Dear Friends,
Just a quick note from California!
Over the past few days, I’ve spent some time in NY, LA & Napa/SF. Very exciting trip.
Have made a rule to myslef not to drink French wine during my entire stay (of course, I’ve made a couple exceptions here and there).
The most fascinating element of this trip to the US is the real passion for food and wine. It’s all very vibrant… and somewhat very much unlike France.
My trip to Napa was extremely enriching. I got to taste interesting wines and have been very welcome by a variety of winemakers. My tasting adventures have taken me to Rubicon, Joseph Phelps, Kuleto, Spring Mountain, Ravenswood, Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Robert Mondavi’s Winery and Quintessa.
I’ve been lucky enough to interview the people who make Californian wine. Which was a real treat.
My coup de coeur so far is a beautiful 2004 Pinot Noir from School House (Napa - Spring Moutain). Very touching. And the irresistible 2004 Insignia by Joseph Phelps.
One thing that kind of pissed me off if the prices of the Napa wines. Don’t get me wrong, many are extremely good wines. But tasting a good but nothing special big, concentrated wine and see that it retails for 50$ just drives me nuts. The same style/quality would sell in Europe for 6€.
So once again… if you’re looking for reasonably price, concentrated wines, always keep an eye on the Languedoc on a wine list.
I’m also working on a side project while in Cali. I will sure keep you guys posted as soon as I have something good (and firm) to announce. Things are looking good so let’s keep our fingers crossed…
On top of this, Ô Chateau (Paris Wine Tasting) is launching new exciting products: A Champagne Cruise on the Seine, Wine Dating Evenings on top of La Tour Montparnasse and a new exciting partnership.
So Make sure you check us out if you’re headed to Paris over the next few weeks.
So it’s all exciting stuff going on!
I’m shooting a few videos but as i’m somewhat IT-retarded, we will only be able to post them (with Edward’s help) upon my return to Paris, in a few weeks.
Hope you’re well,
O.
PS: I wish they all could be Californian girls…
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
14 responses so far ↓
1 Mark V Marino // Feb 28, 2008 at 1:01 am
Oliver,
You should have contacted me I have been here all my life we could go a few other places more off the beaten path. But I am glad you made it. I have an idea you would have liked the Russian River Valley Pinots better they are more like Burgundy! Keep it up!
2 admin // Feb 28, 2008 at 7:19 am
Thx Mark!
I had been looking for your card… couldn’t put my hands on it!
Next time for sure though !
Cheers,
O.
3 Erin // Feb 28, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I love the School House Pinot Noir. So glad you are enjoying the California scene.
4 T7147 // Feb 29, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Great to hear about the success of your trip!
The Champagne Cruise on the Seine looks like a blast! I’ll definately try that out when I’m back in June.
Hope your exciting times continue!
5 Lisa // Mar 1, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Giggle on “I wish they all could be California girls”!
Your trip sounds great. I, too, wish that CA wine prices were more . . . reasonable.
6 Rob // Mar 2, 2008 at 12:24 am
NICE! Napa rocks!
7 Karol // Mar 7, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Let’s not forget your Texas sweethearts! :)
Love Domain Carneros…if you’re still in the Napa/Sonoma area be sure to stop by Sawyer Winery in Napa and Benziger in Sonoma. If you head down to Santa Barbara, stop by the Foley winery and say Hi to my friend, Chad….tell him you know KB.
8 Alejandra // Mar 9, 2008 at 1:14 am
LOL You’re hysterical! I’m sure the California girls love you too! :)
Hope you’re enjoying your trip!
9 Barbara // Mar 13, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hi Olivier! Went to one of your wine tastings in Paris a few years ago. You were amazing! California is great and thanks for the compliment about the girls from here.
a la prochaine!
10 Douglas // Mar 19, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Looking forward to your return! Douglas.
11 Dennis & Wendy // Mar 31, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Hi Olivier. Wendy and I did wine tasting in your loft on 10/15/07 and had a great time. We are very excited that you now have a blog and videos. We hope to visit you again soon in Paris and keep up the good work.
-Dennis and Wendy
12 amit // Apr 9, 2008 at 9:20 am
when is edward coming back from vacations and will i be able to see the exiting wine videos reply soon on my above submitted e mail
13 Sharon // Apr 13, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Next time a stop in Philly is needed! Food, wine and music scene here is tres grand…and so are the girls ;) Enjoy the states! x
14 Vicky Wine // Jun 7, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I find it so perfect. I love your style! and this place is so beautiful that I can’t believe I missed it.
Coming to the next wine tasting!
Leave a Comment