Superstars Bidding Farewell to the Tour

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A well-aged wine to celebrate and reflect upon superstars and their last Tour de France. It was announced earlier this year that this would be the last Tour de France for Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan, and Thibaut Pinot. These riders have changed the race over the last 15 years. To reflect on these riders I have chosen 2014 Domaines Lupier El Terroir, Navarra DO, in northern Spain. Navarra wine region is very close in proximity to Bilbao, the site of stage 1 for the 2023 Tour de France. This wine was produced in 2014 and made from grapes of 110+ year-old vines. An aged wine does not need to be expensive; it needs to have been created with the point of view that it can age in the bottle. The price for this wine was reported as $25 to $30. Time in the bottle allows the wine to integrate aromas, flavors, and textures; time to mature. That said, 95% of all wines are meant to be consumed at the time of release, this includes many wines that can age.

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​My thoughts on this wine: I enjoyed this wine for its balanced acid, tannin, and alcohol structure, as well as aromas of fresh ripe red fruits like cherry, plum, and black currants with a persistent finish. I used my Coravin wine preservation system to pour this glass of wine, so I will enjoy the rest of this bottle tomorrow.

While enjoying my wine, I am reflecting on the joy and excitement Mark Cavendish, Peter Sagan, and Thibaut Pinot have given us in their years of racing. Three of the most notable riders in the modern era of the Tour de France. Their contributions will be talked about for years to come.

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​Mark Cavendish is an explosive sprinter who has won 34 stages (currently tied with Eddy Merckx for the most stages won) and 2 Green Sprinter Jerseys. 2023 marks his 14th start in the Tour; last year he didn’t ride in the Tour. He is looking to break Merckx’s record this year. He needs one stage win to break the record. 

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​​Peter Sagan changed the Tour with his high-profile media persona and aggressive riding to win 12 stages and 7 Green Sprinter Jerseys. Peter Sagan has started every Tour de France since 2012.
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​Thibaut Pinot is a leader on the French team, Groupama. In 2015, Pinot won the stage on Alpe d’Huez; giving the French hope that he would become the first Frenchman to win the Yellow jersey since Bernard Hinault in 1985. This did not happen, but the pressure from the French has always been there. He has been a perennial French favorite from the beginning of his career.

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Cheers to these amazing racers! They have made indelible marks on the race. Each giving us excitement and stories to talk about for many years.
Santé