A Week in Bordeaux

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
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I’ve got a few minutes on a Friday night so a quick post with my thoughts on a week long solo trip to Bordeaux that I just took.

First off, as a solo traveler, staying at least near the heart of Bordeaux City Center was the way to go. Easy to walk around to restaurants and bars but most importantly, plenty of people and tourists that speak English to chat it up with.

I did rent a car which I used every day to get out to the country. This means lots and lots of spitting wine! It does take some of the fun out of the lunches but the alternative would have been a driver every day which gets expensive. I indulged at night.

The best meals I had during the week were at Tentazioni (*Michelin), Gina (top of the Renaissance Hotel across from the wine museum) and Le Saint Julien. There were plenty others but these really stood out. Aux 4 Coins Du Vin is the reference point for wine bars in the city and the wine list was fantastic!

And now for the wine. List of visits is below but the highlight, Chateau Margaux. The hospitality is top notch and well, drinking Margaux at Margaux is just special! No spitting here! Ha! Figeac was the best small group tasting I was a part of. Domaine Les Sados was a hidden gem that was recommended to me by several people in Pauillac but is unavailable in the US. (6,000 bottle production, shares plots with Pichon Baron).

This was my first trip to Bordeaux and I’m happy to make any suggestions where I can.

Chateau Les Carmes
Chateau Pape Clement
Smith Haut Laffite
Chateau D’Yquem
Chateau Guirard
Domaine de Chevelier
Chateau Margaux
Chateau Kirwin
Chateau D’Issan
Cos D’Estournal
Domaine Les Sados
Chateau Lynch-Bages
Chateau Pichon-Baron
Duhart-Millon
Chateau Leoville Poyferre
Chateau Pavie
Chateau Clinet
Chateau Figeac

5 Likes
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Which vintages were most frequently presented (for reds)?

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It was a little all over the place. 2016, 2018, and 2019 were probably the most common. For second wines, 2019 and 2020.

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Nice! I would have guessed at least one or two weak vintages to make frequent appearances

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Thanx for your post. I am going with a group of friends in October for three days.
I was thinking of visiting two to three wineries per day.
Day one: Medoc
Day two: right bank
Day three : Graves.

I already booked Mouton Roschild for day one. ( the only first growth that I was able to book)
I am going to book D’yquem. on day 3
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
How did you book? Thru email to you called them?

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I did everything by email with a little help from some importers for some of the big names. Domaine Les Sados was a last minute stop in and the one place I’d recommend seeking out. It’s not far from Mouton so leave an hour in your schedule for it.

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Thank you. Don’t know any importers:).
Will seek out Les Sandos