer-Naekel

Picture: Doerte Naekel and Christian Schiller in Hattenheim

See: Kuenstler, Meyer-Naekel, Wirsching – Winemaker Dinner at Kronenschlösschen in Hattenheim, Rheingau, Germany

Paul Schumacher – Weingut Paul Schumacher
Alexander Stodden – Weingut Jean Stodden. Das Rotweingut

Mittelrhein

Cecilia Jost –Weingut Toni Jost

Baden

Corinna and Michael Benz – Weingut Benz
Andreas and Olivia Bieselin – Weingut Andreas Bieselin
Martin Frey – Weingut Otto und Martin Frey
Patrick Johner – Weingut Karl H. Johner

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Patrick Johner at Weingut Karl Heinz Johner

See: Visiting Winemaker and Web 2.0 Guru Patrick Johner - Weingut Karl Heinz Johner and Johner Estate - in Baden, Germany

Markus and Andreas Klumpp – Weingut Klumpp

See: The Top Wine Makers of the Kraichgau - The Northern Part of the Baden Wine Region in Germany

Alexander Laible – Weingut Alexander Laible
Andreas Christian Laible – Weingut Andreas Laible
Konrad Salwey – Weingut Salwey
Alexander Schneider – Weingut Reinhold und Cornelia Schneider
Hans-Bert Espe and Silke Wolf – Shelter Winery
Markus Woehrle – Weingut Stadt Lahr
Martin Wassmer – Weingut Martin Wassmer
Odin Bauer and Elmar Lehmann – Weingut Zahlwander

Wuerttemberg

Hansjoerg and Matthias Aldinger – Weingut Gerhard Aldinger
Christian Dautel – Weingut Dautel

 

Picture: Ernst Dautel, Christian Dautel and Christian Schiller at Weingut Dautel in Wuerttemberg

See: Weingut Dautel in Wuerttemberg – A Profile, Germany

Markus Drautz – Weingut Drautz-Able
Sven and Yvonne Ellwanger – Weingut Bernhard Ellwanger
Tobias Heinrich – Weingut G.A. Heinrich
Christoph and Heike Ruck – Ruxwein
Michael Schiefer – Weingut Schiefer
Ulrich and Nanna Eissler – Weingut Steinbach-Hof
Juergen and Tanja Zipf – Weingut Zipf

Franken

Matthias Stumpf and Melanie Stumpf-Kroeger – Weingut Bickel Stumpf

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller at the September 2012 VDP Wine Auction at Kloster Eberbach, above with Melanie Stumpf, Weingut Bickel Stumpf at the Pre-auction Tasting

Sebastian Fuerst – Weingut Rudolf Fuerst
Juergen Hofmann – Weingut Hofmann
Hansi Ruck – Weingut Johann Ruck
Sandra Sauer – Weingut Horst Sauer
Daniel Sauer – Weingut Rainer Sauer
Martin Johannes Schmitt – Weingut Schmitt’s Kinder
Christian Stahl – Winzerhof Stahl

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

See: The Bistronomics Cuisine of Chef Christoph Kubenz and the Wines of Winemaker Christian Stahl at Restaurant schauMahl in Frankfurt, Germany

Paul Weltner – Weingut Weltner
Andrea Wirsching-Ebert and Lena Wirsching – Weingut Hans Wirsching

Mosel

Andreas and Barbara Adam – Weingut A.J.Adam
Eva Cluesserath-Wittmann – Weingut Ansgar Cluesserath
Verena Cluesserath – Weingut Cluesserath-Weiler
Sebastian Oberbillig – Weingut Deutschherren-Hof
Alexandra Eifel – Weingut Bernhard Eifel
Killian Franzen and Angelina Lenz – Weingut Reinhold Franzen
Dorothee Zilliken – Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken
Johannes Haart – Weingut Reinhold Haart
Max von Kunow – Weingut von Hoevel
Gernot Kollmann – Weingut Immich-Batterieberg
Matthias Knebel – Weingut Reinhard und Beate Knebel
Florian Lauer – Weingut Peter Lauer
Axel Pauly – Weingut Pauly
Katharina Pruem – Weingut Joh.Jos.Pruem

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Katharina Pruem at the 2013 Rheingau Open

See: JJ Pruem Goes Supermarket: Meeting Katharina Pruem and Tasting the Incredible JJ Pruem Wines at Wegmans

Jochen Siemens – Weingut Dr. Siemens
Jan Matthias Klein – Weingut Staffelter Hof

Picture: Jan Matthias Klein and Christian G.E. Schiller

Maximilian Ferger – Weingut Witwe Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Mueller-Burggraef
Daniel Vollenweider – Weingut Vollenweider
Christiane Wagner – Weingut Dr. Wagner
Konstantin Weiser and Alexandra Kuenstler – Weingut Weiser-Kuenstler
Carolin Hofmann – Weingut Willems-Willems

Nahe

Caroline Diel – Schlossgut Diel

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller and Caroline Diel at Johann Lafers Stromburg

See: Caroline and Armin Diel, Schlossgut Diel (Nahe Valley), Presented their New Wines (Vintage 2012), Germany

Cornelius Doennhoff – Weingut Doennhoff

See: An Afternoon with Riesling Star Winemaker Helmut Doennhoff at Weingut Doennhoff in Oberhausen in the Nahe Valley, Germany

Frank Schoenleber – Weingut Emrich-Schoenleber
Martin Korell – Weingut Korell-Johanneshof
Felix Prinz zu Salm-Salm – Weingut Prinz Salm
Sebastian Schaefer – Weingut Joh. Bapt. Schaefer
Tim Froehlich – Weingut Schaefer-Froehlich

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Tim Froehlich, Weingut Schaefer-Froehlich in Wiesbaden

Jakob Schneider jr. – Weingut Jakob Schneider
Andi Schneider – Weingut K.H. Schneider und Sohn
Johannes Sinss – Weingut Sinss

Pfalz

Alexander and Martin Bauer – Weingut Emil Bauer und Soehne
Friedrich Wilhelm Becker – Weingut Friedrich Becker

See: 5 Top Wine Makers at Premier Cru Wein Bistro in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Carolin Bergdolt – Weingut Bergdolt
Peter Klein – Weingut Gerhard Klein
Sabine and Stephan Knipser – Weingut Kipser
Sven Leiner – Weingut Juergen Leiner

See: Chinese Food and German Wine at the Hot Spot in Berlin: 5 VDP Winemakers Pour their Wines

Andreas Schumann and Thomas Hensel – Weingut Odinsthal
Peter Siener – Weingut Siener
Barbara Roth – Wein- und Sektgut Wilhelmshof
Susanne and Sebastian Winterling – Sekt- und Weingut Winterling

Rheingau

Teresa Breuer – Weingut Georg Breuer

Picture: Annette Schiller and Theresa Breuer in New York City

See: Schiller’s Favorites at the 2013 Riesling and Co Tasting in New York City, USA

Désirée Eser – Weingut August Eser

Picure: Christian G.E. Schiller and Désirée Eser

See: German (Rheingau) Riesling and American (Bourbon) Whiskey: Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and Rheingau Riesling Winemaker Désirée Eser, Weingut August Eser, Rheingau, Germany
Meeting Winemaker/Owner Desiree Eser, Weingut August Eser, at the Banks of the Rhein River in the Rheingau in Germany

Eva Fricke – Weingut Eva Fricke

Picture: Eva Fricke and Christian G.E. Schiller in Ruedesheim, Germany

Anthony Hammond and Simone Boehm – Garage Winery
Alexander Johannes Jung – Weingut Jakob Jung

Picture: Annette Schiller with Alexander Jung, Weingut Jakob Jung, in Erbach

See: Impromptu Winetasting with Alexander Jung, Weingut Jakob Jung, Erbach, Rheingau, Germany

Peter Bernhard Kuehn – Weingut Peter Jakob Kuehn

See: A Tasting at Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, Rheingau, with Angela and Peter Jakob Kühn, Germany

Rheinhessen

Jens and Katja Baeder – Weingut Baeder
Julia Becker-Landgraf and Johannes Landgraf – Weingut Becker-Landgraf

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Erik Riffel (left) and Johannes Landgraf (right)

Jochen Dreissigacker – Weingut Dreissigacker

See: The Wines Chancelor Merkel Served President Obama and Michelle Obama in Berlin (and the Wines she did not Serve), Germany

Nico Espenshied – Weingut Espenhof
Johannes Geil-Bierschenk – Weingut Oekonomierat Johann Geil Erben
Alexander Gysler – Weingut Gysler

Picture: Alexander Gysler, Weingut Gysler, in Washington DC

Juergen Hofmann – Wein- und Sektgut Hofmann
Christine Huff – Weingut Fritz Ekkehard Huff

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with (from left to right) Eva Vollmer, Christine Huff and Mirjam Schneider at Weingut Eva Vollmer

See: The Mainz Wine Amazones - Christine Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer - in New York City, USA
International Women's Day 2012: Meeting the Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer of Mainz, Germany

Daniel and Stefan Huff – Weingut Georg Gustav Huff
Tobias Knewitz – Weingut Knewitz
Caroline Spanier-Gillot – Weingut Kuehling Gillot

Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller with Caroline Spanier-Gillot in Bodenheim.

See: The Wine Maker Couple H.O. Spanier and Carolin Spanier-Gillot, with Roland Gillot, Lead Wine Tasting of Kuehling-Gillot and Battenfeld-Spanier Wines at Weingut Kuehling-Gillot, Germany

Andre Landgraf – Weingut Landgraf
Sabine Fleischer – Weingut Oberstleutnant Liebrecht
Peter and Fritz May – Weingut Karl May – Liebenauer Hof
Erik and Carolin Riffel – Weingut Riffel

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Eric Riffel in Mainz

Justus Ruppert – Weingut Ruppert-Deginther

See: In the Glass: The 2007 Liebfrauenberg Cabernet Sauvignon from Ruppert Deginther in Rheinhessen, Germany

Stefan Sander – Weingut Sander
Kai Schaetzel – Weingut Schaetzel

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Kai Schaetzel in Nierstein, Germany

See:
Celebrating Riesling and my Birthday at Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany
A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

Mirjam Schneider – Weingut Lothar Schneider und Tochter

 

Picture: Annette Schiller with (from left to right) Eva Vollmer, Christine Huff and Mirjam Schneider in New York City.

See: The Mainz Wine Amazones - Christine Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer - in New York City, USA
In the Glass: Mirjam Schneider's 2007 Merlot No.2 from Rheinhessen, Germany

Florian Fauth – Weingut Seehof
Felix Peters – Weingut St. Antony
Michael Teschke – Weingut Michael Teschke

See:
In the glass: A 2007 Sylvaner trocken "Vom Langen Sterk" from Michael Teschke, Rheinhessen, Germany

Johannes and Christoph Thoerle – Weingut Thoerle

Picture: Johannes Thoerle, Christian G.E. Schiller, Christoph Thoerle and Annette Schiller

See:
Surprising the World with their Pinot Noir: Johannes and Christoph Thoerle, Winzerhof Thoerle, Rheinhessen, Germany
The Wines of Up and Coming Winzerhof Thoerle, Rheinhessen

Eva Vollmer – Weingut Eva Vollmer

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with (from left to right) Eva Vollmer, Mirjam Schneider and Christine Huff in New York City

See: The Mainz Wine Amazones - Christine Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer - in New York City, USA 
Winemaker Eva Vollmer is Germany’s Discovery of the Year 2010
International Women's Day 2012: Meeting the Wine Amazones Tina Huff, Mirjam Schneider and Eva Vollmer of Mainz, Germany

Katharina Wechsler – Weingut Wechsler
Stephan Wernersbach – Weingut Wernersbach
Stefan Winter – Weingut Winter

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Celebrating Riesling and my Birthday at Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

A New Fixture in the Reemerging Red Slope of Nierstein - Visiting Kai Schaetzel and his Weingut Schaetzel in Nierstein, Rheinhessen, Germany

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Bordeaux Quartet Winemaker Dinner in Washington DC: Beychevelle, Guiraud, Latour-Martillac and Kirwan, USA/France

Picture: Annette Schiller, ombiasy PR and WineTours, and Christian G.E. Schiller with Sophie Schyler Thierry from Château Kirwan

More on ombiasy PR and WineTours:
3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wine Tour 2013 by ombiasy

Calvert and Woodley organized a very special wine dinner featuring four fantastic châteaux, known as the "Bordeaux Quartet": Beychevelle, Guiraud, Latour-Martillac and Kirwan. The Quartet was founded in 2005 by Sophie Schyler Thierry from Château Kirwan.

Picture: Annette Schiller and Michael Sands, Calvert and Woodley

The dinner took place at the Park Hyatt in Washington DC and was attended by 75 Bordeaux lovers.

The wines were presented by three Guests of Honor for the evening:

Aymar de Baillenx (General Manager) - Château Beychevelle
Sophie Schyler Thierry (Co-owner and Director of Communications) - Château Kirwan
Wilfrid Groizard (Director of Communications) - Château Latour-Martillac

A Four-Part Harmony – The 4 Châteaux

Sophie Schyler Thierry: Four Crus Classés, doing away with competitive sentiment, have formed their own extraordinary quartet, united in their rigorous approach to wine production and in their passion for music, which first brought them together on the steps of Europe’s most beautiful theater, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux has taken the ties that bind these iconic Bordeaux wine growers beyond the professional realm, as a sort of "fifth musketeer" to the quartet of Sophie Schÿler (Château Kirwan), Xavier Planty (Château Guiraud), Aymar de Baillenx (Beychevelle), and Tristan Kressmann (Latour-Martillac).

Just like a great piece of music, if the wines of the Châteaux Kirwan, Guiraud, Beychevelle, and Latour-Martillac harmonize around the same notes of seduction, their delightful concord is thanks to the intense preparatory process required to stage any great work, from an opera to an international market, so that the shadow side of the production – in the cellar for wines, and in the rehearsal phase for a concert – can come to life in the glass or after the curtain goes up. The same spirit governs the two. And each one of these great crus and their prestigious terroirs has a part to play in this perfectly tuned quartet.

Pictures: Marlene Reddoor, Christian G.E. Schiller, Michael Besche, Cellar Master of the Washington, DC Commanderie de Bordeaux, and Annette Schiller, ombiasyPR and WineTours

Château Guiraud, Premier Cru Classé 1855, Sauternes

In 1885, this great property was consecrated premier cru in the classement impérial classifications. Guiraud, through its rigorous picking process, its quest for perfect balance and an elegant expression of the terroir, and its refusal to use chaptalization or cryoselection, is a steadfast advocate of the traditional methods on which its renown was built. The extraordinarily rich texture of its wines inspires both soaring superlatives and the most subtle of nuances. Honeysuckle, white peach, black tea, roasted berries… in some vintages, its deep yellow color intensifies the luxuriance of its aromas upon tasting. Château Guiraud is embodied in four people, the industrialist Robert Peugeot and three wine growers, Olivier Bernard, Stephan Von Neipperg, and Xavier Planty – another quartet unified by a credo of quality and the philosophy of the cru. Xavier Planty, a great lover of opera, is well aware that a certain Guiraud is associated with the orchestration and recitatives of the Offenbach operetta The Tales of Hoffmann, whose celebrated Bacchanale is in perfect harmony.

Château Kirwan, Cru Classé 1855, Margaux

The story of this cru begins in 1751, when Sir John Collingwood, and English gentleman, acquires the noble property of Lassale. It continues today thanks to Jean-Henri Schÿler and his three children, Yann, Sophie, and Nathalie, who now head the domaine. The property, located on the famous Cantenac Plateau, produces a generous Margaux whose 2007 vintage was entrusted to Philippe Delfaux (formerly of Château Palmer). The only "practicing" member of this quartet of great amateurs, pianist Sophie Schÿler plays only ranges that showcase wines characterized by potency, depth, and richness, playing arpeggios of nuance and finesse. If Mozart had tasted the wines of Château Kirwan, his Air du Champagne would have borne a different name, and, his Air de Margaux should have had a magnificent sustain on Don Giovanni’s palate, for he sings one of the shortest airs in the lyrical repertoire.

Château Beychevelle, Cru Classé in 1855, Saint-Julien

Built in the 17th century, this fief of the Dukes of Epernon was restored by the Marquis de Brassier and expanded by the Heine family in the 20th century. This architectural gem, whose classical façade is crowned by a graceful pediment has now been restored to its original splendor, the site is an ode to classical elegance with its own unique charm, and is felicitously located by the route des châteaux. Its wines’ garnet color gives them gorgeous intensity and complexity, characterized by a complex nose, described in certain vintages as untamed and animal, at times qualified by a more vegetal register of undergrowth and damp earth. The property’s name refers to the shipping activity of a nearby estuary, and it is likely that the President of Beychevelle, Aymar de Baillenx, thought of Cosi Fan Tutte and its loveliest aria, "Soave sia il vento," when he became a part of this lyrical quartet.

Château Latour-Martillac, Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac-Léognan

This Graves, a cru classé since 1953, owes its name to the tower that decorates its Cour d’Honneur, a vestige of the small fort built there in the 12th century by Montesquieu’s forbears. It drew the attention of Edouard Kressmann as he was founding his firm in 1871. In 1934, it adopted its current label "of gold and sable," designed by Kressmann’s son Jean and consecrated by a 1929 red served at Buckingham Palace in 1936. The cellars were thoroughly renovated in 1989, and today Tristan, (general management) and Loïc (technical management) continue the family tradition. The white wines surprise with their delicate complexity and their remarkable aptitude for aging. In the tradition of the great Pessac-Léognan wines, the reds are an ode to harmony, balance, and elegance. Tristan Kressmann, the final partner in this quartet, bears a name that inevitably recalls the influence of Wagner, and his magical philter that, as Latour-Martillac, was for those mythical lovers nothing less than an elixir of love.

Chef Sebastien Archambault

Chef Sebastien Archambault of the Park Hyatt Hotel and its signature restaurant Blue Duck Tavern prepared a fantastic dinner for us.

Pictures: Chef Sebastien Archambault of the Park Hyatt Hotel and its Signature Restaurant Blue Duck Tavern and Christian G.E. Schiller at a Previous Occasion

Despite his French accent, Sebastien Archambault is a native, born in Texas, where his parents operated a small restaurant called Crepe Suzette. He returned to France with his family, cooking under the direction of Guy Savoy, Alain Ducasse and others. He later enjoyed a stint in Los Angeles' Andaz West Hollywood hotel and its RH restaurant. When Chef McBride decided to leave Blue Duck after about 20 years with the Park Hyatt Washington earlier this year, he called Sebastien Archambault his "ideal choice for my successor" in a release.

Named one of the finest restaurants in Washington, DC by Zagat, The Washington Post, and Washingtonian, Blue Duck Tavern features creative American cuisine crafted from the region’s seasonal ingredients. The centerpiece of the open restaurant is a wood-burning. Touches of dark oak, blue burlap, handcrafted furnishings and rustic wood tables create a warm atmosphere. The restaurant also features a private Chef’s Table seating up to 18 guests.

Menu and Wines

The wine-searcher average prices in US$ are in parenthesis.

Reception

Chef's Selection of Passed Hors d'oeuvres

Château Latour-Martillac Blanc 2011 (Pessac-Léognan) (33)

The annual production of Château Latour-Martillac is 20,000 cases of the red Grand Vin and 11,000 of the dry white. Of the second wine Lagrave Martillac, made from the estate's youngest vines, 4,000 cases of red and 2,000 cases of dry white are produced. The vineyard area extends 42 hectares, of which 33 ha are dedicated the red wine varieties, 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit verdot, and 9 ha for white wine production of the varieties 55% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon blanc, and 5% Muscadelle.

Decanter (18/04/2012): Very good lemony-honeyed fruit and good firm finish, it will gain complexity due to the structure. (16.5 points)

Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Wilfrid Groizard, Director of Communications, Château Latour-Martillac

First Course

Seared Foie Gras Terrine
Orange Confit Cocoa Brioche

Château Latour-Martillac Rouge 2005 (Pessac-Léognan) (48)

Robert Parker (89/100): The generous style of wines from the Graves region south of the City of Bordeaux finds a perfect expression in this wine from the 2005 vintage. Generous and supple, smooth and welcoming. Ch La Tour Martillac is a good name in the Graves (now, of course, refined as Pessac-Léognan for the best communes), and one that carries Grand Cru Classé status for both its red and dry white wines. Arguably the estate was more famous for the latter in the past, but the reds have made very good progress in recent years and Michel Rolland is engaged as a consultant.

Entrée

Suckling Pig Porcetta
Roasted Root Vegetables

Château Beychevelle 2008 (St.-Julien) (105)

Berry Bros and Rudd: Château Beychevelle is a 4ème Cru Classé St-Julien wine property that boasts one of the most impressive châteaux in the whole of the Médoc. Its label depicts a beautiful galley with a large sail, as a consequence of its ownership in the 16th century by the Duc d`Eperon, Admiral of France at the time. The expression "Baisse-Vaille", meaning "lower sails", later evolved into the name Beychevelle. Today the property is owned by Grands Millésimes de France.

Pictures: Annette Schiller, Christian G.E. Schiller and Aymar de Baillenx, General Manager, Château Beychevelle

Beychevelle's 85 hectares of vineyards are located in the far south of the St-Julien appellation, just outside the hamlet of St-Julien-Beychevelle. The wine is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. It is matured in oak barrels (50-60% new) for 18 months. It is renowned for its suppleness, smoothness and its rich, and sometimes chocolatey character.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate- May 2011: This ageworthy, elegant, well-made Beychevelle displays copious red and black cherry fruit notes intertwined with dusty, loamy soil and oak undertones, decent acidity, moderate tannin and impressive intensity as well as length. Give it 1-3 years of cellaring and enjoy it over the next 15-18 years.

Château Beychevelle 2003 (St.-Julien) (122)

Jancis Robinson: With sweet black fruit, savoury cocoa and cedar wood on the nose this Beychevelle is a stylish and rich wine. “Mid crimson. Meaty, explosive, creates a very strong impression! Very full and opulent and round. Much softer than, say, Ch Léoville Poyferré but should give great pleasure. Made for pleasure in fact.” 17.5/20

Cheese Course

Chef's Selection of Gourmet Cheeses

Château Kirwan 2009 (Margaux) (75)

Sophie Schÿler: Everything in 2009 was perfect. The wine has incredible structure, especially the tannin structure. It’s definitely a wine you should buy now and keep in your cellar for a number of years before enjoying it at its best.

Château Kirwan 2000 (Margaux) (92)

WineTimes: The 2000 Kirwan is stunning with big bouquets and a very elegant palate. It has a smooth and velvety palate and is rather addictive! It’s delightful, which makes me question as to what Parker was thinking when he only gave it 90 points – oh, hang on, it’s elegant, feminine, drinkable and soft…that’ll be why he scored it so low as it was missing the overly extracted fruity and jammy nature the man has become known for giving high scores to.

Picture: Annette Schiller, Christian G.E. Schiller and Sophie Schyler Thierry, Co-owner and Director of Communications, Château Kirwan

Dessert

Caramelized Pineapple Financier
Dulcey Cremeux, Raisin Honey Gastrique

Château Guiraud 2009 (Sauternes) (75)

This gem of an estate in Sauternes dates back to the 15th century. The vineyard currently covers 100 hectares. Château Guiraud is known for its organic approach to viticulture. 11,000 cases made. The blend of 65 percent Sémillon and 35 percent Sauvignon Blanc comes from 35- to 40-year-old vines. Four partners - Robert Peugeot (of Peugeot automobiles), Olivier Bernard (Domaine de Chevalier), Stephan von Neipperg (Canon-La Gaffelière and others) and Xavier Planty, the estate’s longtime general manager - acquired Château Guiraud in 2006.

Tim Atkin: The freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc is what makes this wine so bright and harmonious. Overall the blend is waxy toasty and stylish with oak vanilla spice and honeysuckle and grapefruit characters combining stylishly on the palate. Not far behind Yquem in 2009 and that is high praise indeed. Long elegant and refreshing. Residual sugar 139 grams per litre.

Château Guiraud 2003 (Sauternes) (82)

Lea and Sandeman: Enormously rich, on the verge of veering into sugary rather than roundly rich, slightly barley sugary. But this is still a very good wine in its big very sweet style.

Bye-bye

Thanks for a great event!

Pictures: Aymar de Baillenx, Château Beychevelle, Cru Classé in 1855, Saint-Julien, Sophie Schyler Thierry, Château Kirwan, Cru Classé 1855, Margaux, Wilfrid Groizard, Château Latour-Martillac, Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Annette Schiller,  ombiasy PR and WineTours and Christian G.E. Schiller

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Lunch, Tour and Tasting with Owner Catherine Thibault d'Halluin (nee Boyer) and Winemaker Julien Noel - Château du Cros, Château Mayne du Cros, Château Courbon and Clos Bourbon, Bordeaux, France

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