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— A celebration of the 1961 vintage — |
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| Alistair Dixon requests the pleasure of the company of fellow wine lovers at a celebration of the 1961 vintage on 2nd May in the North Library of the Athenæum, 107 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ER. 7.00pm for 7.30pm |
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Michael Oppenheimer regrets Serena Sutcliffe (in New
York - typical Sothebys) |
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Huet: Le Haut Lieu - Sec - 1964 — o O o — Foie Gras Wild mushroom Rogout Rack of Lamb — o O o — Léoville Les Cases - 1961 Jaboulet - Côte Rôtie - 1961 — o O o — Epoisses &
Beaufort Pineapple in syrup — o O o — Coffee |
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Huet: Le Haut Lieu This was a lucky find on Saturday at La Vigneronne. Since Robert had generously offered a bottle of 1961 demi-sec, finding this 1964 Le Haut Lieu on the shelf seemed too good a coincidence to pass over. |
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Huet: Le Haut Lieu This generous gift from Robert means that the d'Yquem is not our only sticky, and is the perfect excuse to start with foie gras. Courtesy of Robert Asher |
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Léoville Poyferré I thought that a vertical element to the evening would not only be interesting but also an insurance policy against the '61s turning out to be straw coloured syrup! Since the Poyferré was the bottle that began this adventure I chose that, and was subsequently delighted to find that it on the Club's wine list. The 1989 will be from the Athenæm's cellars |
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Léoville Les Cases Although they have been separate for many
decades, the proximity and remaining links between the three Léoville
estates presents an opportunity for interesting comparison. |
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Léoville Barton Having decided to make the comparison between
the three Léovilles, getting the Barton proved incredibly
difficult. I don't believe there is a single bottle for sale in the UK at the
moment, and nothing through the trade in Bordeaux.
The only bottle I could find was in Los Angeles - and it has arrived with
2 days to spare. |
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Léoville Poyferré The Poyferré was the bottle that gave me the idea of this way to celebrate 1961. Tony and David will remember the occasion on a "booze cruise" in December 1999 when we found this bottle for sale in Calais! |
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Léoville Poyferré Having decided to "go vertical" with the Poyferrés it would have been a shame to not snap up this bottle when it came up on an internet search. 55 year old claret is a bit of a lottery - but it will certainly be an experience. |
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Jaboulet - Côte Rôtie When I was first introduced to the 100% syrah grape styles in the southern Rhône I wasn't initially so keen. The discovery - under the auspices of Michael and the club's cellar - that Côte Rôtie is a different matter made me determined to include a Jaboulet or similar on the list. It should provide a contrast to the charm of the St Juliens. |
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Clos de Vougeot - Daudet Noudin The biggest lottery of everything on the list - this may turn out to be little more than a curiosity - or it could be magnificent. |
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d'Yquem Can't wait! Generously sponsored by Michael Oppenheimer |
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Grahams This generous gift from Ali will be the perfect way to finish the evening. Parker ranks the '77 Grahams very highly. Courtesy of Alison Burroughes |
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