Ventoux and Unctuous wines

For Carole and Claude’s last day with us, we opted for a nice breakfast of eggs etc. and a trip up the mountain to the peak of Mt. Ventoux. Earlier, we weren’t sure it was going to be clear enough, but the trip did not disappoint.

There were very few cyclists at the top today, which made those who reached the summit even more important. The trip down for us was a little anticlimactic, but eventually we found ourselves in Chateauneuf du Papes for yet another lunch at Verger les Papes. Last time here, we commented that the food had improved and today was no exception. Main course was duck with a dessert of fig tarte and lavender ice cream.

From there, we topped up the car’s fuel in Orange and headed back to Cairanne. Once there we visited, for the first time this year the Cave Belvedere. We found another nice white from Berthet Rayne. Carianne whites are to be described as unctuous - my word for the day - thanks Lynda Gardner.

Over the day we had become aware that Jim & Lynda Gardner were indeed here, in Cairanne. We also quickly discovered that they had been called back to Oregon for a legislative sitting that would cut their visit in Cairanne short by three weeks. So, we set out to connect for aperatifs, defined as multiple bottles of bubbly and wine. It was great to see them again and after several hours on the Pigeon terrace, we left them to finish their packing for a departure tomorrow.

The sun had long since set, but lingering colours lit the skies.

The final evening for Carole and Claude consisted of cards, wine and a finale of popcorn. Perfect -I thought!