After the commotion of our first mountain stage on Monday followed by a rest day on Tuesday, the peloton will face a relatively flat course in Stage 11. But you never can tell how the legs will feel after a rest day: some riders bounce back with gusto; others seem to need another day off the bike.

What Happened in Stage 10

Irishman Ben Healy of Team EF Education First claimed the yellow jersey, a just reward for being in the breakaway most of the day. He almost won the stage! That prize, however, was claimed by Simon Yates, who sat quietly at the back of the breakout group, taking no turns at the front. It was almost as if he pretended not to be there, all stealth-like, until his rivals tired. And then, off he went, blazing a trail to the finish line. I doubt his rivals will allow him to use that tactic again!

Behind Healy in the GC standings are Pogacar, Evenepoel, Vingegaard, Jorgenson, Vauquelin, Only, Lipovitz, Roglic, and Johannessen. I’d love to see Healy in yellow for a few more days but that’s unlikely. Team Visma will continue to try to isolate Pogacar, looking for any weakness (which, at this point may be the stamina of his remaining teammates.) Evenepoel looks better every day and has ridden a smart race thus far.

Should be an interesting week!

Tour de France By the Glass Recommendation: Château du Cèdre Cahors Malbec “Extra Libre” ($29)

90% Malbec blended with small amounts of Tannat and Merlot (all certified organic), this is a round and bold wine with a ripe black fruit profile (blackberry, plum, currant) accented by spicy notes of black pepper, grilled meat and tobacco. The wine was aged for a few years in older French barrels, without added sulphites. Structural elements are well-balanced, with tangy acidity softening the high tannins and alcohol. The finish is long, with notes of dried blueberry, licorice, and pepper. If ever a wine called out for a grilled skirt steak, this is it!

About Château du Cèdre

Now in the hands of the fourth generation, this winery’s history began with the onset of World War I when Léon Verhaeghe fled his home in Belgium, bicycling to Vire-sur-Lot in southern France where he met his wife. Her family had roots (literally!) in the soil, growing lavender and other crops. It was Léon who expanded the operation to include vineyards, which thrived in the unique microclimate: equidistant from the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrénées Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea, it is oceanic until June and Mediterranean between July and September. As harvest nears, the Lot River cools the air and the vines. Winemaking is non-interventional, using native yeasts.

In addition to this stunning Malbec, the property makes three white wines: a Viognier, a Chardonnay, and a Bordeaux Blanc-style blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle. I think they’ll be next on my list!

Enjoy Stage 11; I’ll be here tomorrow with another Tour de France By the Glass recommendation!