3rd Round of French Merlove Pictures

December 15, 2007

Salutations everyone!

I thought I would try to send at least one or two more batches of pictures before we come back home to the states this Thursday. Everyday on forward is basically a race to the finish line for us. We have so many things packed in. More interviews, lunches, dinners, etc. I'm thinking we're just going to have to come back. Maybe in the Spring or Summertime. Oh darn! ;-)

So we did end up going to Petrus, Chateau Cheval Blanc, & Chateau Ausone. Unfortunately, it is against Petrus's policy to have any filming or pictures taken inside their facility, but we did have audio. We do have pictures out front, which I've sent a couple. We were offered the '06 Petrus for tasting. Chateau Cheval Blanc & Chateau Ausone were very gracious to let us film. We tried the '04 Cheval Blanc & the '04 of their 2nd label. Chateau Ausone gave us a sample of their '06. I loved the caves where Ausone ages its wine in. I have a couple books they gave us, so I can show you detail later.

We also were lucky to visit Francois Mitjavile of Chateau Tertre Roteboeuf. Thank you Steve for the recommendation. Unfortunately, he did not remember you by name but did mention he was getting very forgetful in his older years. He said he might remember your face if he saw it. He and his wife prepared a wonderful 4 hour French lunch (which we've learned is pretty standard). Francois also led us all around his property during our filming. This was a great experience, by far one of our best interviews.

Another interesting interview was with a man named Pierre Chariol. He owns Chateau de Lescours. He has been by far our most colorful character. I can tell more later. He's also a very passionate man, which made for a wonderful interview. Not to mention his property. Of course, absolutely amazing. He wants to cook dinner for Rudy's birthday if we can make it. Pierre also introduced us to his nephew Franc who owns a new Chateau. We are going to try and visit him on Monday for lunch sandwiched in between 2 other interviews.

I'm not sure if I mentioned who our interpreter has been, but for those that are curious his name is Jason South. He has been an absolute wonder with all the places he's taken us and connections he's helped us with. If ever anyone needs a tour guide in St. Emilion, he's the man. Jason actually runs his own tour company which works with high-end clientele. We were lucky to have him offer us his time, but I do suppose it helps him too (through promotion). He is a Kiwi and has lived in St. Emilion for about 10 years. He has a French wife and two young children. His son is named Cisco, just like my dad and brother. Funny thing is that Jason's son Cisco loves Spiderman & so does my dad. My dad even has some old Spiderman comic books that he originally only paid 25 cents each.

There's been a lot of strange coincidences, maybe some even ironic. Even with our new French friend named Elisa & our cat named Eliza. Helped us to remember her and miss her more. Other things too, but I won't babble on about such things.

Also, we've had all kinds of great luck. Sometimes just being at the right place at the right time! One example of this would be just last night we decide to go out for drinks after a long day and by chance we were able to meet Michel Gracia (another famous garage wine producer). He agreed to having us interview him on Monday. He also wanted us to interview one of his friends, and of course try some of their wine. We will be having dinner with them Monday evening and I'm sure it will go until the wee hours of the morning. Just last night we were out to about 3am with him and his friend.

Many, many connections and friends we have made. Its both sad and exciting to soon come back home. And again we have plenty of stories to tell. We haven't even come home & we can't wait 'till our next visit.

See everyone very soon,

Marisol

P.S. Have fun tonight D-Crew!