This time last year we were wondering — with equal parts anxiety and hope — what 2021 might bring. So, now that we’re down to the last few days of the calendar, we can finally say: “We made it!”
At the beginning of the year, of course, the pandemic continued to ravage the world inflicting heartbreaking loss. Europe was off limits, while cases and cases of our wine were stuck in French warehouses because of tariffs.
Just as we began to despair, things improved considerably. In April, we were finally able to receive and begin shipping our wine. A few months later, much of the world reopened to travel. This fall, after a two year absence, we took a group of customers to Bordeaux and then went on to visit estates in the Italian Veneto region. To be back in Europe felt like an early Christmas!
We made it back to Bordeaux! Our first tour group in two years at Vieux Château Certan: Lee & Scott Westphal, Alexandre Thienpont, owner of Vieux Château Certan, Marla & Michel, Steve & Mary Ann Veregge.
Tasting Italy’s best Amarone — Marla & Marco Dal Forno.
A Venetian treasure – the vineyards of Venissa. Michel with Matteo Bisol, whose family owns the estate.
On a personal note, we had a very successful launch for Bordeaux 2020 Futures with our kids, Victoria & James Norman, at Double P Imports. Our collaboration with them continues to be rewarding and we’ve loved hearing all the positive feedback.
In anticipating 2022, we can only speculate and again hope for the best. Whatever the new year brings, we’ll continue working hard to find the world’s best wines to share with you — our incredibly enthusiastic, wine-loving customers.
Many, many thanks, as always for your encouragement and support. Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season and a very healthy, happy 2022!
