A leisurely day, no scheduled tastings. A morning trip to Ile-sur-la-Sorgue - a vast outdoor market selling food, cloth, and antiques. Picked up very fresh baguettes, olives, and tapenades - drove to nearby Gordes to eat outside in the town square. Stopped in Venasque, a tiny town isolated in the hills - perfect views of a snow covered Mont Ventoux. Afternoon coffee and a soccer game in the local Châteauneuf pub while collecting thoughts on the week's tastings. Then a half hour drive to dinner in Roaix - the bistro side of a Michelin-starred restaurant. A magnificent dinner - bistro food of the highest order: a tender lamb stew with wintry vegetables, a truly gorgeous glass of 2007 Crozes-Hermitage, fromage blanc covered in a wine reduction. Vinisud expo in Montpellier tomorrow.
