Château Belle-Vue, Lebanon

Posted By Ronan on August 4, 2011 in Blog, Tastings, Wine trips |

I recently went to Lebanon and visited Château Belle-Vue in the mountain village of Bhamdoun above Beirut. I had been hearing some good things about their wines for some time but was not expecting the incredible story behind their creation.

It was named after the Hotel Belle-Vue, built in 1860 and subsequently destroyed during the civil war in 1983 when the village was literally massacred during the fighting. The town had never truly recovered until the arrival of Naji and Jill Boutros in 1999. Naji was a successful investment banker working for the likes of Merrill Lynch and Colony Capital – Bhamdoun was the town where he was born and after a moment of epiphany decided to move back and begin the renaissance of his hometown.

Château Latour dinner (2004 – 1945)

Posted By Ronan on July 16, 2010 in Blog, Tastings |

The Invite

We held a very exclusive £2,000 a ticket dinner featuring the wines of Latour with the gerant (manager) Frederic Engerer at the Greenhouse restaurant. Frederic is an amazing hands-on manager, who is involved in every stage of the wines journey from the vines, winemaking and the final sales and marketing. His contribution to the quality of Latour and his attention to the details have resulted in a wine that can proclaim to be one of the best in the world.

Ronan's Testimonials...

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Ronan is a very valuable member of the Master Sommelier Organisation. His knowledge and passion for wine is frequently passed on to candidates at all levels of our education programmes. He is an accomplished lecturer, and has a way of putting his subject matter over to candidates in a manner which promotes the learning process. Candidates respond positively to his approach and up to date knowledge of the subject. Ronan's skills also extend to his practical work in the restaurant where he demonstrates benchmark standards. His ability to taste and analyse wine has been proved with his success in gaining the Master Sommelier Award.

Bryan Dawes, Education chair, Court of Master Sommeliers

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