Best Wine Dinner of My Life?

WINE TALK
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I was lucky enough in my early wine ‘career’ to become involved in several local clubs, but the association with one Vancouver oenophile, Albert Givton, offered me opportunities beyond the dreams of most wine fans. I came across the menus from a two day event created by him – a dinner each day, featuring different wines on each day, I thought some might be interested in the sort of event I was lucky enough to be invited to. The events were February of 2001 (Albert passed on in 2017). These dinners afforded me experiences far beyond what I received even from the Commanderie de Bordeaux.

Feb. 2, 2001

Terrine of Quebec foie gras with sauternes gelee

1921 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1955 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

Oven roasted Fraser Valley duck breast, duck leg confit, Rosemary Pollenta, Fig jus

1966 Ch. De Pez

1966 Ch. Batailley

1966 Ch. Pontet Canet

Rack of lamb with black olive crust, Gratin Dauphinoise, Tian of Nicoise vegetables,Minted garlic jus

1966 Ch. La Lagune

1966 Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste

1966 Ch. Gruaud Larose

Stilton Cheese with biscuits

1937 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1943 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1945 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

(one wonders how the last two were harvested in the middle of a war!)

Feb. 3, 2001

Salad of chilled Lobster, mango and tomato dressing

1917 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1959 Ch.Rayne Vigneau

Pan seared Chilean sea bass, fennel pomme puree, Pinot Noir jus

Vosne Romanee ‘Suchots’ Loius Latour 1978

Vosne Romanee ‘Suchots’ Robert Arnoux 1978

Nuits St. Georges Clos de la Marechale Monopole Faiveley 1978

Angus beef stroganoff, spaetzle, mushrooms

Clos des Lambrays 1978

Charme Chambertin Dupont-Tisserandeau 1978

Charme Chambertin Dupont-Tisserandeau 1978

Cheese, Mille-feille of apples, apple sorbet

1926 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1928 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

1947 Ch. Rayne Vigneau

I came across these menus while searching through boxes for something completely different, but thought that I’d share the memories! I have my notes from the events if anyone wants a particular wine description for comparative purposes.

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I’ve got a copy of his enormous ‘Carte Blanche’ book. He certainly enjoyed good wine!

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Yes - grabbed a autographed copy when he published it. It is an essential reference for those interested in historic vintages. He flew all over the world visiting producers and tasting wines as well as setting up tastings like this. I got to taste Bordeaux back into the 19th C. and Madeiras and such well back into the 19th C.

Albert was also instrumental in arranging some memorable dinners here that I partook of in the Commanderie de Bordeaux, as he know most of the producers personally. Wanted a Margaux dinner? He’d call up Corinne Mentzelopoulos and ask when it would be convenient for her! (while she was here I told her that I was leaving for a vacation in France the next day and would it be possible for me to visit the chateau - she agreed and phoned them to take care of us!)

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