Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Henry

Part of the fun of owning and working in a wine store is all of the awesome dogs and kids our customers bring in. Henry is a big-time fave.


A lot of dogs are excited to enter the store but Henry's entrance is like no other. He usually enters with a howl or two to announce his presence. He's handsome and really sweet. And he sports a mohawk. Here Emilia captured Henry happily licking his chops after being given a treat. If he were a wine, I think he'd be a feisty Regnie.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Lunch with Lulu

There were so many highlights on our January trip. But THE highlight was meeting and having lunch with Lulu at Domaine Tempier. This was our last view of her prior to our departure. You can see her vivacity.

We learned about Lulu Peyraud, and her late husband Lucien, through two books that remain tremendous influences: Kermit Lynch's Adventures on the Wine Route and Richard Olney's Lulu's Provencal Table. Lucien was instrumental in the ascendence of the Bandol appellation and made Tempier into arguably the best winery in Bandol. I wish I could have met him.

Lulu is legendary for her food, generosity, and gracious hospitality. Meeting her was a dream realized. The reality far exceeded our expectations.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Very Happy Indeed


Here I'm pictured, looking very happy indeed, with Thierry Allemand. We'd just finished tasting his deep purple, richly textured, gorgeous wines in his small, immaculate cellar.
Thierry is another fantastic producer imported by Kermit Lynch, and another one who didn't come from a family with a history of winemaking. Thierry grew up in Cornas fascinated by the vines and the wines that surrounded him. He worked as a cellar rat and managed to purchase an abandoned vineyard, Les Chaillots, in 1981. His first vintage was 1982. Later, he acquired a plot of old vines, Reynard, from Noel Verset.
His Syrahs are a real treat. Unfortunately his production is very small. Even less of his wines are available than Barral. However, Thirst will be getting some so, if you're curious, inquire.