Taste some of the finest Rioja of the last 50 years, with Roberto Duran – Friday 18th October
Many Members will have fond memories of our former Assistant Head Sommelier Roberto Duran, who left London in 2021 to head up the new team in our Singapore Club. We are delighted, then, to welcome Roberto back to the St. James’s Room for one night only, where he will lead a masterclass on one of his favourite subjects.
Spain’s oldest DOCa (it will celebrate the centenary of this highest quality classification next year), Rioja needs little introduction. What is perhaps less appreciated is its diversity, something that was for years stereotyped as ‘traditional v modern’. The reality is far more nuanced, spanning complex, age-worthy classics to single-estate wines and new-wave stunners. Join Roberto, then, as he explores the region’s past, present and future via six landmark wines from the last half-century.
The line-up spans two vintages of the renowned Imperial bottling from ultra-traditional bastion CVNE; the Pagos Viejos bottling of the more counterculture Artadi, whose decision to leave the DOCa in 2015 led to today’s increased focus on individual site; and two prime examples of such an approach, in the premium bottlings of the hugely individual López de Heredia and the aristocratic Marqués de Murrieta.
As well as wines dating back to the 1970s and 80s, we will enjoy three of the truly great vintages of the last 30 years – 1994, 2001 and 2011.
As Rioja authority Tim Atkin MW says, ‘Rioja’s famous diversity is what makes the place so fascinating – and it is at its most apparent in its finest wines’. Join Roberto to discover the very finest for yourself in what promises to be a memorable evening.
The wines we will be tasting:
1995 Pagos Viejos, Artadi
1988 Gran Reserva, Imperial, CVNE
1976 Gran Reserva, Imperial, CVNE
1994 Gran Reserva, Remírez de Ganuza (from magnum)
2011 Gran Reserva Especial, Castillo Ygay, Marqués de Murrieta
2001 Reserva, Viña Tondonia, López de Heredia
Please note that we now offer a tasting board of charcuterie, cheese, olives and smoked crispy chickpeas to accompany your tasting. Simply select your preferred option from the dropdown menu when you book your tickets.
Friday 18th October
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 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.