China

A week in China, and I'm back in Saint Emilion just on time for September 18th evening, celebrating the night of Heritage: animation in the streets and fireworks over the city that lends itself well to the show.
A very popular party where between 25,000 and 30,000 people attend, according to the Gendarmerie!

The next day, the “ban des vendanges” (the launch of the harvest) by the Jurade de Saint Emilion, and many induction of St. Emilion Jurats who become new ambassadors of our appellation: lots of friends who we wondered, after the fact, why they are not yet “Jurat”, and especially the joy of seeing Mrs. Florence Decoster (Fleur Cardinale) inducted as a Jurat.
Beautiful ceremony with its group of inductees, some more or less famous, including the young singer Gregory. At dinner, nearly 638 people attended, many good wines were served, some fine speeches and a great privilege to be participating.

Trip to China with three cities visited (by plane) Canton, Shanghai and Beijing and two cities by car (God knows I love that), late in bed, up early, and especially a lot of events: meals, tastings in this country that is changing rapidly.
There are, of course, Lafite and Carruades, but already the 1st and 2nd wines and a few brands like Beychevelle, Angélus and even some mid range, even if the lowest sells for 1.5 Euros, millions of bottles are sold and some educated wine-lovers are emerging and appreciate higher end wines.