The London tasting in May went brilliantly with many of the country's top experts there. Jancis Robinson loved the whites giving 2 scores of 16.5 out of 20 with only 4 or 5 2011 wines scoring higher. Raymond Blanc kindly held up a bottle of our wine for the camera and much good feedback from other MWs, sommeliers, importers and writers. Now in discussions with a couple of potential UK importers.
The 2012 vintage has been bottled, albeit not as yet released, and the indications are that it is going to be good.
We now have Japanese and Canadian importers placing orders. Working on Australia and then New York where Jura wines are popular.
Hachette have awarded one or more stars to one of Patrice's red wines- the Guide Hachette des vins is out today and hopefully details will be available later in the post.
Must mention Juliette, Patrice's apprentice who has become very much one of the family, as well as being very capable and hard-working. She is selling wine regularly at an organic market in Besancon where Daddy's wines are going down well.
The bad news isn't really bad but the dreadful Jura weather in May/June (cold and wet) meant that some buds were lost and those that survived have taken their time to mature, with some mildew about. Harvest is therefore likely to be throughout October and at about the 2012 level. Good job 2011 was a bumper crop.
Mummy has been doing her own part-time job as well as providing maternity-cover throughout the summer, which has meant almost full-time work. She reverts to just her own job (providing agricultural relief workers to farmers) next week which will allow her to undertake more marketing and admin for the domaine. Not sure if it will pay as well....
Mummy, Daddy, Tessa and I went on holiday to Lake Chalain 2 weeks ago, where we spent lots of time playing on the beach and in the lake and in the splendid camp-site. It was also quite close so we came back on the Tuesday for the Mesnay market which runs in July and August. Granny and GP came over last week and as the weather was good we went out for a few trips with them prior to me returning to school a couple of days ago. I even got to walk in the procession of vignerons following the biou to church in Arbois- a large bunch of grapes made out of thousands of normal-sized grapes. Bands playing, big-wigs processing- all good clean fun! Mami and Papi came over and we all listened to a number of Jazz bands at the Arbois Festival of Music - very good they were too.
Latest- GP has failed again- this should have been posted a month ago. The latest is that the vendanges are now well under way- a lighter crop than usual, but seemingly good quality. The pickers have been getting wet, but thanks to all who have helped.
Will post this now- apologies for the delay. Hopefully some pics will accompany this- my sister is growing up fast as can be seen. It seems that she may well be keeping me on my toes (or stamping on my toes?) as she grows older. Watch this space. I'm now at school 4 days per week and enjoying it (mostly). Have also started music lessons. Not bad for 4, says GP whose musical career with his violin happily came to an abrupt end at age 15!
More soon hopefully. Looking forward to seeing Granny, Auntie Vicky and Tonton Tee next week.
Bisous
Basti
