Fabulous opening dinner at Haut-Brion last night for the press. Haut-Brion was the host Chateaux, with each table hosted by the members of the Grand Cru Classes de 1855 of Medoc and Sauternes. The reception was fabulous: perfect weather, all the ladies of the Chateaux gorgeous in their evening dress, and lots of Sauternes. MORE >>

This Sauternes is aromatically complex and the flavors are less sweet than the aromas would suggest. Pressing - 1 pneumatic press (for the first pressing) - 4 vertical basket presses (second and third pressings) to obtain the richest, sweet juice. Racking Every 3 to 5 months subject to tasting. MORE >>

Today we visited the AXA Chataeu Suduiraut property in Sauternes, escorted by the lively Corinne. The magic of Sauternes occurs every Autumn, in the area where the cool spring-fed Ciron river meets the warmer Garonne river south of Bordeaux. Chinese Food with Sauternes. VisitingChateau Suduiraut. pierre. Magic of Botrytis. MORE >>

In both cases, the wine I identified as smoother and better balanced was gravity pressed, so proof that this really is the answer for Chateaux able to afford it. Today we visited the AXA Chataeu Suduiraut property in Sauternes, escorted by the lively Corinne. Chinese Food with Sauternes. Sunday: Dinner in a Chateau. The Cellar. MORE >>

know almost nothing about Bordeaux, but I do know that 1981 is one of those vintages that did not get great press attention, and therefore the wines can be somewhat reasonably priced. Mike cracked open a 2002 Barton & Guestier Sauternes to serve with dessert. But the food was spectacular - Jess really knocked it out of the park. MORE >>