For the first time in more than 20 years all five Bordeaux first growths are coming together for a masterclass in London.
The five renowned chateaux – Lafite-Rothschild, Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild and Haut-Brion – will be presented at a masterclass at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter at the Landmark Hotel in November this year.
Presenting the masterclass will be the directors of the chateaux themselves: Charles Chevallier of Lafite, Paul Pontallier of Margaux, Frederic Engerer of Latour, Herve Berland of Mouton and Jean-Philippe Delmas of Haut-Brion.
The masterclass will consist of a tasting of two wines from each property.
While the estates have all presented their wines in London many times before, this is the first time that all five have come together to share a podium.
Decanter publishing director Sarah Kemp said, ‘We are thrilled to be able to give wine lovers the opportunity to hear from the men responsible for these legendary wines. It is very exciting for us to be able to host this historic tasting in London, home to so many Bordeaux lovers.’
Other historic masterclasses at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter are Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion and Opus One – Star of California.
Jean-Philippe Delmas will present 10 vintages – including the 2000 and 2005 – of La Mission, sister property to Haut Brion and often considered Bordeaux’s sixth first growth.
Eight vintages of Opus, the great Napa winery founded by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, will be presented by winemaker Michael Silacci.
The final two masterclasses are no less compelling: Brunello di Montalcino and rare Ports.
Paul and Johnny Symington will show 11 rare vintage ports from the Symington cellars, including such scarcities as Dow’s 1966 and Warre’s 1960 – and the ultra-rare Graham’s 1955.
And Ian d’Agata will present a dozen different terroirs of one of the world’s greatest wines, Brunello di Montalcino.
The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2010 takes place on 13 and 14 November at the Landmark Hotel, London N1.
Tickets to masterclasses go on sale 4 August
Written by decanter.com staff
