chateau

Given how easy it was to fool such a sophisticated collector, I’d decided to try making a fake of my own—and not just any old wine, but a fake 1982 Château Mouton Rothschild, the famed 100-point first growth Bordeaux.

Jeff brought a bottle of the 1990 Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling from Alsace and a 1989 Château Clinet, another 100-point Bordeaux.

We make a quick stop at Château de Chambord, the largest of the Loire castles, and spend the night at a quiet campground in Blois—€25, or around $29, for a shady pitch, hot showers and electricity—but not before a kayak rental and a drink at the camp bar.

Libertine, Le Coucou, and Château Royale pack in diners who want the mood of Paris with the volume of a party.

My very first meeting with Luca was actually at the Chateau Marmont, where I used to work.