Did anyone read up on that latest Vinous Charity Dinner AG had in New York? Sounded like something that would only happen after the good lord let you pass thru the gates.
21 bottles of DRC Montrachet spanning back to 1978 for just 12-13 guests!!! And the food and location were otherworldly as well.
“This fabulous charity dinner, held to benefit children’s oncology at The Mount Sinai Hospital, featured a breathtaking range of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s Montrachet spanning 22 vintages back to 1978. It was a truly magical night of wine, food and conversation, all for a great cause.
I would be remiss in not acknowledging a number of people who made this evening possible. First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to our winning bidders for their extraordinary generosity in supporting La Festa del Barolo’s Charity Auction. My closest friends shared bottles from their cellars as I watched the collection of assembled vintages for this tasting grow, almost by the day. The Major Food Group, with Owners Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, donated a magnificent dinner at their iconic Grill, which remains one of the most evocative and arresting dining rooms in New York City. Lastly, Wine Directors John Slover and Brad Nugent took expert care of our bottles and made sure they were served in optimal condition. Everything was just perfect for a small group of twelve.”
Here are my (incomplete) notes from the evening. There were other champagnes, I missed a Montrachet or two, and we ended informally with some nice red burgs. But these are the notes I had in CellarTracker. A huge team effort goes into truly special tastings like this. Thanks to Antonio, his team, the contributors, and the winning bidders, a fantastic night was had by all.
1969 Dom Pérignon Champagne P3- France, Champagne
Great bottle, and drunk with the 69 Oeno. Some (including me) favored the Oeno, others the P3. That’s what makes a market. Both outstanding.
1997 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Similar to last time we had this, punched above its weight and very enjoyable. I liked it better than the consensus.
1999 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
For me this was somewhat austere, and not particularly impressive. Others liked it better.
2005 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
A perfect ex-domaine bottle. I thought it very impressive, and liked it a lot.
2009 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
I thought this very good, others thought it fantastic. It definitely came on strong over time in the glass.
1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
For some reason Prince music ran through my head as we drank this. Soft and wet.
2012 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Absolutely perfect, and along with the 88 was WOTN. Hard to believe a bottle three years ago was so closed, and this bottle was so spectacular.
2013 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Didn’t move me, but I suspect part of that was its placement between the 2012 and 2014.
2007 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Fantastic, and is in that perfect spot where I suspect it will be for quite a while. Love this vintage.
2008 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
A very good vintage, that for some reason I rated lower than my table mates. Likely its flighting with 07 and 01!
2010 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet- France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Montrachet Grand Cru
Very, very good, but a vintage for me that will be harder to enjoy young than many others.
