Bordeaux 2020 at Two Years
The sleek form of the Gulfstream G5, resplendent in its deep blue, white and gold livery, coasted to a stop at the edge of the apron. The crew swung into action, and within a minute or two the door was open and the steps were down. It was time. I drained the last few drops of the 1959 Bollinger Extra Dry from my glass and rose from the comfort of my suede aviator’s chair.
Emerging from the cockpit, the pilot gave an appreciative wink, before coming forward to thank me for my custom. It’s the little things like this – a quick, personal note of appreciation – that make all the difference. And why I chose to charter this particular private jet for my flight out to France. Before me the other members of the crew lined up, and I bid each one farewell in turn, before floating down the steps.
There, on the tarmac, stood the Mercedes-Maybach S600 limousine, ready to whisk me out to the vineyards.
I eased myself into the back seat, enjoying the welcoming caress of the cream leather of the Pullman limousine. This model had been a good choice; I had also been offered the bullet-proof and bomb-proof Pullman Guard but, despite rumours to the contrary, I don’t yet need that level of protection in Bordeaux. Vouvray, maybe, but not Bordeaux. The driver finished loading my bags and less than a minute later we were away, gliding in near-silent comfort towards the no-security, no-passport-control, no-delays VIP exit.
I flipped open the on-board drinks cabinet to see what treats lay within, but I was out of luck. Just another bottle of the 1959 Bollinger Extra Dry. What are the chances? Perhaps it was for the best; it was rather late, and I could feel my eyelids becoming heavier and heavier. I finally yielded to them, allowing them to close, sinking just that little bit further into the sumptuous Italian leather. After such a tiring flight, surely a little nap wouldn’t do any harm? After all, I did have an early appointment at Château La Mission Haut-Brion, first thing tomorrow….
