A first growth for our first birthday…
The 7th December 2016 will mark our first anniversary. Thus it is fitting that we celebrate the occasion with one of the shining stars of the first growth firmament.
Known since the 12th century, it was called “La Mothe de Margaux” (the Margaux mound) and, at that time it didn’t have any vines. In 1152, when Aquitaine fell to the advance of the English a new market for Bordeaux “claret” developed in England, as Richard the Lion Heart adopted it as his table wine. By the end of the 17th century, Château Margaux occupied 265 hectares; a third of which were dedicated to vines, which is still the case today.
In 1977 André Mentzelopoulos bought the property and began the formidable task of bringing Margaux back to first place. At this time, Bordeaux wines were just emerging from a serious economic and qualitative crisis and it took a great deal of vision, for no immediate return, to invest in the replanting, drainage and winery infrastructure that was required. In this way, he orchestrated the reconstruction of the architectural and vinicultural heritage of Château Margaux with the objective of enabling the terroir to once again demonstrate its fabulous qualities.
Upon her father’s death in 1980, his daughter Corinne Mentzelopoulos took over the helm of the estate and the challenge of managing the explosion in worldwide demand for Bordeaux wines created by the 1982 vintage. Under her astute ownership and the direction of Paul Pontallier, she built upon and extended the improvements initiated by her father. This programme of constant improvement continues to this day, (though sadly without the guidance of Paul Pontallier, who died in March this year) as the Château seeks to maintain its position at the very pinnacle of vinous achievement.
We are delighted to welcome Alexandra Petit-Mentzelopoulos, Corinne’s daughter, and the latest generation to join the Château Margaux team, as well as Aurélian Valance, the Château’s Deputy Managing Director, to 67 Pall Mall to guide us through a Masterclass dinner of some of the Château’s finest vintages of the past 35 years.
Ronan, Marcus and the Château have collaborated to construct a fabulous menu to complement these iconic wines, that have been specially released from the Château’s cellars for this occasion.
We will enjoy:
Starter:
2011 Pavillon Blanc Margaux (en Magnum)
Salmon with Crab, Mango, Chilli and Coriander with Avocado Mousse
Intermediate Course:
1990 & 1996 Château Margaux
Truffled porcini and prosciutto lasagne
Main Course:
1983 & 1985 Château Margaux (en Magnum)
Fillet of Kingairloch red deer Wellington with Macsween’s haggis, bashed neeps and red wine jus
Cheese:
1996 Pavillon Rouge Margaux (en Jeroboam)
Comte Plenitude, Mossfield Organic, Mimolette Reserve