In November 2007, the jury tasted all entries grouped by price in a blind panel. Wines were selected in the top 100 that were an excellent representation of Bordeaux within the given price range of $8 - $35 retail. The "100 Top Bordeaux" program is designed to let the world know that wines from Bordeaux are delicious and reasonably priced for every day drinking, as the wines selected for the program are priced.

Before dinner, Damien shows me around the winery with its extensive limestone caves used for making and aging wine. If you have ever been to Disneyland or Disneyworld, you might be able to imagine what it's like to be in these enormous underground caves which are a bit spooky, but also quite charming. During WWII, before Anne's family bought the property, German soldiers had occupied the Chateau. As the story goes, a savvy French individual was able to use a radio hidden in one of the wine barrels to communicate with the French resistance.

During dinner, Anne serves a salmon mouse, which we enjoy with the Chateau Lamothe de Haux 2007, lemon colored with golden highlights. The nose offers fresh citrus flavors, grapefruit, and subtle spice. The blend is 40 percent each of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, and 20 percent Muscadelle. We also try their red wine, Chateau Lamothe de Haux Bordeaux, 2006, with deer and vegetables. The wine is 60 percent Merlot, 40 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone soil - delicious.

Anne is now offering a gorgeously decorated room that visitors can rent. It is part of the main house, but quite private. Guests have a private staircase that leads to a suite of sorts. The bedroom, with its quaint oval shape, sumptuous wallpaper, and view of the vineyards, looks like something out of a romance novel. When I asked Anne who her ideal guest would be, she said a couple who might like to stay for a week or so. Breakfast is included.

If you would like to visit the chateau, learn about their wine making, find out more about the 100 Top Bordeaux, or enjoy a stay here, visit Les Caves du Château Lamothe
33550 Haux (France)
Tél : 33 (0)5 57 34 53 00
Fax : 33 (0)5 56 23 24 49
Email : info@chateau-lamothe.com