Trial and Terroir dinner
Thursday 23 November 2017
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One of the first things one learns when getting comfortable with Bordeaux is the distinction between the Cabernet dominated wines of the Medoc and the Merlot dominated wines of the Libournais. Within this right/left bank split there are distinctions between appellations that run deep, and we thought it would be really instructive to try a controlled experiment.So, we have organised a dinner where we will be tasting wines from different sub-regions of Bordeaux all from the same vintage – 2011 – to really get to the bottom of what makes these neighbours distinctive and unique, what they have in common, and what divides them.
Over the course of the dinner we’ll sample eight wines of super-second quality from four distinct areas within Bordeaux – Pomerol, Pessac-Leognan, Pauillac and Saint Estephe – exploring how each relates to its growing environment, and what unique characteristics are imparted to the wines by their geography. 2011 has surprised with its recent evolution, and has grown into a very attractive classic vintage that expresses Bordeaux terroir distinctions transparently.
Haut Bailly 2011
Mission Haut-Brion 2011
Vieux Certan 2011
Evangile 2011
Pichon Baron 2011
Pontet Canet 2011
Calon Segur 2011
Montrose 2011
TERROIRIST!
The dinner will be led by Lionel Dougnac, buying director for De Luze & Fils, one of Bordeaux’s most influential negociants. Lionel has been in the Bordeaux trade for over 20 years, specialising in buying classified growths. He has also worked for the top barrel-maker in France. Consequently, he has a deep understanding of how cru classé wines develop over time and their nuances of terroir, making him the perfect guide for this expedition into the vineyards of Bordeaux.
We’ll be complementing the wines with a specially designed menu from Frederick Foster at the Don, whose polished Modern European dishes will be a perfect match for the elegant wines on show.