FORKS & THE ROAD

As a chance to show and sell new wine before it’s bottled, the en primeur campaign in springtime is a big deal in Bordeaux. Nerves were particularly testy for this year’s 2014 vintage tastings as several previous vintages of pre-bottled wines had suffered from lower consumer demand. A gloriously hot and sunny autumn saved the 2014 vintage from its cold miserable summer, but the question remains whether the quality is enough to support the high prices of top Bordeaux. There are definitely some excellent reds but the real stars of 2014 are the sweet wines, followed by some of the whites. While the en primeur tastings aren’t open to the public, wine enthusiasts can follow the footsteps of the trade and media who were there by staying at a wine Chateau. One of the best is Les Sources de Caudalie located among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte in Martillac (about half an hour from the city of Bordeaux). The Chateau, which just celebrated 25 years in the hands of Florence and Daniel Cathiard, is producing fabulous wines, and guests of Les Sources are welcome to tour the cellars. Daughter Alice and her husband Jérôme Tourbier manage the hotel, which has two-star Michelin restaurant La Grand ‘Vigne and a bistro, La Table du Lavoir, with a huge central fireplace. The bistro’s massive steak with frites is something to behold. Also on the property is the Vinotherapie Spa by Caudalie, founded by another daughter, Mathilde, and her husband Bertrand Thomas in 1995. Less upscale but super fun is Chateau Siaurac in Lalande du Pomerol, just down the road from Chateau Petrus. Owner Paul Goldschmidt runs it with great gusto, offering accommodation, tastings, meals and “Authentic Winedays.” Chateau de Môle built in 1736 in Puisseguin Saint Émilion has five deluxe renovated rooms which rent from 105 to 165 euro a night including breakfast and winery visits. sources-caudalie. com chateausiauracandco.com chateau-de-mole.fr