2015 Vintners Dinner Live Auction - Heart`s Delight Wine Tasting

Live Auction
A special collection of large format wines from the winemakers. Lots 1 through 12 – representing
some of the best of Bordeaux – have come straight from the Châteaux, donated by the winemakers
here tonight just for you. Representatives from the Châteaux will personalize the bottles for the
successful bidder and each lucky winner will have his or her photo taken with the vintner for a
complete once-in-a-lifetime experience!
1 - Double Magnum Château Malartic-Lagravière 2005
1 - Double Magnum Château Malartic-Lagravière blanc 2010
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estimated value: $850
The Bonnie Family is a great supporter of Heart’s Delight
and we are truly grateful. Château Malartic-Lagravière is
one of only six châteaux that are classified for both its red
and white wines. Today Bruno Laplane is with us and has
brought with him one of each – a ready-made dinner party! Robert Parker raved about
the 2005, “Perhaps the strongest wine I have ever tasted from Malartic Lagravière, the
2005 has a dense ruby/purple color and a wonderfully sweet nose of crème de cassis,
graphite, and soil undertones. Medium-bodied., smoky, with classic scorched earth,
Graves-like aromatics and flavors, this wine displays impeccable winemaking, with pure
fruit, medium body, and gorgeously long, rich flavors and moderate levels of tannin.
The wine should be relatively drinkable in 3-5 years and last for at least two decades or
more. This is possibly the finest Malartic-Lagravière ever made. Anticipated maturity:
2011-2025” - 92 points The 2010 blanc received 93 points from Robert Parker, “This
full-bodied blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon hit 14.5% natural alcohol.
It is deep and rich, with loads of caramelized grapefruit, tropical fruit, subtle oak, wet
stones and plenty of melons. Drink now-2035”
1 - Double Magnum Château Coutet 2009
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estimated value: $350
It is always a treat for the Baly family to join us in Washington
for Heart’s Delight and we appreciate their many years of
support. The Wine Advocate awarded the 2009 with 95
points, “The Coutet 2009 is a sensational effort from Philippe
Baly and his team. It has a fragrant nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and
apple-blossom, well defined if needing a little more vigour at the moment. The palate
is vibrant on the entry, informed by touches of apricot and orange peel, very focused
and tensile towards the long, sensuous, viscous finish. It has the same minerality exuded
by Doisy-Daene and reminds me of a stellar ’62 tasted just a few weeks previously. A
magnificent Coutet.”
1 - Imperial Château Lafon-Rochet 2008
3
estimated value: $550
Lucas Leclerq, the winemaker for Lafon-Rochet, is joining
us for his first Heart’s Delight and has brought with him a
beautiful imperial (equivalent of 8 regular bottles). Jancis
Robinson gives the 2008 17 points, “Black-red, wellconcentrated black fruits nose, lots of structure on the palate but also finely crafted fruit,
combines elegance and great depth of fruit.” Robert Parker calls it, “A strong effort for
this vintage, the 2008 exhibits a dark plum/purple color, plenty of firm, rugged, austere
tannins, copious red and black fruits, admirable flavor intensity and medium body.
Cellar it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 15.” This is ready to be enjoyed!
1 - Imperial Château Guiraud 2012
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estimated value: $600
This very large and very impressive bottle is the equivalent of
8 regular bottles. It is brought to us by David Ornon who was
with us last year but this is his first year representing Château
Guiraud. He is a great addition to the wonderful Planty
family at Guiraud. The 2012 is extremely rare as there were only 500 cases produced.
It shares the Château Guiraud signature thanks to its freshness, peppermint sensation
and the incredible aromatic length on quince and fresh figs notes. Owner, Xavier Planty
writes that, “this is my 30th vintage at Château Guiraud and I will remember it as one
of the most demanding in terms of attention and care. A winegrower vintage for sure!”
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1 - Double Magnum Château Troplong Mondot 2012
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estimated value: $400
Welcome back to Myriam Ruer for her second Heart’s
Delight. She brings the 2012 which our guests will get
to enjoy at tomorrow’s Master Class. According to Robert
Parker, it is “One of the superstars of the vintage… It boasts
an inky/purple color as well as abundant notes of blueberry liqueur, graphite, truffles,
acacia flowers and subtle toast. Full-bodied, opulent and already easy to drink, this
large-scaled wine possesses high levels of tannin, but they are relatively well-concealed
by the extravagant fruit, glycerin, texture and density of this compelling Troplong
Mondot. This impressive wine may shut down after bottling and require 4-5 years of
cellaring. It has the potential to last at least 15-20 years. Bravo!” (94-96 points)
1 - Jeroboam Château Clerc Milon 2000
estimated value: $850
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It is Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy’s second Heart’s Delight and
we are so pleased that he is joining us again along with a 5
liter bottle of the 2000 Clerc Milon. It received 92 points
from Robert Parker who declared it to be, “A beautiful wine
and one of my favorites from this estate, this blend of nearly two-thirds Cabernet
Sauvignon and one-third Merlot is aging impressively. Dense ruby/purple in color, with
creme de cassis, charcoal, and sweet leathery and chocolatey notes intermixed with the
classic Pauillac cedar and spice box, the wine is medium to full-bodied, fleshy, with
sweet tannin and a long finish.”
1 - Double Magnum Château Phélan Ségur 2000
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estimated value: $350
We welcome Véronique Dausse for her first Heart’s Delight.
2015 marks the 30th anniversary for the Gardinier family
that they have owned Château Phélan-Ségur. The vineyard
was purchased from the Delon family in 1995. The 2000
vintage has, “Excellent, deep colour, fine and vibrant, lovely Cabernet fruit, a really fine
and elegant Saint-Estèphe, and has perhaps more length than power, finely grained,
very ripe tannins, and very good balance, true elegance. Ready 2006-2018.” (tasted
en primeur) – Decanter This bottle is ready to enjoy now and all of the hard work of
waiting has been done for you!
1 - Double Magnum Château Pontet-Canet 2000
estimated value: $700
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Alfred Tesseron has been a longtime friend of Heart’s
Delight and we are thrilled he is back for another year. He
brings with him a 3 liter from the 2000 vintage which Robert
Parker described as a “spectacular effort…bravo” He awarded
the 2000 94+ points [which is] “Upgraded in score over my original rating . . . Alfred
Tesseron has done a remarkable job since 1994 with Pontet-Canet, which has been
hitting first-growth levels since 2003. But the 2000 also shows exceptionally well. In
need of another decade of cellaring, this dense purple wine has a classic nose of incense,
charcoal, creme de cassis, and subtle new oak. Full-bodied, powerful, still very tannic,
and shockingly backward, this is a big, rich wine that has put on weight and seems to
need more time than I originally predicted. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035+.”
1 - Double Magnum Château Haut-Bailly 2009
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estimated value: $1,200
We think Daina Paulin will be very popular tonight as
she has brought the 100 point 2009 Haut-Bailly in large
format. Robert Parker announced the perfect score this past
November and wrote, “The 2009 Haut-Bailly has an opaque
ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of lead pencil shavings, crème de cassis, blackberry
and plum, followed by an intense, super-concentrated mouthfeel that is expansive and
savory, with beautifully integrated tannins and low acidity, as most wines in this vintage
possess. There is still plenty of freshness and liveliness from this great terroir. The finish
goes on for close to a minute and the wine, while still a young pre-adolescent in terms
of its evolution, is absolutely spectacularly complex and enjoyable already.”
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1 - Jeroboam Château Lynch-Bages 2010
2 - Double Magnums Château Les Ormes de Pez 2009
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estimated value: $1,500
The Cazes Family has been a long-time
supporter of Heart’s Delight but this is
Kinou Cazes-Hachemian’s first Heart’s
Delight! She brings with her the 2010
Lynch-Bages which is “an absolutely
brilliant wine” according to Robert Parker
who gave it 96 points. “It is a massive Lynch-Bages, full-bodied and very 1989-ish, with
notable power, loads of tannin, and extraordinary concentration and precision.”
The 2009 Ormes de Pez received 92 points from the Wine Spectator and 92 points
from Wine Enthusiast, “A delicious wine, so fruity. It does have the proper tannins but
it is a wine that is already approachable with its sweet fruits-a pleasure to taste.”
1 - Imperial Château Cos d’Estournel 2000
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estimated value: $2,500
Aymeric de Gironde became general manager of Château Cos
d’Estournel in 2013 and we are so thrilled that he is able to
join us for his first Heart’s Delight. Aymeric is making a splash
with this 6 liter (equivalent of 8 bottles) Cos d’Estournel from
2000. It was #2 on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2003 garnering 96 points,
“Absolutely gorgeous on the nose, with currants, blackberries and freshly cut flowers.
Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a solid core of fruit. This goes on and on on
the palate. The essence of class and refinement. Relatively good value, considering the
superb quality. No better Cos since 1989. Best after 2010.”
1 - Jeroboam Château Cheval Blanc 2005
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estimated value: $6,000
This is the first time we have served Château Cheval Blanc
at Heart’s Delight and we’re so glad Pierre Lurton could be
here for the occasion. He brings with him a rare jeroboam
of Cheval Blanc 2005 which Robert Parker gives 96 points,
“The dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 Cheval Blanc’s ethereal bouquet of menthol, coffee,
wet stones, black cherries, blackberries, and hints of graphite and spice soars from the
glass. An equal part blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is medium to full-bodied
with a gorgeous texture in addition to high tannins that glide over the palate with
no angularity or astringency. . . This is not a Cheval Blanc for near-term drinking as
it demands at least a decade’s worth of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035.”
Almost there!
1 - bottle Château d’Yquem 1975
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estimated value: $900
99 points from Robert Parker, “The 1975 may turn out to be the greatest of the modernday Yquems. . . . it may rival the extraordinary 1937 and 1921. This wine continues to
evolve at a stubbornly slow pace. It is far more backward than recent vintages such as
1983 and 1986. Nevertheless, it is awesomely concentrated, has perfect balance, and
displays the telltale Yquem aromas of vanillin oak, tropical fruit, pineapples, honeyed
peaches, and grilled almonds. There is exceptionally crisp acidity that pulls all of the
massive extract into precise focus. This is a wine of astonishing power and finesse, with
a finish that must be tasted to be believed. It is a monumental effort that may well
justify a perfect score in another decade. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2060.”
Donated by Riea and Steve Lainoff
3 - bottles Château Latour 2003
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estimated value: $3,000
100 points from Robert Parker!
“Frederic Engerer says the 2003 is “the sexiest Latour ever made.” He also described
it as “the 1990 without any brettanomyces.” I loved this wine from the barrel and was
fortunate enough to be able to purchase a small quantity, enjoying every bottle I have
had. A profound example of Château Latour, the full-bodied, opulent 2003 is already
performing well at age eleven, which is somewhat atypical. The pH is a relatively high
3.8, which also indicates low acidity. The wine is very ripe, but not over-ripe, offers great
freshness, and lots of creme de cassis and camphor as well as hints of blackberries and
chocolate. Dense, thick and unctuously textured, this staggering Latour is undeniably
the most sumptuous, opulent wine made here since the 1982 or 1961. Drink it over the
next two decades.”
Donated by Gordon and Helen Smith
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Raise Your Glass for a Trip to Paris and Bordeaux!
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estimated value: $9,500
Two Business Class tickets on American Airlines
Two Night Stay at Hôtel Le Bristol Paris, including American breakfast
Dinner for Two at Le Taillevent in Paris (2 Michelin stars)
Château Lynch-Bages VIP Tour, Tasting & Lunch with Member of the Cazes family
Château La Fleur-Pétrus tour, lunch & magnum of 2009
VIP visits, tastings and lunches at some of the leading châteaux in Bordeaux
We have a feeling you will raise your glass a lot on this trip! Fly in comfort and class to
Paris with two Business Class tickets on American Airlines, official airline of Heart’s
Delight.
Upon arrival, a two-night stay in a Deluxe Double Room at the romantic Hôtel Le
Bristol with full American breakfast awaits you. This five star luxury hotel is located
on the prestigious rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré at the heart of Paris’ fashion and arts
district, where it has been welcoming its esteemed guests since 1925. Classically elegant
and luxurious, Le Bristol is the epitome of personalized service and timeless refinement.
Courtesy of our new friends at Château Phélan Ségur, the Garnier family has generously
donated dinner for two at their Two Michelin Starred Restaurant, Le Taillevent in
Paris. “Wainscoting and works of art adorn this former private residence dating from
the 19th century. It was once home to the Duke of Morny, and is now a guardian of
French haute cuisine. Exquisite cuisine and magnificent wine list.” – Michelin Guide
The lucky winners will each enjoy a glass of champagne, two small appetizers, one
main course, cheese tray, two small desserts, three glasses of wine, one coffee or tea,
Mignardises and one Cognac Taillevent.
Following your time in Paris it’s off to Bordeaux! Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to taste at some of the world’s most famous châteaux, including Château
Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Haut-Brion and many of our friends
here tonight. As a supporter of Heart’s Delight, you will receive a warm welcome in
Bordeaux and throughout your visit you will be treated to lunches and VIP tours. Tour
the chateaux, imbibe the world-class wines, indulge in the regional cuisine, and then see
what else Bordeaux has to offer.
Château Lynch-Bages has offered a private tour and VIP tasting as well as lunch with
Jean-Michel Cazes, his son, Jean-Charles Cazes, or a Cazes family member depending
on the agreed upon date. Lynch-Bages has been a longtime friend of Heart’s Delight
and Kinou is here with us this year.
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The high bidder will also get a tour followed by lunch at Château La Fleur-Pétrus in Pomerol
which is a new offering in our Heart’s Delight Bordeaux trips. The winner will then leave with a
magnum of Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2009. Château La Fleur Pétrus takes its name from its closest
neighbors, it is situated less than a stone’s throw from Petrus. You can also walk to Chateau Lafleur.
Not bad company to keep if you’re a château located on the famous Pomerol plateau. La Fleur
Petrus was the property of numerous owners, including the Arnaud family, who also owned Petrus.
It is now owned by Jean Pierre Moueix.
Restrictions:
American Airlines: Transportation includes two Business Class tickets on American Airlines, the
official airline of Heart’s Delight. Based on availability. Book travel arrangements as soon as possible
to take advantage of maximum availability. Please provide three months’ notice in order to properly
plan your trip. Travel is valid through April 25, 2016. Extensions will not be permitted.
Hotel Le Bristol Paris: Expires April 30, 2016. Based on availability. Not valid May 24 - 31, 2015,
June 2015, July 2015, September 2015, October 2015, December 27 - 31, 2015, January 1 - 4, 2016,
January 20 - 29, 2016, March 1 - 9, 2016
Le Taillevent: Expires April 2016. Not valid on weekends and blackout dates: restaurant is closed
July 25 - August 14, 2015, May 1, May 25, July 15, lunch on November 11, December 25, and
January 1, 2016.
Chateau visits and tours are based on availability.
Donated by American Airlines, Hotel Le Bristol Paris, Château Lynch-Bages,
Château La Fleur-Pétrus and Friends of Heart’s Delight
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2 - bottles Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1982
estimated value: $2,500
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100 points from Robert Parker!
“A monumental wine, this historic La Mission-Haut-Brion was the last vintage made
by the descendants of the Woltner family, who had owned this estate for decades prior
to selling it to their neighbors, the Dillon family (the American owners of cross-street
rival, Chateau Haut-Brion). The 1982 admirably demonstrates the magnificence of La
Mission as well as the singularity of this amazing terroir. I had the good fortune of
tasting it from barrel (where it was an enormous Graves fruit bomb) and watching it
develop more nuances in bottle. At age 30, it remains a majestic, multidimensional,
profound Bordeaux with another 20-30+ years of life ahead of it. It’s no secret that the
great vintages of Bordeaux have levels of fruit extract and depth that go beyond other
years. . . . As it does so, the extraordinary aromatic expression of the terroir asserts itself.
Remarkably, the 1982 is still in late adolescence and has not yet reached its peak. Early
in my career, much of my reputation was established on calling this vintage correctly,
but I never in my wildest dreams thought the 1982s would mature as slowly and last as
long as some seem capable of doing. One of the handful of perfect wines of the vintage,
the La Mission still possesses a remarkably dense ruby/purple color with only a slight
garnet and lightening at the edge. The fruit-dominated aromatics reveal lots of cassis,
blueberry, scorched earth, black truffle, incense, graphite and high-class, unsmoked
cigar tobacco-like notes. Still exhibiting remarkable concentration, enormous body, silky
sweet tannin, and no perceptible acidity, the 1982 remains fresh, delineated and supercompelling. Anticipated maturity: now-2060+.”
Donated by: Riea and Steve Lainoff
Lunch with Robert Parker!
estimated value: priceless
(minimum bid: $25,000)
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Need we say more? Robert Parker has been very generous with his support of Heart’s
Delight over the years and we are truly lucky to be the happy recipient of his kindness
again this year. He is offering 24 bottles of great wine from his cellar and a private lunch
for 11 guests. This is a unique opportunity for you and 10 friends to spend time with the
“million dollar nose” who has revolutionized the industry – plus you get to drink his wine!
Restrictions: Lunch will be in the Washington, DC area on a mutually
agreeable date.
Donated by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
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Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky
Straight Bourbon
estimated value: $300
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A bit of a departure from lunch with Robert Parker but this is
the #1 rated Bourbon Whiskey in the world and impossible
to find. So this might be the only way to get your hands on
a bottle. It is rated 99 by the Beverage Tasting Institute
and the World Spirits Championship. This bourbon is aged 20 years and bottled at 90.4
proof. This whiskey is wonderfully smooth and rich. No other bourbon today can stand
20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. Pappy Van Winkle himself was a
true character. This bourbon, like Pappy, is full of character which makes it a very special
whiskey. The search for Van Winkle has inspired a song, a blog, an app and a delirious
secondary market. (Currently the lowest online price is $950).
Donated by: Total Wine & More
Maureen’s Burgundy Pals’ 2005 Lot
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estimated value: $2,350
In honor of Maureen’s dear friend Alan Rosenblum who had a fatal heart attack last May.
1- bottle Gerard Raphet Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2005
1- bottle Domaine Michel Lafarge Pommard Premier Cru Les Pèzerolles 2005
1- bottle Bouchard Pere & Fils Beaune Greves Premier Cru “Vignes de L’Enfant Jesus” 2005
1- bottle Nicolas Potel Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2005
1- bottle Domaine des Comtes Lafon Volnay Champans 2005
1- bottle Maison Louis Jadot Corton-Grèves Grand Cru 2005
1- bottle Domaine Perrot-Minot Morey-Saint-Denis La Rue de Vergy 2005
1- bottle Domaine Bertagna Corton Les Grandes Lolieres Grand Cru 2005
1- bottle Domaine Louis Jadot Beaune Premier Cru “Boucherottes” 2005
1- bottle Domaine JJ Confuron Chambolle Musigny Premier Cru 2005
1 - bottle Hospices de Beaune Volnay Premier Cru Cuvée Blondeau,
Eleve et mis en bouteille par Christophe Roumier 2005
1- bottle Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru “Les Petits Monts” 2005
1- bottle Domaine d’Ardhuy Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru 2005 – Nancy & Howard Cooper
1- bottle Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot La Truffiere, Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru 2005
1- bottle Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier Clos de la Marechale, Nuits-Saint-Georges 2005
1- bottle Dominique Laurent Beaune Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes 2005
1- bottle Domaine Hudelot-Noellat Vosne Romanee “Les Beaumonts” Premier Cru 2005
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If you’ve been listening, you’ve heard the clamor for the 2005 red Burgundy vintage. According to Allen
Meadows of Burghound.com, “2005 is quite simply the best top to bottom vintage that I have ever seen,
period, full stop...2005 is a brilliant vintage with virtually nothing to dislike (except perhaps the prices)…”
Steven Tanzer of the International Wine Cellar announced, “This is, pure and simple, the finest red
Burgundy vintage of my professional career (I began tasting red Burgundies in depth with the ’78 vintage).”
David Schildknecht, reviewing Burgundy for the Wine Advocate, reported that the vignerons in Burgundy
“stated that this was a vintage of unprecedented quality, as fine a one as they had ever experienced. I share
that view from my 25 years of experience with young Burgundy.” This lot was assembled by a great supporter
of Heart’s Delight who every year puts together at least one very special case. As Burghound exhorted, “In
short, mortgage your house, sell your dog, hock your spouse (but don’t forget where, you’ll eventually need
someone to enjoy these wines with!) or do whatever you have to do but don’t miss the best wines of the
vintage or you will I believe live to regret it.”
Donated by: Joel Kleinman, Maureen Nelson, Conrad Kenley, Steven Sumberg,
Tom Cone, Amy Ray MacArthur Beverages, Kobrand, Barry Wiggins, Nick Gangas,
Keith Levenberg, Nancy & Howard Cooper, Chet Kern, Truly Hardy, Susan Grais
and Mark Levin
Paris, Burgundy & Lyon!
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estimated value: $8,500
Two Business Class tickets on American Airlines
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg - three night stay and breakfast
Silver Concierge Service in Paris from Your Paris Experience
Dinner for four with Becky Wasserman-Hone and Russell Hone of Le Serbet in
their home in Burgundy
Private tasting and lunch for four at Maison Alex Gambal with Alex Gambal
Alex Gambal’s Guest House in Santenay – one night stay for two couples
Domaine Dublere – Visit and Tasting
Maison Joseph Drouhin – Visit and Tasting
Remoissenet Pere et Fils – Visit and Tasting
Maison Louis Jadot – Visit and Tasting
Gros Freres et Soeur in Vosnee Romanée – Visit and Tasting
Domaine Faiveley in Nuit St. George – Visit and Tasting
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour – Three night stay and breakfast
Maison Chapoutier in Hermitage – VIP Tour & Tasting
Domaine Paul Jaboulet in Hermitage – Tour & Tasting
Valrhona Cité du Chocolat Tour
You are off for a wonderful adventure with two Business Class tickets on American Airlines, the
official airline of Heart’s Delight.
Once in Paris you will have three beautiful nights at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg. This five-star
hotel features luxurious design with a spirit of Parisian fashion. Luxury abounds with MyBed bed,
Hermès products, Bose system and more. The elegance of the 18th century and sumptuous materials
are harmoniously combined with modern design. Terraces open up to a semi-pedestrian street
dedicated to luxury boutiques, an interior courtyard with the charm of a secret garden, a library
lounge for guests to enjoy tea all in the heart of Paris.
With so much to see and do in Paris, you now have an expert to help guide you. The Silver
Concierge Service is a comprehensive concierge service that begins well before you travel and
continues throughout your time in Paris. Founder, Lisa Buros-Hutchins handles the details so you
can enjoy your trip! The Silver Concierge Service begins with a phone call to better understand your
interests and the expectations you have for your time in in the City of Lights!
Are you already a Burgundy aficionado or just aspiring to be one? Whether you are among the
cognoscenti or the wannabes, this lot offers a once in a lifetime Burgundy experience. No one knows
and represents more great Burgundy producers than Becky and Russell, who for over 30 years have
lived among and worked with the best winemakers the Cote d’Or has to offer. Indeed, their wine
expertise and connections extend well beyond Burgundy - e.g., outstanding grower Champagnes are
also found in the Le Serbet portfolio. Four seats at Becky and Russell’s dinner table - surely the most
coveted dinner “reservation” for Burgundy lovers! Russell is an amazing cook and raconteur, Becky
is the most charming and knowledgeable hostess, and who knows who else might be there to talk
about Burgundy and share with you some great Champagne, Burgundy, and 75-year old Calvados
from Becky and Russell’s personal cellar? Surely this will be a wine lover’s event of a lifetime!
Spend a day with Alex Gambal at Maison Alex Gambal, including a tour, tasting and lunch for
four. Because of his passion for Burgundy, Alex Gambal left the world of real estate to explore
this fascinating region with all its complexity. After attending the viticultural school in Beaune, he
created Maison Alex Gambal in 1997 with the goal to express character, terroir and purity of each
wine. Maison Alex Gambal now produces 60,000 bottles per year which can be found on tables in
twenty countries.
After a great day with Alex you and your guests will retire to Alex Gambal’s Guest House in
Santenay (one night stay for two couples). It is a cozy place in picturesque Santenay, a perfect wine
village, in a newly renovated guest house on the square. Out the front door are some of the best bike
trails in France that can take you north to as far as Gevrey-Chambertin and south as far as Clugny,
one can bike along the Burgundy canal or take the vineyard path to Beaune. At night, and best of all,
the fountain in the square will lull you to sleep.
Next get ready for a visit to Domaine Dublere which was founded in 2003 by the American political
journalist Blair Pethel, he is one of the new and rising stars of Burgundy. The first vintage was 2004,
and the domaine now makes quite a large a selection of both white and red Burgundies – all of very
high quality given the individual appelation. All the wines are very pure, intense, quite light-footed
and with a precise and transparent expression of the terroir. Make no mistake – Blair Pethel might be
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born in the USA, but his wines are more Bourgundian than a lot of the wines produced by otherwise
well-known “local” producers in the area.
Joseph Drouhin was a daring and enterprising young man who came from the Chablis region. In
1880 he settled in Beaune and founded his own wine company. His son Maurice began to establish a
vineyard domaine for the House, purchasing land in some outstanding appellations such as Clos des
Mouches and Clos de Vougeot. Robert Drouhin, succeeded Maurice in 1957, giving the domaine
its present dimension, acquiring many vineyards. He was one of the first in Burgundy to introduce
“culture raisonnée” (doing away with pesticides and other chemicals) and to build a laboratory of
enology run by Laurence Jobard, the very first woman enologist in Burgundy. Philippe, Véronique,
Laurent and Frédéric are Robert and Françoise Drouhin’s four children. They invite you to visit the
historical cellars and taste their emblematic wines; Beaune 1er cru ‘Clos des Mouches’, ChassagneMontrachet 1er cru ‘Morgeot’ Marquis de Laguiche.....etc!
Remoissenet is undoubtedly one of Burgundy’s most venerable producers. A visit to their ancient
14th century cellars below the town of Beaune reveals nearly 1 million bottles of Premier and Grand
Cru bottlings dating back to the early 20th century.
Next stop is Maison Louis Jadot which was founded in 1859 by the man whose name it bears, Louis
Henry Denis Jadot. The first of his family arrived in Beaune from Belgium in 1794 and soon began
purchasing Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. With grape growing as a part of his heritage, Louis
Henry set about gaining experience first in the cellars, in the evaluation of wines, and then in the
vineyards, in the study of viticulture. Maison Louis Jadot is lucky enough to be based in Beaune, in
buildings that echo with history but which, at the same time, are modern and efficient.
A quick hour and a half from Beaune, explore the wonderful world of Lyon – especially the cuisine at
one of Lyons’ many bouchons. While in Lyon you will stay at the 5 star Sofitel Lyon Bellecour. The
hotel is superbly situated on the banks of the Rhône river near Place Bellecour, the World Heritage
Site of Vieux Lyon, and a constellation of Lyon’s best museums, boutiques and cultural attractions.
Panoramic views of Lyon’s rooftops and the river sparkle from Michelin-starred restaurant Les Trois
Dômes and chic Le Melhor bar.
Finally you’ll head to the Northern Rhone Valley, specifically the Hermitage area which is situated
south of Lyon between Vienne and Valence. The area has been famous since the 17th century thanks
to its red Syrah and white Marsanne and Roussanne wines. You will visit Maison Chapoutier and
Domaine Paul Jaboulet in Hermitage and then for a sweet way to end your trip . . . The Valrhona
Cité du Chocolat opened on 24 October 2013 in Tain l’Hermitage. Located on the historic site of
the Valrhona chocolate factory, the Cité offers a behind-the-scenes look at fine chocolate.
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Restrictions:
American Airlines: Transportation includes two Business Class tickets on American Airlines, the
official airline of Heart’s Delight. Based on availability. Book travel arrangements as soon as possible
to take advantage of maximum availability. Please provide three months’ notice in order to properly
plan your trip. Travel is valid through April 25, 2016. Extensions will not be permitted.
Becky Wasserman Visit: Expires May 2016 Mutually agreeable date. Not valid on weekends.
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg - Valid until May 15, 2016 Subject to availability.
Visits subject to availability, not valid on weekends
Alex Gambal: Expires April 2016, Valid for a mutually agreeable date.
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour: Expires May 30, 2016
Donated by: American Airlines, Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Your Paris Experience,
Becky Wasserman-Hone, Alex Gambal, Domaine Dublere, Maison Joseph
Drouhin, MacArthur Beverages, Kobrand Coporation, Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
Eight Bottle Suite of Bill Harlan’s Wines from 2010
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estimated value: $3,600
1 - bottle Harlan Estate 2010
1 - bottle Harlan “The Maiden” 2010
1 - bottle Bond Melbury 2010
1 - bottle Bond Vecina 2010
1 - bottle Bond St. Eden 2010
1 - bottle Bond Pluribus 2010
1 - bottle Bond Matriarch 2010
1 - bottle Bond Quella 2010
Bill Harlan created one of Napa Valley’s leading cult Cabernets at Harlan Estate in the
1990s and is known for its commitment to creating a wine that is a California “First
Growth,” on par with those of the old world. These wines have received great acclaim
by reviewers and collectors alike, commanding high prices and a competitive waiting
list. Here is your chance to own this magnificent collection!
Donated by: Joel Kleinman
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The Gift of Perfection and a Trip to Paradise
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estimated value: $13,000
Seven 100 point wines from Vérité
1 - bottle Vérité La Muse 2001
1 - bottle Vérité La Muse 2007
1 - bottle Vérité La Muse 2008
1 - bottle Vérité La Joie 2005
1 - bottle Vérité La Joie 2007
1 - bottle Vérité Le Désir 2007
1 - bottle Vérité Le Désir 2008
Tasting at Vérité
5 day stay at in three bedroom villa at Mayacama Golf Club in Sonoma (perfect
for two couples)
Two First Class tickets on American Airlines
This lot comes from our 2015 Chairman, Evan Morris who put together a couple of
his favorite Sonoma things – Vérité and Mayacama. Your trip out west will be courtesy
of American Airlines, the official airline of Heart’s Delight and will include two first
class tickets.
Seven 100 point wines – it’s not luck, it’s an obsession at Vérité and you get one of each!
In an historic moment, Robert Parker recently announced seven 100-point scores for
Vérité’s three blends, Le Désir, La Joie and La Muse. This is the first time a Sonoma
County winery has received this many perfect scores. The name Vérité, French for
truth, stands for wines that reflect their soil with integrity. The winning bidder will also
get to go to Vérité for a visit and tasting. Their beautiful estate on Chalk Hill Road is
located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County, where the
appellations of Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Knights Valley come together.
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But you need a place to stay in Sonoma and not just any place, this is Mayacama. Nestled
in the hills of northern Sonoma County, California, not far from the charming town of
Healdsburg, Mayacama is a private golf and residential community in an indescribably
beautiful valley. Inspired by the intimate hillside villages of Tuscany, the Residences
at Mayacama is an imaginative mingling of nature, art and design. Quintessentially
alfresco, it is elegant, yet casual, with equal attention given to outside and inside
living. Mayacama’s three-bedroom Villas cascade down the terraced hillside, carefully
arranged to capture the most beautiful views. Inside welcoming gates are 675 acres
of classic California Wine Country. Mayacama is a rare and remarkable experience
centered around a grand clubhouse and a championship Jack Nicklaus signature course
ranked among the top 100 in America. During your five-day-stay you may try their
extraordinary wine program that includes 35 renowned vintners who are all fellow
members, tennis, swimming, bocce, a splendid spa, a rich culinary program, a bustling
social calendar and a robust Juniors’ Program to round out the experience.
Restrictions:
Expires May 2016. Must be arranged on a mutually agreeable date. Activities at Mayacama are not
included in the package.
American Airlines: Transportation includes two First Class tickets on American Airlines, the official
airline of Heart’s Delight. Restrictions apply. Book travel arrangements as soon as possible to take
advantage of maximum availability. Please provide at least three months’ notice in order to properly
plan your trip. Travel is valid through April 25, 2016. Extensions will not be permitted.
Donated by: Tracy and Evan Morris and American Airlines
Sine Qua Non Wine Dinner for Eight at the Source
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estimated value: $3,600
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Noble Man Viognier 2005
Sine Qua Non Mr. K The Straw Man 2006
Sine Qua Non Atlantis Fe203~Grenache 2b&c 2005
Sine Qua Non Labels Syrah 2007
Sine Qua Non The Duel Syrah 2008
Sine Qua Non Five Shooter Grenache 2010
Sine Qua Non Five Shooter Syrah 2010
You are in for a treat pairing these incredible cult wines with the amazing cuisine at the
Source Restaurant. It was the winner of the Best New Restaurant in Washington, DC
award in 2008 from Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. The Source is
the first fine dining restaurant in the nation’s capital headlined by Chef Wolfgang Puck.
Sine Qua Non is a California cult winery known for its Rhône style blends, a tendency
to avoid repetition, and a very limited production of wine that is highly difficult to
obtain, 100% of all releases are allocated so this is a very rare opportunity! Lucky
for us, our donor, James Cahill is an avid fan and generous enough to share them
with 8 lucky guests. SQN’s Manfred Krankl, an Austrian immigrant and Los Angeles
restaurateur turned winemaker, is a reclusive and maniacally hard-working proprietor.
A true believer in radical viticulture, Krankl has worked with excessively low yields
and maintains his winery and vineyards with meticulous attention to detail. Since the
debut “Queen of Spades” in 1994, original artwork and increasingly creative wordplay
has adorned the label of each SQN wine. The wine itself has become a benchmark
for Rhone varieties not just in California, but in the world. With 100-point scores in
double digits, Robert Parker raves.
We can guarantee that this will be an extraordinary food and wine experience!
Restrictions:
Expires May 2016 and must be arranged on a mutually agreeable date. Excludes gratuity
and all other alcoholic beverages.
Donated by: James Cahill and The Source Restaurant
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Chile & Argentina
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estimated value: $8,000
Two Business Class Tickets on American Airlines
Sofitel Buenos Aires Arroyo – one night stay
Bodega DiamAndes Grand Tour, Special Tasting and Lunch with the Winemaker
Park Hyatt Mendoza – one night stay
Cheval des Andes Visit, Vertical Tasting at the Cheval Lounge
Terrazas de los Andes - Degustation Pairing Menu at Terrazas House
Catena Zapata Winery Visit and Lunch
Viña VIK - One Night Stay, Tour and Tasting
Lapostolle Winery - Tour and Tasting
Veramonte Winery - VIP Tour, Tasting and Lunch for Four
Neyen - VIP Visit and Lunch for Four
Cousiño Macul Visit and Tasting
We toast “Health and love and time to enjoy it” for your trip to Chile and Argentina.
Fly to Buenos Aires Business Class on American Airlines.
There, you’ll enjoy a stay at the Sofitel Buenos Aires Arroyo in a superior room with
breakfast. This 1920s-era Art Deco skyscraper proves the perfect vantage from which
to observe the vibrant culture and rich history of Argentina’s much-loved capital. It
has been named Condé Nast Traveler “Readers’ Choice Award Top 15 hotels in South
America” in 2009, Forbes Traveler “The World’s Very Best Hotels and Resorts” in 2008,
and Conde Nast Traveler Gold List “World’s Best Places to Stay” in 2008.
You are off to Mendoza where you will be picked up and brought to DiamAndes. In
2005 the Bonnie Family, longtime friends of Heart’s Delight and owners of Château
Malartic-Lagravière, decided to search for new horizons in the world of wine. The
winery’s award-winning architectural design blends harmoniously into the stunning
Andean scenery. DiamAndes winery is part of the Clos de los Siete, a vineyard of 850
hectares with 5 partner wineries and vineyards. You will experience a complete tour of
Clos de los Siete with the possibility of visiting the other wineries, then a Grand Tour
of the Bodega DiamAndes from vineyard to the cellar with a special tasting with the
winemaker. Next, with the winemaker, enjoy a wonderful four course lunch expertly
paired with DiamAndes wines in the owner’s home. You will be able to customize your
afternoon activities which could include horseback riding to discover the 850 hectare
vineyard, a Blend Class at the “DiamAndes Academy,” a bike tour, massages, or even
yoga. They will return you to Mendoza in a private car - what a day!
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After such a great day you will rest you head at the five star, Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel
Casino & Spa, with its beautifully restored 19th-century Spanish colonial façade. The
Park Hyatt Mendoza is located in the center of the city in front of the Plaza Independencia and it boasts
stunning views of the Andes.
You will be refreshed for more fun. Your next visit is another French connection in Mendoza, Cheval des
Andes, which was founded in 1999 and is a joint winemaking venture of Terrazas de los Andes, a subsidiary
of Moët Hennessy in Argentina, and Cheval Blanc. Our friends at Cheval des Andes, including our old
friend Jean-Guillaume Prats have offered a visit at Cheval des Andes and a Vertical Tasting at the Cheval
Lounge. You will enjoy a tasting of the Cheval des Andes wines which are a blend of Malbec and Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes from the “Las Compuertas” vineyards near Mendoza, in the Cordilleras, or foothills, of
the Andes.
In the heart of Perdriel, at the foot of the impressive Andes mountain range, Bodega Terrazas de los Andes
invites you to enjoy a unique experience. Guided tours of their more than 100-year-old Spanish-style
winery will reveal all the secrets of the winemaking process to you. The tour finishes with an exclusive
tasting. You will also be treated to a wonderful Degustation Pairing Menu at Terrazas House with cuisine
rooted in traditional cooking from Mendoza, where, the outstanding chefs of Terrazas, artists of exquisite
culinary adventures, create dishes prepared with local, fresh ingredients. Whether just picked from the
kitchen garden or sourced from the region, these ingredients imbue the gourmet cuisine with aromas,
textures and flavors that set off their wines perfectly. Matches made in heaven.
Then take a visit to Bodega Catena Zapata which is a family-owned winery credited with putting Argentinean
wines and high altitude malbec on the world map. You will enjoy a VIP tour and then a luncheon at the
winery. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation
family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza’s mountain vineyards for producing high
quality malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of malbec under the
Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class
quality from the family’s high altitude vineyards.
Next you’re off to Chile for some more beautiful sights and of course wine! In 2004, Alexander Vik, a
Norwegian entrepreneur, proposed the creation of a world-class vineyard to produce a unique wine. The
specific location chosen was the Millahue Valley, or “Place of Gold”, as named by the indigenous people,
located on the north slope of Chile’s Apalta Valley. You will see for yourself as Vik will be your gracious host
for a one night stay with amazing views of Hacienda VIK, the vineyards and the mountains beyond. Upon
arrival at VIK, you will be met by the winery lodge host to plan the afternoon’s activities, such as touring
the property by bike, horseback or 4x4. Then a tour of the winery and it is here that you will enjoy a barrel
tasting of the VIK wines and you will be one of the first to try this soon-to-be famous Chilean wine.
After travel to Neyen Winery which is nestled in a horseshoe-shaped ring of mountains. The Rojas family,
who purchased the property in 1973, transformed the oldest “bodega” in Apalta into the home of Neyen.
The Neyen Winery was founded in 2002 on the site of one of Apalta’s first wineries, built in 1890. Neyen
produces a treasured red wine reflective of the famed terroir - bathed by the Tinguiririca River, blessed by
the sun, and sheltered by the Coastal Mountain Range. You will enjoy a tour, tasting and lunch at Neyen.
You’re in for another VIP visit at Veramonte which is a striking, modern facility designed by one of Chile’s
leading architects, Jorge Swinburn. It houses the latest technology in gravity-based fermentors, ultramodern stainless steel tanks and high efficiency bottling lines. Built for small-lot wine production, the
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facility ensures individual vineyard blocks can be fermented and aged separately prior to final blending
– allowing winemaking to create authentic, vineyard expressive wines.
The French are interested in Chile as well and next you will be welcomed at Lapostolle’s Apalta Winery
for a tour of the winery and vineyards then a tasting at the picturesque Apalta Vineyards in Colchagua.
Lapostolle is French in essence and Chilean by birth. The Marnier Lapostolle family, founders and
owners of the world-renowned Grand Marnier liqueur, is known for producing spirits and liqueurs, but
has also been involved in winemaking for generations.
To continue the French theme you will visit, Viña Los Vascos. This is owned by the same family who
produce Château Lafite, and Baron Eric de Rothschild explains, “I could not resist being a pioneer in
Chile and giving a challenge to my team. We chose the place for its unique location and land.”
Your trip isn’t complete without visiting Cousiño Macul which was founded in 1856 and is the only
winery in Chile amongst those established in the 19th century that continues in the hands of the original
founding family. The company remains 100% under family control, producing limited quantities of fine
wines. What a great trip!
Restrictions:
American Airlines: Transportation includes two Business Class tickets on American Airlines, the
official airline of Heart’s Delight. Restrictions apply. Book travel arrangements as soon as possible to
take advantage of maximum availability. Please provide three months’ notice in order to properly plan
your trip. Travel is valid through April 25, 2016. Extensions will not be permitted.
Visits, tastings and tours: Subject to availability and expire April 25, 2016
Donated by: American Airlines, Bodega DiamAndes, Cheval des Andes, Terras de
los Andes, Catena Zapata, MacArthur Beverages, Lapostolle Winery, Huneeus
Vintners, Cousiño Macul, and Viña Los Vascos
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Heart’s Delight Bordeaux Collection
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estimated value: $2,100
This is your chance to get your hands on 24 bottles from the 2012 vintage and select
earlier vintages. This is a unique collection of the wines that will be tasted tomorrow
with our friends from Bordeaux. We invited all of the winemakers to bring an older
vintage of their choosing (in addition to the 2012 vintage) and discuss both during the
tasting - the high bidder on this lot will be the lucky benefactor of some great surprises
from the generous winemakers.
Stand Up for Your Heart
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In order to continue supporting the initiatives, education, and research supported by
the American Heart Association, we ask everyone to “Stand Up for Your Heart” at the
close of our live auction to help us meet a goal of $50,000.
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