Japon, following episode

One of our distributors organized a dinner in Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant in Tokyo. It was the first time I went to this restaurant located in one of the most astonishing neighborhoods of Tokyo.
Ultra modern architecture and top cuisine, of course. The restaurant was entirely reserved for regular customers who were sent an invitation via internet announcing the tasting event “Valandraud-Thunevin”. Some were even placed at the bar as the room was full (only 50 seats are available in the dinning room).
The affluent customers were very elegant and seemed to enjoy themselves. They were very respectful of the staff and our wines. After eating a good meal and a session of autograph and picture, we went to an astonishing place – a mix of night club, American bar, ultra luxurious with a beautiful, young and cheerful crowd where fine wine are slowly replacing cognacs. Difficult to leave without taking pictures with all the sommeliers for who Valandraud is like a dream.

The next day, we took the train for Osaka where the French restaurant in the Okura hotel organized a similar event as Gagnaire, for 60 people, all regular customers and Valandraud enthusiasts. In all these places, I had the pleasure to share, with Andreas Larsson, some of our best vintages, from 1995 to 2005 included, and meet customers from 1995-1998 who, at that time, bough my wine for more money than Petrus or Romanée Conti.
Be it at L’Ecrin in Ginza, or Alain Ducasse’s Spoon in Hong Kong, all these places serve our wine in beautiful glasses, at the right temperature, with such professionalism which often lacks in my country.

Flight back with Air France where, by surprise, I was upgraded to 1st class which gave me the opportunity to take a good nap in what was close to a bed, with, on top, ultra sophisticated service drinking a glass of Château Canon 2003 (average meal though – in my opinion). 11 hours later, change for Bordeaux with, in addition, 7 hours of time different.