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You don’t often get the chance to taste first growth Bordeaux. To have it served with Chinese food is even rarer here in the west, but that is exactly what is planned for March 12 at Mott 32 Vancouver.
Aurelien Valance, deputy general manager of Chateau Margaux, will be in Vancouver to introduce a selection of Chateau Margaux wines to be served alongside a six-course dinner prepared by Chef Lai of Mott32. It should be an unforgettable evening.
Chateau Margaux is rich in history that dates to the 1200s. It is an original Premier Cru, or First Growth, one of only four wines to achieve that status in the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. The chateau is involved in four labels today: Chateau Margaux 1er Cru; second label Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux; Margaux de Château Margaux; and a dry white wine named Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux.
The estate, occupied since at least the 12th century, includes a fortified castle known as Lamothe, or La Mothe (from motte, a small rise in the land). By the beginning of the 18th century its size was 265 hectares (650 acres) with approximately one third planted to vines, which is the current situation today.
The property has had a long run of success, but following the stupendous 1973 Bordeaux economic crisis, the Ginestet family was forced to put Château Margaux up for sale. It was bought in 1976 by French grocery and finance group Félix Potin, headed by Greek André Mentzelopoulos, for a sum near 72 million francs, or $16 million.
Thanks to Mentzelopoulos, who immediately transformed the winery and restored the much-neglected vineyard, chais and mansion by working with famed consultant, oenologist Émile Peynaud, it was a good to time to rediscover Chateau Margaux. Mentzelopoulos' unexpected death in 1980 left Château Margaux under the direction of his daughter Corinne Mentzelopoulos, who teamed up with the talented Paul Pontallier in 1983. Together the pair took Margaux to another level, which it maintains with ease today.
Margaux has never been cheap, currently averaging a release price of 800-$1000 in Canada. Château Margaux 1787 holds the record as the most expensive bottle of wine ever brokered, insured at $225,000.
On March 12, you can experience Margaux and Mott32 at a once-in-a-lifetime dinner. The evening begins at 6pm with a reception featuring 2004 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. It's followed by a six-course dinner that includes the 2004 Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux Bordeaux Blanc, the 2009 Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux and the 2004, 1999, and 1996 Château Margaux, all direct from its cellars. The experience finishes with the 2010 Chateau d'Yquem.
Tickets are $1000.00 per person (includes tax and gratuities). To reserve your seat, email wine director Robert Stelmachuk or group coordinator Melanie Peng.
For more information on the current state of Chateau Margaux, check out these two articles, including one by lengendary Vancouver taster Sid Cross:
The seismic shifts taking place at Château Margaux and Chateau Margaux: What are the best vintages?
