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When gregarious Robin Kelley O’Connor – popular wine educator and now Director of Sales and Education at Sherry Lehmann – begins a short introductory speech during a Grand Cru tasting event showcasing wines from three key Bordeaux producers, wine aficionados quiet down, set aside their glasses, and listen. Such was the case on May 6th, when a small group of collectors, sommeliers, and fine wine writers enjoyed the opportunity to taste and order the newly released wines of Chateau Corbin, Chateau d’Issan, and Chateau Lagrange.

Of course, it was a pleasure to taste the newly released vintages. Yet what made the event extra special was that the owners and winemakers were pouring behind the tables to discuss their wine. As an extra goodie, each also brought a library wine so grateful guests could see how the new vintages might develop in the coming years.

Representing Grand Cru Classe Chateau Corbin in St. Emilion was Anabelle Cruse Bardinet, its attractive blonde winemaker who was trained in enology at the University of Bordeaux. The winery had been run by three generations of women in her family before Anabelle purchased the property from her grandmother in 1999. At the next table stood Anabelle’s cousin, Emmanuel Cruse, proprietor and winemaker at Chateau D’Issan in Margaux) who by all accounts bringing new energy and focus to this long-respected third growth chateau. At the last table Bruno Eynard, General Manager and winemaker of Third Growth Chateau Lagrange in St. Julien, poured several wines, including the grand vin Chateau Lagrange 2006 and 2005, and the second label, Les Fiefs de LaGrange. Also available for tasting was the white, Les Arums de Lagrange 2007. All new vintage reds were showing well now, and had enough fruit and acidity to age well in the future.

What made the event so memorable was the energy and passion of the winemakers who traveled oversees to showcase their wines to their many fans in New York and elsewhere. Truly brilliant wines and I hope you have the opportunity to taste and buy some soon.

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