Connoisseur Week 2023 Behind the Scenes

“In all our travels, in all years of coming to Bordeaux, we have NEVER experienced it like this”

The second edition of the already-legendary Connoisseur Week took place from June 13-18 2023. It was another magical trip to Bordeaux that sold out within a few weeks of tickets going on sale, and that already has a waiting list for the next edition, due to take place from June 4-9, 2024.

“You are the catalysts of joy”

Visits included a private vineyard tour of St Julien with Damien Barton in his 1970s Land Rover 4×4, lunch at Léoville Barton’s fishing hut overlooking the Garonne River, dinner with the Rothschilds of Mouton Rothschild after a private visit of the art museum with Julien Beaumarchais de Rothschild, an art walk with Florence Cathiard, barrel tasting and lunch at Château Beauséjour with Joséphine Duffau-Lagarrosse, walking the vines of Pomerol with Christian Moueix, an evening at Château Figeac with Blandine de Brieur Manoncourt (that ended at the piano), and a wonderful private supper by the organic gardens of Château Cheval Blanc.

“An epic aventure”

The wines highlights this year tasted included Latour 1982, Margaux 1983, Lafite Rothschild 1985, Haut-Brion 2005, Mouton-Rothschild 2009, Beauséjour 1985, Pichon Baron 1955, Calon Ségur 1967, Figeac 1966 and the extremely rare Château Gilette 1962. All tasted ex château, almost all with the owners or winemakers themselves – and a couple of incredible value 2nd wines, including the superb Petit Figeac 2018. A stunning collection from what was an unforgettable week – with full tasting notes for these wines and more here (subscriber content).

“Nobody wants to leave this party!”

Next year’s Connoisseur Week will take place from June 4-9, 2024, and once again will offer incredible access and experiences in Bordeaux’s top estates, with hosts Sarah Kemp and Jane Anson. Waiting list now open (just email hello@janeanson.com) if you would like to be among the ten guests, to go on sale this September.