First Day En Bourgogne – Safely In Burgundy

Hello Friends! After quite an enjoyable trek we have arrived safely in Burgundy. The Qantas flight from Melbourne to Singapore was quite exciting with good company keeping me going. 6 hours in Singapore was a bit of a stretch. After that the 13 hours to Zurich with Swiss Air was so comfortable and food so tasty, I had a nice sleep and then watched the lights of the world go by. Our small jump from Zurich to Lyon over the Alps was quite disappointing due to heavy cloud cover.

The trip from Lyon to Beaune was uneventful as the roads and courtesy shown were certainly above expectations.

Driving through Beaune in a 9 seater Mercedes was hairy and challenging

Certainly, dehydration was an issue. But driving on the wrong side of the narrow roads with 8 other people in the car were taxing too. Most importantly, no serious incidences were experienced thankfully and a lunch in the cellar at La Conty revived all of us weary travellers. Meo Camuzet Hautes Cotes de Nuits Clos Saint Philbert 2013 Monopole was deliciously crisp and refreshing with terrine and fromage. Lucien Muzard Santenay Champs Claude Vieilles Vignes 2014 was savoury and earthy with plenty of notes of animale (there was talk of a rabbits bums).

An evening of Comte, Abbaye de Citeaux (Bounjour bon ami) and a tasting of Gevrey Chambertin.

Chanson Gevrey Chambertin village 2012 was dense and meaty. Maison Louis Latour Gevrey Chambertin Les Cazetiers Premier Cru 1er 2006 was showing some secondary notes with plenty of depth. Louis Jadot’s Les Cazetiers 1er Cru 2007 in contrast was lighter, more perfumed and elegant. Bouchard Pere et Fils Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru 2007 was bright, harmonious, youthful and fragrant. At this stage of its life it looks like it will live forever.

After that we all toddled off to bed. Tomorrow is a trip down the Routes de Grand Cru and a visit to Beaujolais.