En Primeur: Memory Lane

For our Bordeaux team, En Primeur is not just business, it’s an opportunity to see friends that we’ve been visiting each year for nearly 40 years. Co-owner Clyde Beffa made his first trip to the region in 1985. Since then he has been able to create a singular Bordeaux portfolio thanks to the deep connections he’s developed. I was lucky enough to tag along on one of these trips, and the warmth and friendship that we were greeted with was remarkable.

As we wrap up the end of this year’s En Primeur week, we’ve got a look back at years past. These are photos from Clyde’s archives, with his captions below each. Enjoy!

1991. At Château Margaux. The first time I offered a guided tour. With Ralph Sands, Paul Pontallier, and Rob Colman, tour director.

1994. Dinner at Château Pavie with Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Paul Valette. Trey and Anne Pichett, Mark Levin, Sanford Rich. Trey’s first Bordeaux trip!

1994. Trey decides to get into wine business. Dinner at La Côte Saint-Jacques with Mark.

1994. At Château Cordeillan‑Bages with Jean-Michel Cazes.

1995. Tasting at Château Margaux with Madame Bizard.

1995. Clyde and Chuck with Bruno Prats of Cos d’Estournel.

1996. The gang at Château Angélus with Bill Blatch, etc.

1996 at Joanne tasting. My first meeting with Pierre Antoine Casteja of Joanne.

1996. Motley Crew at Pichon-Baron. Mark Levin, Steve Wallace, Christian Navarro, Victor Sistou, Chuck Trimble, Sanford Rich.

1999. With Anthony Barton, Trey Beffa, and Brian Zucker.

2000. With Jean and Véronique Sanders at Château Haut-Bailly.

2000. A meal at Pichon-Lalande.