100 years of wine legend May de Lencquesaing, with Glenelly cellarmaster Dirk van Zyl – Thursday 25th September

At 100 years old, May de Lencquesaing is more than a wine legend – she is a force of nature. As she celebrates a century of life, legacy and reinvention, we are proud to host an evening exploring how this fearless pioneer continues to inspire, even as she enters her second century.

De Lenquesaing took the reins of Bordeaux’s Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in the 1970s, and transformed it into an estate befitting – and indeed often outperforming – its second-growth status. A woman in a male-dominated world, she commanded respect through wines of elegance and precision that echoed her strength of character.

In 2006, as she entered her 80s, she sold the property to Louis Roederer and, at an age when most would be happy to reminisce over past vintages, began plotting her next chapter. Setting off to establish a new winery in South Africa might have been considered a bold, even foolhardy move. For de Lenquesaing, it was simply the next step.

Since her purchase of Glenelly Estate, a historic fruit farm nestled on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, it has been transformed into a beacon of French winemaking tradition with a South African soul. Wines of balance, complexity and a profound sense of place are among the Cape’s finest – and have led to multiple accolades, including de Lenquesaing being garlanded with the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest distinction.

While Madame de Lenquesaing is unable to travel to London, we are thrilled to welcome her granddaughter, Cecilia Gentry, and Glenelly cellarmaster Dirk van Zyl to the Club for a very special evening. The pair will reflect on the life of a legend, while Dirk will guide us through the Glenelly wines, including the new release of the flagship Bordeaux blend Lady May, plus back vintages, and a bonus wine from one of her final vintages at Pichon Lalande.

The wines we will be tasting:
2023 Chardonnay, Glass Collection, Glenelly
2022 Chardonnay, Estate Reserve, Glenelly
2019 Chardonnay, Estate Reserve, Glenelly
2017 Red Estate Reserve, Glenelly
2011 Red Estate Reserve, Glenelly
2020 Lady May, Glenelly
2010 Lady May, Glenelly
2003 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2ème Cru Classé, Pauillac

Thursday 25th September
St James’s Room
18:30 – Welcome Drink
19:00 – Masterclass starts
20:30 – Masterclass ends

Please note, tickets are refundable for cancellations up to 5 days before the event. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Any cancellations within 5 days of the event are non-refundable unless 67 Pall Mall resells the ticket to another Member. This is only possible when the event is sold out and there is a waiting list.

Please note that once your order is placed, your ticket status will display as “processing” until after the event, when your member account is then charged. You will receive an email confirmation after ordering your tickets, stating that your order is being processed – please take this as full confirmation that your booking has been finalised. For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].