Sunday dawned cold and … well not so bright. But it also marked the portes-ouvertes in Pessac-Leognan. I’d been invited to visit with my usual crew on Saturday morning, but practicality (and truthfully a massive headache) kept me at home. Particularly as I had an invitation to head out on Sunday.

So Sunday morning five of us piled in a car meant for four and we were off. Chateaus Pape Clement, Brown, Haut Bailly, Merlet, Latour Martillac and a lunch pit stop at Smith Haut Lafitte. It was a busy, if tasty day.

Our first stop was the Chateau Pape Clement, Grand Cru Classé owned by wine magnate Bernard Magrez. The estate itself is lovely and unlike most Bordeaux estates is open to the public for tours, workshops, private events and overnight stays. However, despite this impressive resume for tourists, I will confess to being disappointed. Continue reading →