From Pessac-Léognan to Margaux via Tuscany – Haut-Bailly, Giscours & Caiarossa – Friday 13th February

There are a number of husband-and-wife winemaking teams around the world. But it’s rare that a couple should oversee two separate estates, both of global renown – and even rarer that those estates should be a pair of Bordeaux classified growths.

Such is the case, however, with Véronique Sanders of Château Haut-Bailly and Alexander Van Beek of Château Giscours. We’re delighted, then, to welcome them both to the Club on a Friday in February for a tasting across both properties, spanning older vintages, large formats and more.

When her grandfather sold Pessac-Léognan grand cru classé Château Haut-Bailly in 1998, Véronique Sanders was asked by the new owner to stay on and manage the estate. As President and CEO for the last quarter century or more, she oversees every stage of the wine’s life, from the vines to the cellar to the commercial activity. Her undemonstrative yet rigorous, forward-thinking approach has proven perfectly suited to a property which, whether because of its relatively small production or its quintessentially classic style, has always been something of an insider’s choice.

Alexander Van Beek arrived at Château Giscours in 1995 at the age of 24, for a single harvest. Three years later, he was entrusted with the management of the Margaux third growth. With roots stretching back to the 14th century, Giscours is one of the largest estates in the appellation, its 100 hectares of vines unusual in being almost entirely grouped in a single block, farmed organically within a 400-hectare agricultural landscape.

Both Véronique and Alexander are prominent players across the wider region, serving on the boards of industry bodies including the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux and the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, Graves, Barsac et Sauternes. As such they are well placed to offer a broad perspective on the state of play in Bordeaux as a whole.

As an added bonus, Alexander will also present three wines from Giscours’ sister property in Tuscany, Caiarossa. Founded in 1998 and farmed biodynamically, the estate is planted to the native Sangiovese, plus Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and – unusually – Syrah, which leads the blend in its acclaimed flagship wine.

The wines we will be tasting:
2018 Château Haut-Hailly, Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
2016 Château Haut-Hailly, Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
2015 Château Haut-Hailly, Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
2022 Château Giscours, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux
2010 Château Giscours, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux
1985 Château Giscours, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux (served in double magnum)
2020 Caiarossa, IGT Toscana
2015 Caiarossa, IGT Toscana
2010 Caiarossa, IGT Toscana

Friday 13th February
St. James’s Room
18:30 –  Welcome reception
19:00 – Masterclass starts
20:30 – Masterclass ends

Please note, tickets are refundable for cancellations up to 5  business days before the event. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Any cancellations within 5 business 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].