Halong Bay & 1996/97 Bordeaux

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Our overnight cruise at Halong Bay, on board a “junk” style boat was great. This world heritage listed area is absolutely breath taking. I think the photos give a good idea of the beauty of this area.

On board the junk was our first encounter with one of Vietnam’s most commonly stocked wines - 1996 & 1997 Bordeaux (white or red - take your pick). We later found this vintage was available in from every restaurant, bar, shop and street vendor. 1996 & 1997 must have been a incredible years for production of wine in Bordeaux!

I had drunk a few beers by the time we pulled the cork on our first 1996 red Bordeaux. After downing the first glass with “cheers” all round with our fellow travellers, I refilled and noticed that this “Bordeaux” tasted a lot like 100% Grenache. On examination, the label looked a bit odd also. So, after some discussion we decided to try a bottle of the locally produced red wine. Oddly, it had a very similar taste and aroma to that of the “Bordeaux”. I am guessing that there was a lot more “1996 & 1997 Bordeaux” in Vietnam than ever left the shores of France.

For a more detailed review of this, ummm, unique wine go here ... Bordeaux Review

3/3/07 - We had a comfortable nights sleep and next morning there was a mist over the bay, making for an eerie atmosphere while we had our breakfast. The local fishermen (and women) were quietly drifting about in their small boats, slipping in and out of the mist. I reflected on the thought that not much would have changed with their lifestyle for some generations - well aside from all the tourist boats that were muddying up their bay that is!

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Photos

Halong Bay
misty morning

Halong Bay
a stop at handicapped art workshop

Bordeaux
96_97 Bordeaux - top drop!

Halong Bay
the boat

Halong Bay
our cabin