We’ve done trains and planes and this morning it was time for the automobiles.  Not a taxi but self drive and more petrifying – self navigate.  We had our usual croissant at the station while waiting for Avis to open and after that we took off for Beaune.  Our first stop was the Louis Latour to see how barrels are being made.  The full process happens in a very small space and it is like putting a puzzle together – there are just not any corners to guide you.  A quick tour of the Louis Latour tank cellar saw us off to their vinification centre.  An absolute eye opener!  The underground barrel cellar looks like a scene from an old scary movie.  We tasted 5 reds and 5 whites – all 2010 vintages. Burgundy reds were tasted before whites in the following order:

• Beaune Premier Cru – this is from the southern, upper bits.  Not the most complex but good value.
• Volnay en Chevret Premier Cru.  We heard that Volnay varies according to the vineyard it was picked on and is not consistent. There was a comment that there was camphor on the nose.
• Nuits St George les Crots.  This comes from a cooler climate and had promise on the nose which did not deliver on the palate.
• Corton Clos du Roi.  This Grand Cru was elegant and had black cherry notes on the nose.  This was my favourite red Burgundy of the flight.
• Corton …which I can not remember!

It was mentioned that Pinot noir display 3 elements:  Black cherry on the nose, hints of caramel and spicy notes such as cigar box.

The Burgundy whites or Chardonnay as we know them were tasted in the following order:

• Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot.  My favourite in the white flight.
• Meursault Charmes Premier Cru.  An intense wine.
• Puligny Montrachet Les Referts.  The oiliness on the mouth is unique to Puligny.  It is mentioned that Puligny has the best of both world with its Montrachet terroir.
• Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
• Chevalier Montrachet les Demoiselles Grand Cru.  An elegant & excellent wine.

While drinking these wines the following comment was made: ” There is no point in pacing yourself if you dont expect anything better”.  An explanation of the caption for this article might help to clear confusion.  Fog is a reference to the cool climate weather; fox was a discussion on how close foxes go to people’s houses and the forklift had to be moved around for our convenience.