The 25th Anniversary of the Marathon du Medoc just hit the vineyards of Paulliac in the Medoc and I had the opportunity to take part in this extraordinary event. It is certainly a spectacle that any wine lover should not miss in their lifetime. We stayed in Bordeaux, which translated into a 1 hour drive each way to the race festivities. Definitely worth it; as Bordeaux is a larger city and can accommodate the some 30,000 persons who come to celebrate the Marathon du Medoc.

The Mille Pate or Pasta Dinner was a huge party that kept our belly’s and wine glasses full throughout the evening. We had the opportunity to try three fantastic wines that runneth over. Special thanks to our girl Lilly, who kept our glasses full the entire time. The piece de resistance was our third wine that brought us to our knees Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 1998; still youthful after 12 years the ripe berries are still dominant on the nose, followed by fantastic cigar box and barnyard aromas. On the palate, it’s silken texture still provided a burst of refreshing acidity and well balanced tannins that tell you this wine has even greater potential to sit for a while longer. It was paired with a Gorgonzola Gnocchi; not my favourite accompaniment, but the wine was fabulous.

From a belly dancer to women in lingerie and top hats, to the band that kept us dancing until 1 am, this pasta party was far from ordinary.

Stay tuned for more about the Marathon du Medoc.