Chateau Pichon Baron Bordeaux

 

A city break to Bordeaux, which includes an overnight stay in Chateau Pichon Baron, which is located in the Medoc wine region. This came from an invite from Dave and Jane (a big thanks to them both). Dave generously bid for the night in the Chateau for charity. It started with a flight to Bordeaux on the Wednesday, with overnight in a Boutique hotel in the city, before travelling out to the Chateau. Bordeaux is where good food and wine is a way of life. The evening dinner at Le Quatrième Mur (Forth Wall) restaurant, which is set in the iconicGrand Théâtre. The forth wall name comes from the invisible wall that separates the actors from the audience. The chef is Philippe Etchebest, who owns a two Michelin Star restaurant in St Emillion. He is better known in France as the host chef of the french version of the Gordon Ramsey Kitchen Nightmares. A lovely restaurant, great setting, but to be honest we had better food ahead of us, but in Bordeaux standards are very high.

Bordeaux is close to the Atlantic Ocean and a storm had crossed from North America where the hurricane season had started. Pouring rain meant any further sightseeing was cancelled for the day, so we headed to the chateau by taxi. An hours drive through the countryside and vineyards. Chateau Pichon Baron is located to the right of the Gironde, close to some of the most famous vineyards in the world, its neighbour is Chateau Latour. Pichhon Baron and Latour vines are separated by a single road. Latour is one of the top five vineyards in the region. A single bottle from the Latour vines often start at 800 euros. Pichon Baron wines would sell for significantly less. It difficult to comprehend, but apparently its all about the terroir …

                

Chateau Pichon Baron is owned by the Axa insurance company, who have restored and modernised the estate. It was truly stunning. To our surprise we were the only guests for the night. The itinerary included a tour, tasting and then dinner with our personal chef. It sounded good and did not disappoint. Unsurprisingly we were treated to some great wine from chateau, as well as a Sauterne desert wine from their sister vineyard Suduiraut  (2010). We can all recommend both. 

As dinner ended, our hosts offered us a 20 year old port and departed for the evening, leaving us as custodians of the chateau and port. What a wonderful end to a fine day. A fine location, fine food and fine wine.. Life is good, 

We woke for breakfast, before heading back to Bordeaux. We heard King Charles was heading to Bordeaux as part of his tour of France. This meant traffic was heavy as we arrived. Our last full day in Bordeaux, so we headed out to see the sights. Without looking we arrived at the location King Charles was visiting. The crowds had gathered so after seeing the convoy of cars arriving we walked away to find somewhere quieter. We circled the building to see King Charles leave with less crowds. 

Dinner for the night at La Tupina, which is a traditional regional restaurant. This was visited by Rick Stein during his Long Weekends television series. This is rustic style food, without the michelin fine edges, but great food and wine. A nice finish the weekend,