Vine Psychology

Night Time at La ConseillanteLa Conseillante, Pomerol
We just spent a couple of nights at La Conseillante in the heart of Merlot country (Pomerol and Saint-Emilion near Bordeaux) and I consider that after having tasted again some of its wines and witnessed during my morning walk how its baby vine-shoots tentatively grab the wires with their fragile tender-green tentacles, I will never utter derogative jokes on Merlot (I never did anyway)...
Having discovered recently that I had some far away family connection (not direct, though) with the Nicolas family who owns the estate, B. and I had the chance to be invited to stay with C., one of the heirs and her husband T. in the well-proportionned mansion. To describe its interior, simplicity and class, plus this house has a soul. It sits in the middle of the vineyard in the Pomerol Appelation, with neighboors like Cheval Blanc across the road, or Pétrus and L'Evangile. This is our second visit here, the last one was 3 years ago and we didn't see it from the inside then.
This post and the following pictures are a tribute to the 60-year-old Merlot vines of La Conseillante which were topped by these human-like tender shoots...This time of the year is when the vine sends shoots and leaves in all directions, reaching to the light with the mounting temperatures.

This One Was an Easier GrabLazy. Why climb all the way to the wire when this dead arm from last year seems to make a good anchor point. Well, it's not as strong and could fail when the vine will have its full weight of grapes, but who cares...Good JobMethodic and secure. Double wrapping of the rope on the wire on two seperated spots. Trustful, serious work. Then, climbing further up for the next wire...Good Radar LocatorIntuitive...Gone the wrong way first, but got second thoughts and geared back south, then west, and finally landed right on target...Muddled BusinessMessy and poorly thought... I wouldn't hire this one on my (imaginary) sail boat, it would make it capsize just by messing the ropes and the sails...Worried by something maybe. Needs some rest.Life Is BeautifulFalling in love on the workplace. Risky but who wouldn't take the chance ?...And everything runs so smoothly then, look at this perfect harmony. Romance and good work go together here...Complete MessLook at this one ! So hurried that it stiched a leaf in the way. Nothing between me and my wire, or else ! Stressed and potentially violent, I'd double check the grapes here...Love AND SecurityKeeping the head in heaven and the feet firmly rooted in this world. One of these vine shoots is good at securing its assets and grip on the wire while engaging in more romantic adventures.

Comments

[Susan M.]

I always enjoy your posts and (especially) your photographs ... this entry is one of the best. Lovely and amusing ...

Merci,

Susan

[MrTaz]

Bert,

Your beautiful photos capture the grace, poetry, and survival instinct of the vines.

I visited La Conseillante 30 years ago. I think I have some slides I took there somewhere in my house. If I can find them and scan them, I'll send them to you. Although I don't think they're up to your high standards.

[Bertrand]

Thank you Susan, and Mr Taz, I actually hesitated to make this post but I felt heartened by your comments...

[Alder]

Great shots !! Very cute concept.

[kimmm]

Good thing your hesitation didn't win! lovely, fanciful post. I really enjoy your blog, and read for a long time when I stop in here.

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