“Established over half a century ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality.” Direct quote from the R&C website…have you ever heard of it or ever stayed in one? If so…then you know…
Well this place has not yet joined the R&C family (nor will it ever)…but let me tell you…the home, the service, the chefs, the sommelier – all world-class and certainly capable of a R&C designation! What an incredible week staying at the Brozek hacienda in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
During our visit we encountered dust storms…rain…fog…rainbows…and beautiful sunsets…all seen from their expansive patio overlooking the Organ Mountain range. I could sit and just watch these mountains all day long…oh, the lighting…always in constant change.
And how wonderful to have such special friends to share a week of conversation, laughter, beautiful surroundings and wine. Lots and lots of wine! Recall I mentioned the sommelier? Well their wine room is currently filled with about 4,000 bottles (give or take 40 or so – I wonder why?) and guess who got to partake? Let me just list the wines that were “tasted”…and if any of these make it to your shopping list, let me just tell you… you’ll be plenty pleased. No, lets make that extremely pleased!
Bubbly…
Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs
Gramona Gran Cuvee
Albert Bichot Brut Rosé Champagne
Berlucchi Cuvee Prosecco Rose
Gerard Bertrand Champagne
Segura Viudas from Spain
Gruet from New Mexico
Nicolas Clermont Champagne
Chandon
White…
Sofia Riesling
Treana Marsanne Viognier
Butter Chard
Talbot Kali Hart Chardonnay
Alsace Pierre Sparr Pino Blanc
Pieropan Soave
Red…
2009 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance
2008 Darioush Merlot
2008 Jordan Cabernet
2005 Conn Creek Anthology
2007 Ca de Rocchi Amarone
2005 Eureka Super Tuscan
2009 Wild Rock Pinot
2010 LWC Garys’ Vineyard
2000 Windsor Sonoma Dry Creek Zinfandel
2003 Mission Hill Oculus
2000 Joseph Phelps Insignia
2005 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2006 Long Shadows Wineries Saggi
2005 Legacy Alexander Valley
2008 Dry Creek Meritage
2010 Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon
Besides the White Sands National Park visit, an outing to the little historical village of Mesilla was also in order. You see in early times the Indians and the Conquistadors used it as a camping place, later as an overnight stop in the days of the stagecoach, and in the late 1800’s Billy the Kid made it his local hangout. After wandering the streets, we dropped in for margaritas at the Imperial Bar and late dinner in the Carlotta Salon…at the Double Eagle restaurant in the heart of the old town. Now the Carlotta Salon is haunted you know…ghosts they say…which of course is the room chosen for our evening dinner.
The story goes that an affluent Mexican family who lived in the home back in the 1850’s had a son who fell in love with one of their maids. Of course, the mother became distraught when she learned of this…as she had much better plans for him. Well their love continued to grow and one time the mother returned home to find them in bed together. (ruh-roh.) Enraged, she took scissors and stabbed the maid to death, as well as her son who was trying to save his lover. Thus the ghosts of the lovers continue to inhabit the Carlotta Salon to this day. Besides other interesting ghost developments documented over the years…I must admit, without any intervention on our part or anyone else, the temperature in the room fluctuated wildly throughout the meal. Ghosts? Who knows? But a fun, lovely dining experience was had by all.
Well good things must come to an end, right? So here I am…back in Arizona trying to detox (unsuccessfully) while spending time simplifying by tossing out memorabilia from my corporate and entrepreneur days, as well as other stuff that has filled up my “DASH” over the years. So stay tuned for that update!
Just keep on keeping on having fun-filled adventures frissy. And, of course…,sharing them with us..:) Beautiful captures…XXOO & MORE! Gh
Your adventure sounds quite yummy Robin, I would have loved to join you in tasting those prestigious wines.
Temperatures changes in the room?…How interesting, especially knowing the history of this place 😉
What an absolutely breathtaking landscape. All I can say is – WOW!!! What an exciting adventure!!!
Just like you, Robin, to make the absolute most of everything wherever you go…even if it means detoxing afterwards! From breath-taking views, to incredible wines to fine dining to ghosts, you somehow manage to have it all. Thanks for sharing and not keeping it all to yourself! 🙂
As always: beatirful pictures, beautiful stories. But what I loved best is that you started your recommendation list with ‘bubbles’!
Robin, thank you so much for taking us everywhere with you.
The captures are amazing.Lobe the angle,the light …just everything!The landscape is stunning!
Your pictures show the New Mexico that I love – the desert, the mountains and the ever changing light. Beautiful!
I am so thrilled to see your images of Las Cruces, makes my heart pitter patter. Just beautiful, Robin, sounds like a magical time.
Gorgeous images!
This was an incredible week with friends! Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment!