A great new restaurant opened in Catusseau a commune of Pomerol last week so we went along to check it out for you.  Le Bistrot & La Table des Vignerons.  They have a large open terrace for al fresco dining which was perfect for the swealtering July day.  Their menu albeit classic bordelais is decent and definately worth a try.  I would opt for the dish of the day as it is only 9€ compared to 18 – 20€ on average for the other main courses. No need for an address. Catusseau is very small.  Definately check it out on your way through or during your next Bordeaux wine tour with Decanter Tours!

Please click the links below for more details about our French wine tasting tours and holidays.

France Wine Tasting Tours

• The Definitive Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Golf, Spa and Wine Tours – Bordeaux
• The Weekend Warrior – Pessac-Leognan and The Medoc Wine Tour
• Bordeaux – Food and Wine Tour

Please click the links below for more details of our French wine tasting tours and holidays.

France Wine Tasting Tours

• The Definitive Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux Wine Tour
• Golf, Spa and Wine Tours – Bordeaux
• The Weekend Warrior – Pessac-Leognan and The Medoc Wine Tour
• Bordeaux – Food and Wine Tour

Cycling in the Entre deux Mers, CAUDALIE Spa treatments and a dinner at Chateau Coutet in Sauternes. Just a snapshot of what you can experience on one of our custom wine tours.

To prepare for another day of eating and drinking, I started my day with a 10k cycle on the path which links Sauveterre de Guyenne to Lacanau.  I have the great fortune of living about 2 kms from the most beautiful and shaded part of the path.  There are numerous stops and watering holes dotted along the path.  A great day out for all ages!

Our wine tasting day starts at a Grand Cru Classe property on the limestone slopes of St Emilion. Chateau Franc Mayne boasts several kilometers of underground quaries which make this area so unique.

We followed our visit by a light lunch on the terrace of the Relais & Chateaux Hostellerie de Plaisance in the town center.  The Michelin starred restaurant is open only at night but the privileged few who know about it can dine overlooking the cobble stoned streets of St Emilion.

The view is fantastic from the terrace of Hostellerie de Plaisance.

American owned Chateau Fonplegade was our last stop.  We had a quick comparison of 3 of their 6 chateau with the two wines from Fonplegade.   The day ended with fireworks of course over La Tour du Vieux Port in Libourne.

Bastille Day Fireworks in Libourne

Stay tuned, tomorrow we go to the Medoc and have a fantastic lunch at the Relais & Chateaux Cordeillan Bages where young chef Jean Luc Rocha is following of from the acclaimed Thierry Marx who left for greener pastures this spring.

We’re taking you with us this week on one of our typical wine tours in Bordeaux.

Today we start with Smith Haut Lafitte with it’s own barrel maker. Owner Daniel Cathiard met us during the tasting and took us down into the well hidden secret cellar. (photo)

Next we move on to Chateau Haut Bailly, the only property in Leognan, known primarily for its whites, which produces only red wines.  American owned, this property has one of the best wine gadget shops.  Oh, and the wine is spectacular too! We tasted Chateau La Parde 2007 and Ch. Haut Bailly 2007.  Both stunning.

We break for a refreshing lunch at Les Sources de Caudalie’s relaxed Restaraunt La Table du Lavoir. The food was light and delicious especially the strawberry Mille feuille and chocolate melting cake.

We finish off with Carbonnieux and their beautiful 13th century Perigordian style chateau.

Tomorrow is Bastille Day in St Emilion. Stay tuned.

Visits, like the vines at Cahteau Kirwan and Prieure Lichine are only enhanced by sun. The 2010 vintage looks to be a good one but don’t hold your breath. A lot can change between now and September depending on Mother Nature!