it will be a terrific vintage in the likes of 2005 and 2009. Great harvest conditions and ideal weather throughout the Summer. A heat wave in August burnt part of the fruit though. Most châteaux in Saint-Emilion had to go through their vineyard twice in order to sort through the grapes. The sugar content was so high on some lots, that it will be chemistry 101 to try and bring the overall harvest down to the usual 13 or 14° (alcohol).
Category: Châteaux & Vineyards
Chateau Lynch-Bages: the genuine care, vision and legacy of a very special family
Mr. Cazes joined us for dessert. He is the owner of Lynch Bages and he is Kinou and Marina’s dad. He owns 3 châteaux in Bordeaux (including Ormes de Pez pictured somewhere here as well) and several other properties including one in Provence where he produces his own olive oil.
From Cap Ferret to the Dordogne – Mimi and Gabriella’s visit to My French Heaven
As you all already know, my greatest pleasure in life is to share everything I love about France with my guests and my friends.
My dear friend Mimi (Chef Mimi Blog) came back to visit me last week and brought along one of her dearest friends, Gabriella.
All we did for a week was eat and drink and laugh. Oh we laughed so hard… When people ask me what I do for work, I just tell them I don’t actually work… They always look at me and smile (you know, the “oh poor thing” smile. The suckers think I’l kidding. The joke’s on them ;0)
The awesome power of greed and gluttony… and story telling
It’s quite simple really, if you want the people you love to get together (come together), all you have to do is promise to give away presents and really good food. Loads of it. An orgy of food! You can cut through people’s ego and pride quite easily – “Oh, I don’t know if we…
Thomas Jefferson’s favorite wine… and mine!
Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of Yquem, and although I can’t afford it, it is my favorite wine too! But if, like me, you love dessert wines in general and Sauternes in particular, I suggest you find some Château Guiraud. The property neighbors Yquem and it is a very special wine indeed. And much much cheaper too ;0)
I have beds, I have breakfast and… I have the wine!
With close to 11000 châteaux and more than 20000 wines around the B&B, you could stay with me for years and never have the same wine for dinner twice :0) Saint-Emilion alone is the size of Burgundy! So, as I was saying, I have rooms, and breakfast is waiting for you by the pool! When…
Of passion, horses and positive change
I am trying to read more blogs these days. It is such a motivating and inspiring thing to do. There is just so much passion, talent and willingness to share positive vibes in this otherwise gloomy, stupid and violent world… A French “philosopher” (it always blows my mind that people would have the nerve to…
Mimi & Emma in My French Heaven
Mimi from Chef Mimi Blog came to spend a short holiday in My French Heaven with her lovely daughter Emma. We had only 4 days together so I wanted to design the perfect itinerary for them. So much to see, so much to taste and so much to share… Four farmers’ markets and 8 meals together. We focused on cheese and seafood as they are Emma’s favorites.
Of cured duck, vineyards and haunted mansions…
Cured duck breast – Wine tours in Bordeaux – Food and photography workshops – Food photography – Food and lifestyle photography
Early morning in the vineyard…
There is a blue fog in our vineyards, a soft yet heavy halo that I was never able to find nor feel anywhere else. And when I walk from the vineyard to the river on cold Winter dawns, the fog brings me peace.
My secret recipe for the French country kitchen fragrance – Le parfum
(En Français plus bas – Bien plus bas) After my sight, my sense of smell is the one that moves me the most. We all have our favorite smells and fragrances. They trigger memories of childhood or other significant periods of our lives. Just a sniff over mom’s Bourguignon can make me feel good and…
Saint-emilion, your insider look into the 2013 harvest – Vendanges 2013
(En Français plus bas) Here in St Emilion, the rhythm of our lives follows the growth cycles of the vineyard. Harvest time is the result of long hours of meticulous work and much prayer. The harvest in St Emilion is all done by hand. The workers move from plot to plot according to the degree…
Mimi & Me – When two foodies become instant friends…
She is gorgeous, generous and cooks like a modern version of Julia Child. He is handsome, funny and takes the most amazing photos. My friend Liz Thomas, one of the best photographers I know (Elizabeth Thomas Photography) introduced me to an amazing blog called “Manger“. It so happens that its author Mimi Thorisson, her husband…
Two weeks in My French Heaven with Melanie – Deux semaines de rêve avec Mélanie
(En Français plus bas) I must apologize for the past two weeks during which I did not write for you my dear friends. I also want to thank the dozens of readers and fellow bloggers who sent me e-mails wondering what had become of me: “Is everything OK Stephane? I hope you’re not sick! I…
Top 10 reasons to come to Bordeaux
There are many amazing places to visit in France. So here are a few reasons why you should come to Bordeaux first :0) The wines are legendary: Petrus, Margaux, Belair, Cheval Blanc, Latour, Yquem… With literally thousands of châteaux and vineyards, you could participate in several tastings every day for the rest of your natural…
Sharing my French Heaven – Partager mon petit monde
(In English below) Deux couples adorables avec moi cette semaine aux chambres d’hôtes. Originaires de Vancouver au Canada, ils sont fous de vin et de bonne chair. Je crois qu’ils ont été gâtés… Je les ai bien sûr envoyé à mon restaurant préféré de l’autre côté de la colline: Le Clos Mirande. Ils s’y sont rendus au coucher…
A proper welcome to Mr. H – Une entrée réussi pour Monsieur H
(En Français plus bas) Super long post. Sorry! This post is dedicated to Mr. H and his parents as well as Holly Ross, who all know and show that family is everything:0) I feel so stupid you guys! Steve had told me how great it would be to create photo carousels so people could see…
The most expensive pee in France – Petrus
(In English below) De tous les vins du Bordelais (pour ne pas dire du monde), Pétrus reste la référence. Le domaine Petrus tire son nom du lieu dit « Petrus ». Son histoire est récente et pourtant ce vin est déjà une légende. Tout au long du XIX ème siècle le domaine appartient à la famille Arnaud. Dès…
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 