March 4, 2000
After much discussion and planning, the inaugural event, known as A Night To Remember, took place under heavy secrecy. Sixteen participants, from around the country, convened upon the Silver Falls Convention Center with much anticipation. By night’s end, no one was disappointed. Upon entering the hall, we were each greeted with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne from Reims, France.
After everyone made it to the dining hall, the group gathered in a circle for the evening’s first toast. Those in attendance then turned their attention to glasses filled with vintages of Ch. Lafite, a 1900, and 1957 and a 1961. The story behind the 1900 is folklore – it had been stored in an abbey in Europe by some monks since bottling. It was a very special treat and held up beautifully.
The group then concentrated on a 1935 Mercurey de Maizieres, served with chevre and smoked salmon wrapped in grape leaves. Next came a 1983 Laboure Roi that was paired with Herb Crusted Halibut and Ragout of Sweet Spring vegetables with Salmon Caviar and Chevril. The group easily moved to the next course, a Grilled marinated Salmon with Pinot Noir and Green Lentils accompanied by a 1996 Bouchard Chevalier Montrachet. The evening seemed just under way when a 1955 Richebourg Charles Noellat Vosne-Romanee and a 1969 Richebourg Domaine Romanee Conti were served with a wonderful Coq au Vin on a bed of Basmati rice.
A 1962 Petrus was presented with a Quail salad over white beans and we never left Bordeaux for the balance of the evening until the aperitifs several hours later. In came “The Family” – a 1964 Ch. Latour, a 1959 Ch. Margaux, a 1964 Ch. Lafite, a 1970 Haut Brion, and a 1970 Ch. Mouton. A grilled Filet Mignon arrived with a 1962 Ch. Ducru Beaucaillou and a 1961 Ch. Pichon Longueville Baron. A 1964 Ch. Latour and another 1970 Ch. Mouton were tasted against an offering of select cheese and fresh fruit.
When everyone caught their breath, a 1985 Heidsieck Monopole Diamant Blue from Reims was brought to the table. A slice of Virgin Forest Cake was plated and served with an 1860 Maediera, a 1963 Warres and a 1963 Dows. And because that wasn’t nearly enough Port, bottles of 1977 Taylor Fladgate and Grahams, along with a 1983 Grahams and a 1994 Dows were opened.
When the night was over, and it was late, everyone seemed to agree that this event should take place once a year.