David and Goliath in the Vineyards of St Estèphe
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1w ago
I have always been attracted to the vineyard, wines and family set up of Haut Marbuzet in the far away lands of St Estephe as outsiders into this traditional closed world where vineyards are inherited over generations. Over the years I have heard snippets of the family’s fabulous ‘underdog’ story comes good and have recounted it to many hundreds of clients particularly americans who are more used to these ‘rags to riches’ stories. (Its more rare in France getting the right diploma is the way here and who you know in the right circles). Yesterday, I was fortunate to be received by Hugh Duboscq ..read more
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Best value Brandy in the world
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1w ago
Armagnac – Bordeaux’s best kept secret One hour and a half’s drive down motorway south of Bordeaux city and you arrive in an unspoilt region that seems to have escaped the pressures of modern life. Time feels different down here when you taste, if it was a common occurrence, brandy made 30, 50 or 70 years ago as if it were a cup of tea (I am english originally). The oldest one we tasted was 1942 – dating before the second world war which ‘celebrates’ its 80th anniversary this year. Those who remember are very old today where as these ‘wines’ are still in their youth. These armagnacs are aged ..read more
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Starting to get Tense – the annual risk of late frost in the Bordeaux Vineyards
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1M ago
Its beautiful in the sunshine here in Bordeaux. It almost feels like Spring with temperatures around 15°C in the sunny afternoons. Its not good for the ski season as there is no snow and its the school holidays. Nor is it good for nature as the plants are feeling the pull of the warmth of spring too early and along with it the premature stimulus to bud and flower. The fruit trees of Marmande (peach, cherry) are already blooming. The Mimosa is in full bloom around the vineyard regions – normally we do see this gay bright yellow bloom at this time of year but on the warmer coast around Arcachon ..read more
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Introducing the SIP Wine Club
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
2M ago
With the growth in wine tourism in Bordeaux, wine writer and guide Nicolle Croft launches  « SIP » a wine tour company based in Bordeaux specializing in promoting, through wine tourism, the Small Independent Producers in the region. Over thirty years I have searched out wonderful wines that are authentic and great value often just falling on the wrong side of a boundary line (Haut Medoc instead of Margaux for example) or missed out on being classified for political reasons or just in one of Bordeaux’s many appellations that are not considered ‘sexy’ but today are makin ..read more
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The Best of St Emilon’s Restaurants and which Château to go winetasting visits
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
Here is some information on the best places to visit in St Emilion. ST EMILION;  For your day in St Emilion, Château Canon la Gaffelière is a wonderful comprehensive visit, you can book here www.neipperg.com/fr/visiter.html (or email Emily Emilie Remond <emilie@neipperg.com>,  it is a premier grand cru classé and the family have different properties with different terroir which you will get to taste too.  Another great one is Château Coutet, organic since the beginning, still using the old varieties of grape vines in this nature’s haven and making a wine as old bottle fou ..read more
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Corporate Wine Trip Experiences in Bordeaux
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
# Team building & incentive Every successful manager is trying to motivate his team with new and creative ideas. What best way to help a team come together or congratulate them, than a wine trip. Bordeaux offers an exceptional range of opportunities to discover or deepen peoples knowledge about wine. In one of the most iconic setting of vineyards we offer a range of experiences to help your team members relax, learn and have fun so they can be completely open to new impulses. From week-end break (Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon) to a working week trip including dedicated areas and ..read more
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Spring Food & Wine Retreat with Yann Florio Private chef in Bordeaux’s countryside
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
The ideal retreat for all lovers of fine food and wine this Spring in the beautiful countryside of Duras (not far from St Emilion). Have you ever dreamed of relaxing in your own château, lost in the rolling vineyard-clad hills of Bordeaux? And with your own private chef to cater to your every culinary whim? Well now is your chance. This Spring sees the start of a new programme of retreats at the luxurious Orangerie Duras – a six bedroom National Historic Monument whose 800-year-old bastion forms part of the ancient fortifications of Château Duras. This is your chance to enjoy ..read more
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2022 vintage in the barrels
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
The 1982 was legendary but since the vintages ending with a two have been classical – 2002 actually currently drinking well (not as classy as the beautiful 2001) and 2012 gorgeous harmony and silkiness but light bodied fresh and classy (perfect christmas drinking by the way if you come across any). Smaller Cabernet berry and Merlot Are we in for another great vintage? (normally reserved to vintages ending in a 5 or 0). Growing Season Climate of 2022; We had the hottest most seering hot summer experienced since 2003 with dry conditions and no rain. This heat began as early as June and it seems ..read more
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New list of the Best St Emilion – dawn of a new era
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
Its out!! the new list that has already caused so much controversy!! For my background article Congratulations to my favorite Figeac new A only 1 of 2 As with Pavie (the two orginal As never applied Ausone and Cheval Blanc). Angelus pulled out recently criticising the tasters as did level B, La Gaffeliere owned by St Emilion’s oldest family, Malet Roquefort. Also congratulations to my favorite Corbin Michotte who make beautiful classic St Emilion and newcomer Tour Ste Christophe classified for the first time and owned by Peter Kwok (Bellefont Belcier retain their Grand Cru Classé status and d ..read more
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Record breaking 2022 Bordeaux Vintage
Sip Wine Blog
by nicolle
1y ago
We have had frost, we have had hail and now we are having record hot temperatures for all of the summer – et ç’est n’est pas fini! Not had a super vintage ending with a 2 since 1982! Acidity is low but there are plenty of grapes and so far the hot dry conditions have concentrated the juice. There is not a lot of it so far with the lack of rain. Ripening has slowed as the leaves furl in the 38 to 40°C afternoons as the vine tries to avoid further moisture loss. Photo from the frosty early year at Coutet with Adrien David Beaulieu We need rain – we are having some light showers but no rain ..read more
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