Hello,
Summer has hit Sweden with its accustomed ferocity, and the dynamic Duo has
repaired to what my old friend Hugo calls our dacha, and Mike T at one time
called the penthouse - a pocket size apartment in Nice (fortunately we have
a balcony,. or I would be unable to stretch out). Also stopovers in
Bourgogne and Alsace.
We have met various wine producers who have, not surprisingly, complained
about the weather (it goes a bit with the description - grows wine, owns
vineyard, disgruntled about weather).

We have learned that one of our old standbys (standbies?), the Dom Launay of
Pommard, has ceased to exist - the owners have sold out the vineyards, and
retired. Apaprently, no heirs. So we will have to find a new producer in
those parts. Bummer, we liked their POmmards, not least the Vigne Centenaire
....

Jim Tanner, who is an excellent fellow, pointed out a little jewel of a
restaurant in Meursault - Le Chevreuil. It is really a hotel, I wouldn't
know what the rooms are like (we always stay at the Golf Colvert in
Levernois), but the resto is higly recommended, e g, after a morning tasting
at Coche-Bizouard. Menu regional at EU 18, more ambitious menus at 39 and
55.

Ma Cuisine in downtown Beaune still excellent with a wine list to die for
and an intelligent assortment of open wines and half bottles. The blackboard
menu is EU 20 and good value. Advance reservation still a must!

As has already been pointed out, a small AFW-meet was held in Imperia, where
we had the distinct pleasure of meeting friends old and friends new, friends
on-line and friends physical. It was a particular pleasure to meet Dale,
Betsy, and David, face to face - but, what a rush! across the Atlantic to
stay one week in France ... and then back ...

Also a pleasure to meet Luk again, long time, no see ... and Filippo who is
a new aquaintance. We hope to be able to attend their yearly manifestation
in Rapallo next summer - we keep our fingers crossed.

According to Oz Clarke, the white wines of Cassis are the most overpriced of
Southern French whites - he is wrong. That trophy must go to the white
Bellet. We have tasted whites from a couple of producers now, and to charge
EU 18 for these is nothing less than daylight robbery. No doubt they have a
problem with the temperature which results in a what can only be described
as flab, and a perceptible RS. And to think that the same price will buy a
bottle of Coche-Bizouard's Auxey-Duresse (except the 2005s are sold out!).
The reds are acceptable, but also way over priced - typically EU 18, which
means that a quaffable, though not excellent, CdP costs 33 % less.

Cheers!

Nils

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