Sweden

Friday 16, Andreas Larsson and his friend came to our house for dinner, a little ahead of his birthday. In short, Andreas is best sommelier in the world and ambassador... of Murielle’s cooking.

We were eight around the table; with 100% Mumu’s cooking: omelet with black truffles, leg of lamb and potato gratin, and a big baba au rhum from Mr. Lopez in Libourne.
Before sitting down for our meal, we tasted a few 2011 to open our palate: Clos Badon Thunevin, Virginie de Valandraud, Valandraud, Fleur Cardinale, Secret de Cardinal, Croix Cardinal, Sansonnet and Valandraud Blanc.
Following, with the first dish, Sansonnet 2010 and Fleur Cardinale 2009, yes, I never get bored drinking these wines. After, blind, Clos Badon Thunevin and Smith Haut Lafitte 2009, Tertre Roteboeuf and Valandraud 2008.
And to honor Brazil and the Brazilians who stopped by unannounced to taste our 2011 along with Andreas as aperitif: Cachaça Vale Verde.

The wines tasted blind were all worth it, each with their own style, price and reputation, what more do you want? Bordeaux is able to make wines of these qualities with these differences in flavors and still amaze me, even for me.
Clos Badon had been open just before the meal for Jacques Berthomeau who called me about it as well as the article in Terre de Vins where it ranked just behind Tertre Roteboeuf in 2008 (Thanks Bettane and Desseauve)
On the No. 52 issue of Livets Goda, a nice Swedish magazine, a big feature on Bordeaux, with two pages portrait of Stéphane Derenoncourt, Michel Rolland and I with Fifi. And in the top 10 of the right bank (4 pages), a portrait of Valandraud and tasting notes of the vintages, from 1991 to 2009, plus our whites were featured. Also included in the 10 future stars of Saint Emilion, Fleur Cardinale Clos Badon and Haut Carles Fronsac.

Sweden is, for my company, one of the best markets considering that with 9 million inhabitants, it represents 2% of sales. Thanks to our agent who is doing a remarkable job and of course our clients, friends and Andreas!