Bankers

My company works with 4 different French banks and we had an appointment with two managers from one of these banks who; although it is rare, are nice. The business relationship is not considered as a relationship based on power but as a partnership, our meeting confirmed that they are one of the key players in the wine trade and that they are interested in getting involved in viticulture.

For lunch at home, we had: Deviled eggs, roasted leg of lamb, potato gratin and rice pudding with Tahitian vanilla. Very good Blanc N°2 de Valandraud 2006, La Dominique 2007, starting to taste very good (even better in the evening) and Valandraud 2005 which is usually a bit closed, mute, but instead was quite expressive with no decanting. Probably a good day, the right atmospheric pressure or maybe good vibes, good atmosphere… I had a good time with these bankers, which is not common.

In the morning, I had a tasting at Château Fleur Cardinale with the owners Florence and Dominique Decoster, Bob Avargues and Jean Philippe Fort.
The first vintage produced by Decoster was in 2001, already. Time flies faster that seasons, and despite the experience acquired after 10 vintages, we still have the same questions: How can we do better? Should we start with this barrel maker and stop with this one? Ah, too bad that the Cabernet Sauvignons will be perfect 5 to 6 months after the en primeurs tastings! What can we do to improve?
Will 2010 be better than 2009? It is Jean-Philippe’s opinion and maybe the best in his carrier of enologist, I mean the best Fleur Cardinale ever made. Confirmation first week of April 2011.

In the afternoon, I had a meeting with a young Russian woman who wants to work in the wine industry. This market has become very difficult for us, orders are down: is it due to the crisis? Us? Our partner?
Then visit from the Lebreton family, owners of Croix de Gay, Fleur de Gay to talk about technique, vats, wood, stainless steel, cement?