Yesterday, we had the visit and tasting with one of the most well known American wine store, Calvert Woodley, based in Washington DC. They shared this visit with their customers through their newsletter:

The afternoon took us to the incredible town of St. Emilion and Jean-Luc Thunevin of Chateau Valandraud. He and his wife Murielle graciously hosted us for lunch as we drank older vintages of Valandraud and Virginie de Valandraud. Fantastic! The 2006 wasn't too shabby either, definitely one of the best wines we've tried all week. Here we are at their home, with some of their 10 year old chickens! We were happy to get a personal tour of Valandraud's vineyards from the "Bad Boy of Bordeaux" himself. Always a forward-thinker, it was a lot of fun to spend time with Jean-Luc. A few macaroons later (they're worth the plane ride over) and it was back to Bordeaux...

I repeat, Americans were very present this year, however, they will buy carefully, the Euro/Dollar exchange rate is not in their favor and puts them in this position.

Tasting with all our wines and still a great interest in the cuvée “Bad Boy”, nickname given to me buy Robert Parker. Here is the label:

The first vintage will be 2005, 100% Merlot, 100% Bordeaux, but I hope that it will evolve into a Roussillon-Bordeaux blend, once the “Vin de Pays de France” appellation will be granted. This will allow me to blend Grenache, Syrah, Carignan from Maury with my Merlot, Cabernet and Malbec from Saint Emilion.
We would have already sold everything if I had given a price, but I still haven’t yet decided. Again success… Hope that it lasts! I just received commitments from Bordeaux brokers to purchase 1000 cases of La Dominique 2006 for new customers.