This magazine was shared with you as a member of our select club of Bordeaux-lovers all over the world.
|
|
Chateau Coulon Laurensac will, eventually, be more beautiful than ever before
|
|
|
A Personal Note From Ronald,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Empty nests, building stress and people complaining about our tours, are the order of the day in this issue.
Our lives have changed as both of our boys study in London now and I will tell you how we drowned our empty-nest-feelings in Mouton Rothschild. But there is more.
Therapist
We usually enjoy the delicate aromas of great Bordeaux wines in the tranquil atmosphere of our chateau. Lately the blaring sound of a transistor radio amplifies the smell of fresh paint as our chateau’s windows finally are being painted. My therapist gave me the choice between many more sessions with him or sharing these stories with you to let off steam. I went for the second option so as a result I am going to share some of my building stress with you.
|
|
|
Celebrating our son’s 18th birthday with an 18-year-old
Mouton Rothschild
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Susie & John, the first guests ever to complain
|
|
|
Beware, not all is positive
Our tours for 2018 are almost sold out which is remarkable because not all feedback is positive. And we even -for the first time ever- got a complaint from one of our guests Susie and John:
“We truly had an amazing time. The only negative: this experience spoiled us for our Bordeaux river cruise, that we did directly after leaving your lovely chateau, as the wines were good but not grand as we had become used to on the Bordeaux Wine Experience.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spoiled and pampered
I personally can live with such criticism and if you can handle the risk of being spoiled and pampered too, I would recommend grabbing these last spots before they’re gone.
We have just three last double rooms and three single rooms available for 2018. That’s all folks, so make sure to make your dream come true on a dream trip to Bordeaux: 2018 Bordeaux Wine Tours
|
|
|
Join a dream trip to Bordeaux
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Any questions or remarks? Like always, I am open to feedback so email and simply reply to this magazine. I love to hear from you.
|
|
Ronald and Margaret love to share
their passion for Bordeaux with you
|
|
|
And please remember: Don’t drink anything I wouldn’t drink!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Empty nest drowned in Mouton in London
|
|
Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London as a backdrop for birthday celebrations
|
|
Empty nest drowned in Mouton
Our chateau felt a bit empty after our second son joined his brother to study in London, albeit at a different university. Fortunately Margaret and I had wine tours to conduct in September and October to take our minds off the empty-nest-feelings. But later in October Margaret’s motherly feelings couldn’t be ignored any longer and we went so see our boys in London to celebrate Alexander’s 18th birthday. We were both very happy to see that our boys had adapted well to their new situation and also that they were in for a celebration with their parents.
No alcohol
The legal drinking age in England is 18 years and is strictly enforced. This was a bit of a bummer for Alexander as the legal drinking age in France is 18 months or so. His first party as an adult had to be dinner with his parents. Margaret had booked a table at “The Grand at Trafalgar Square” and I brought a bottle of wine from my cellar. For both boys I’ve purchased wines from their vintages at the time. As an avid Mouton collector naturally I included Mouton Rothschild in my selection. The restaurant graciously allowed us to bring our wine and birthday decorations. Alexander’s Mouton Rothschild 1999 has the label showing the proverbial Mouton ram kicking away the last three nines of the millennium. The artwork is by Raymond Savignac, a French artist with a gift for caricature
|
|
|
Happy 18th birthday Alexander!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ronald enjoying Mouton Rothschild 1999 with his son
|
|
|
I prefer a beer
1999 is not a famous vintage in Bordeaux, mainly because of the rains in September. (With the exception of one day, it rained the entire month of September!). The Mouton ’99 stood the test of time remarkably well. The strict selection clearly paid off (only 60 percent of the crop was actually used). Mouton is always strong on Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1999 is no exception. The blend was 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The Mouton showed a beautiful deep color with only some signs of evolution, which I found remarkable for this 18-year-old wine. On the nose there were hints of coffee, spices and cedar wood and some secondary aromas like undergrowth and truffle. The wine was rich and showed a remarkable complexity and length. Still a strong tannic structure for a wine of this age, which will allow us to enjoy my other bottles on future celebrations.
I don’t really know whether I was happy or sad when Alexander told me that he appreciated my gesture but actually would prefer a beer… We ordered a beer for the boy and drank his wine for him.
A lovely night and great memories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Challenges of living in France
|
|
Chateau Coulon Laurensac, the home-base of the Bordeaux Wine Experience
|
|
Challenges of living in France
“No, no, no I don’t need to write down your number, I have it right in front of me.” These were the words of the secretary of the painting company I was trying to reach.
I don’t want to give you the impression that I don’t like living in France, because I do; but it comes with its challenges. And sometimes I can handle it well and sometimes these challenges bring tears to my eyes.
As you know we live in Chateau Coulon Laurensac and the chateau needs a lot of TLC, as does the paintwork on the hundreds of windows we have here. To give you an example, in my office where I am writing this, I counted 88 windowpanes! And that is just one room.
But let’s get back to my story. I needed a painter for the woodwork of the chateau, so what did I do? I looked around at the many Classified Growths I visit and when I liked their paintwork I asked them who did the paint job. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? That’s what I thought when I got my recommendation for the right painter in December 2016.
|
|
|
Finally the TLC for Chateau Coulon Laurensac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specialists
So after New Year I called the painting company and told them that I owned a chateau that needed painting, could they do that? “Of course sir, we specialize in maintenance at chateaux.” So in theory it looked promising. “No the boss is not here now, but he will call you back tomorrow,” the secretary told me. A week later I called them again. “I will ask my boss to call you back right after lunch, it’s a promise.” Another week later I started to lose my patience and I called them again. And that was the moment the lady on the phone spoke the words I started this story with: “I don’t have to write down your number etc.”
Losing the faith
Nothing happened, no calls, no nothing and even after 17 years of living and renovating in France I was losing faith. You may ask: “Why didn’t you find another company?” A perfectly valid question and I can guarantee you that this thought crossed my mind more than once. But my many chateau-owner friends all told me their horror stories about other painting companies and my problems so far seemed feeble compared to their experiences; consequently I kept the faith. I had no choice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It takes two to tango
At some point I changed my approach and I decided to email the company. I wrote: “Listen guys, your job is painting chateaux, I have a chateau that needs painting; can we dance together? If not, I’ll find another girl to dance with.” This must have been unusual and maybe I was more direct than most of their clients; after all I am Dutch. Anyway, the boss called me on the phone the next day and I found it difficult to control my joy after three months of trying to reach him. Next week his son would come over to inspect the worksite, he promised me.
|
|
|
Chateau Coulon Laurensac, restored to its original splendor
|
|
|
|
A ponytail and Vinexpo
And indeed a young guy with a ponytail showed up at the fixed time in March. He started by telling me that any work before VINEXPO (June) would be out of the question because they were working overtime at some Classified Growths I know very well.
Because I want to remain friends with these chateaux, I won’t tell you who they were; but if you join me on a Wine Tour in Bordeaux, you will visit a few of them with me.
Anyhow, the ponytail decided to put us on top of his list for September.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The force of email
September came and went, but my painters didn’t. I went to DEFCON 1 and tried sending them the same email each and every day. After a few weeks of spamming, they got the message (Pun intended!). Of course September was out of the question but they promised me that the work would start on October 9th at eight o’clock sharp and if I could be present to show them the worksite.
Not at our Chateau
At nine thirty I started calling the office again. Nobody knew where our painters were. “Well, not at our chateau, that I can promise you,” I answered. The secretary probably missed my sarcasm.
Anyway, it is November now and the miracle has happened. We have new lodgers who will be here painting for at least two months. That is if they ever finish the job. The big boss personally promised me that they will. “We will finish the work without any further delays; normalement”, he added with a look on his face that showed a mixture of superiority and contempt.
Wine
That night Margaret and I opened an extra big bottle of wine and dreamt of how beautiful our chateau would look when we start planning the celebrations of 295 years of Chateau Coulon Laurensac in 2018…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last spots for 2018 Bordeaux Wine Tours
|
|
Great fun on the Farewell dinner at Chateau Coulon Laurensac
|
|
Because your want an experience,
not “just” a tour
The word “experience” has been over-used in the travel-world lately. And yet we had good reasons to name our company “The Bordeaux Wine Experience” and we are not going to change that. We have our own way of seeing things and doing things on our tours that is different. And it’s not a trick; it’s who we are. And we can’t and won’t change that!
Therefore I will share our philosophy with you here. Don’t worry, it’s rather simple. I’ll also share what some of our guests said after a tour with us. Then it’s up to you to decide what you want: just a wine tour or a Bordeaux Wine Experience!
|
|
|
An “Experience”, not just a tour
|
|
|
|
Ronald and Margaret: “It’s not a trick: it’s simply who we are”
|
|
|
This is what we say:
“The best way to experience Bordeaux is through its local people, local foods and local wines. Each Bordeaux Wine Tour includes tasting the iconic five First Growths—Chateaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, Haut-Brion, Margaux and Yquem—along with château accommodation and exclusive meals in venues not open to the public. In short: a real Bordeaux wine and culinary experience. With us you learn about Bordeaux wines in a fun, down-to-earth and friendly atmosphere with like-minded wine lovers!”
|
|
|
|
This is what you can find on TripAdvisor:
From the very warm greeting to the farewell dinner, absolutely everything in this tour was beyond any expectation a person could have. Everything was prearranged, ran on time and was both educational and fun at the same time.
Ronald and Margaret are both professional and personal in the same moment and the history and beauty of Bordeaux is multiplied by their personal attention to creating an excellent tour.
Whether you are an expert or just interested in learning (my wife and I were the latter) you will leave understanding and loving what this beautiful area of France has provided the world for centuries. I highly recommend it.
|
|
|
“This has been a magnificent trip.Your wine tastings are far above anything we have ever experienced.”
Jim J. and Jeanine K, CO, USA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our 2018 Bordeaux Wine Tour Program
|
|
Because you want a Bordeaux Wine Experience and not “just a tour”
|
|
The Grand Tour of Bordeaux
The Grand Tour may be the most special tour we offer, with meals as exceptional as your visits. Imagine tasting all five First Growths and Yquem. And there is more: Superb chateau meals and Michelin rated dining… Add to this the best of Pomerol and Saint Emilion and you’ll see that this dazzling Grand Tour of Bordeaux is your chance to see and taste the very best that Bordeaux has to offer.
Sold out! ask to be informed for 2019 here.
|
|
|
Tasting with the owner in Pomerol at Chateau Gazin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See and taste all First Growths (here at Yquem)
|
|
|
The Bordeaux Grand Cru tour
This is probably our most exclusive tour. This ultimate wine tour for Bordeaux lovers is as good as it gets. Can you believe that you’ll see and taste all five First Growths and Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem including some older vintages! Of course we include the best of Saint Emilion and Pomerol as well. Add to this outstanding meals at exceptional venues not normally open to the public and you’ll see why this tour usually sells out early.
Ask us for an Itinerary here.
|
|
|
|
The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
The Harvest Tour is Grand in every way, both in food and wine. Enjoy chateau meals and Michelin rated dining. The most exciting time in Bordeaux is harvest time. You can sense the anticipation in the air.
And the food is superb as well: Exclusive meals at extraordinary venues not normally open to the public. On top of that you’ll see and taste all five First Growths and Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem and many of them will be older vintages!
Ask us for an Itinerary here.
|
|
|
Bordeaux in full harvest swing
|
|
|
|
Tasting with the owner at First Growth “A” Angélus in Saint Emilion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
Why take a Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Tours with us?
| • |
Exclusive touring: limited to six double/twin rooms and one single |
| • |
Carefree and truly effortless travel in Bordeaux: We take care of everything, really everything |
| • |
See and taste all 5 First Growths and Château Yquem! |
| • |
Expert (and humorous) guidance by Bordeaux specialist Ronald Rens |
| • |
Air-conditioned accommodation at our privately owned 18th century chateau |
| • |
Taste more Classified Growths than on any other Bordeaux wine tour! |
| • |
Grand Cru Farewell Dinner with all Grand Cru wines (including Chateau d’Yquem!) |
| • |
Gourmet meals at Bordeaux Chateaux and a Michelin starred restaurant! |
| • |
Grand Cru wines with all meals (except breakfast…) |
| • |
Air-conditioned, luxury motor coach transportation throughout the tour |
| • |
Great food and wine and a lot of fun in a small group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chateau Coulon Laurensac, definitly the best place in the world to taste all five First Growths and Yquem…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bordeaux Wine Experience
at Chateau Coulon Laurensac
1, chemin de Meydieu
33360 Latresne (BORDEAUX), France
Website : www.BXWINEX.com
|
|
|
Call us:
1-877-203-2665 (toll free from USA & Canada) or
+33 556 20 64 12 (from anywhere else in the world)
(These lines go directly to our Chateau in Bordeaux so please remember that we’re on Paris time!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2017 by The Bordeaux Wine Experience. All rights reserved. The content, design and graphical elements of this Magazine are copyrighted. The Bordeaux Wine Experience is a Dutch company specializing in wine and culinary tours in the Bordeaux region for an English speaking international clientele.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
