Stars reunite for 30 years of Decanter Man of the Year award

Decanter managing editor Amy Wislocki reports on a special dinner held in London last night to mark the 30th anniversary of the Decanter Man of the Year award.

It was a very special evening. The brainchild of Serge Hochar, the very first Decanter Man of the Year, in 1984 – a dinner to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the award. Ten recipients gathered at one table, the atmosphere relaxed as they were greeted by a glass of Champagne Roederer Rosé 2007 and a small table set for dinner, against a backdrop of Parliament Square, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

Gathered at The President’s Suite, 12 Great George Street on Thursday 23rd January, guests enjoyed a menu created by Steve Groves, head chef of Roux at Parliament Square. Decanter publishing director Sarah Kemp thanked Serge Hochar for his hospitality, and paid tribute to him and all subsequent recipients of the award, some of whom sent wines to be shared, even though they could not be present in person.

Present for the evening included recipients Gerard Basset MW,MS (2013), Miguel Torres (2002), Serge Hochar (1984), Marchese Piero Antinori (1986), Hugh Johnson (1995), Michael Broadbent (1993), Ernst Loosen (2005), Angelo Gaja (1998), Paul Symington (2012), Jean-Michel Cazes (2003) and May Eliane de Lencquessaing (1994).

‘Serge Hochar laid the foundation for the Decanter Man of the Year award,’ said Sarah Kemp. ‘The award is not only about wonderful winemakers, but about recognising people who make a difference – people whom we admire and who reflect what we at Decanter stand for.’

‘All the recipients have been people of integrity, people who operate in the world of fine wine but who want to share their knowledge and have a generosity of spirit. We have people here tonight from across the globe, reflecting the international world of wine, and celebrating the great wines made both in classic regions and in new regions of the wine world.’

Serge Hochar shared his memories of receiving the award, 30 years ago: ‘I never imagined it would become such an institution,’ he said, as guests enjoyed a trio of older Musar vintages.

Michael Broadbent, recently retired as Decanter’s longest standing columnist, stood to add an impromptu tribute to the marvellous occasion, and to all those present, and absent, who had kindly shared their wines. As guests departed, there was a strong sense that a very special occasion had taken place.

Menu & wines:

 – Champagne Roederer Rosé 2007.

 – Crab, scallop and prawn tart, butter sauce, with Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay 2010 and Gaja Gaia & Rey 1998.

 – Roast breast of Goosnargh duck, spiced pear, almond, chicory, with Château Lynch-Bages 2000 and Ridge, Monte Bello 1992.

 – Selection of French and English cheeses, with Chateau Musar red 1995 and 1972, and Chateau Musar white 1969.

– Graham’s Vintage Port 1966

Click to see more pictures from the 30th anniversary dinner

Decanter Man of the Year recipients:

2013 Gerard Basset MW, MS, MBA, OBE

2012 Paul Symington

2011 Giacomo Tachis

2010 Aubert de Villaine

2009 Nicolás Catena

2008 Christian Moueix

2007 Anthony Barton

2006 Marcel Guigal

2005 Ernst Loosen

2004 Brian Croser

2003 Jean-Michel Cazes

2002 Miguel Torres

2001 Jean-Claude Rouzaud

2000 Paul Draper

1999 Jancis Robinson MW OBE

1998 Angelo Gaja

1997 Len Evans OBE AO

1996 Georg Riedel

1995 Hugh Johnson OBE

1994 May-Elianede Lencquesaing

1993 Michael Broadbent

1992 André Tchelistcheff

1991José Ignacio Domecq

1990 Prof Emile Peynaud

1989 Robert Mondavi

1988 Max Schubert

1987 Alexis Lichine

1986 Marchese Piero Antinori

1985 Laura & Corinne Mentzelopoulos

1984 Serge Hochar

Written by Amy Wislocki