Michel Negrier, commercial director (global sales) of Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite), explained to me at a dinner recently that we were drinking wines from the Lafite branch of the Rothschild group, not the Mouton one.
Michel Negrier, commercial director (global sales) of Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite)
Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) has vineyards in France, Chile, Argentina and Shandong Province in North-eastern China. The Chinese premium wines from Domaine de Long Dai in Qiu Shan Valley were recently launched.
So we sally forth into dinner at the Grand Imperial in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, where a selection of Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite) wines from France and Chile awaited. The first wine to be poured was the Los Vascos Sauvignon Blanc 2017 from Chile. It was fruity, with a pleasing finish.
Celebrating this dish of Shredded Mixed Fruits and Vegetables Salad with Crispy Silver Bait with the first red — The Saga Medoc 2016
The Legende Bordeaux Blanc 2018, made from Semillon Blanc and Sauvignon is a fresh lively white. “There’s no oak and it refreshes your mouth before dinner,” said Michel. It would go well too with the food served at dinner, especially the Shredded Mixed Fruits and Vegetable Salad with Crispy Silver Bait and Chef’s Special Sauce. It’s a celebratory dish, a Chinese New Year Yee Sang served near Mid-Autumn Festival.
Sea Prawns in Two Varieties
The Saga Medoc 2016, which is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, is from the northern part of Bordeaux which has very good soil for Cabernet Sauvignon. “2016 is very good vintage and the wine can keep seven to 10 years due to the quality of grapes aging in the barrel,” said Michel. “You can drink it or keep it aging slowly in the bottle.” The wine is elegant and well structured on the palate, with dense tannins and a hint of liquorice on the finish.
Legende Pauillac 2015 is a wine to enjoy slowly for its silky tannins and long finish. It makes it easy to pair with food. It’s been described as classical and distinguished, with fresh fruit notes of red currant and blackberry and spice.
Grilled Iberico Spare Ribs Western Style — excellent with the Los Vascos Grande Reserve 2015
The Chateau Paradis Casseuil (Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux) 2017 is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. “It has a light body, very delicate flavour of cherries. It matches with some meats, though it’s not as expressive,” said Michel.
At this point Grilled Iberico Spare Ribs Western Style were served – smoky, juicy and delicious. It was the crowning moment at this wine dinner as the Los Vascos Grande Reserve 2015 was poured. The brilliant blend of four grapes was showcased – 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Camenere, 10% Syrah and 5% Malbec. The wine was fresh, intense and well-structured, with berries and spice on the nose, and soft tannins. It was so, so good — the perfect wine for the Iberico ribs.
The Moulin De Duhart (Pauillac) 2016 is fine balance of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with red fruit aromas and roundness on the palate. It paired well with the gelatinous bits of the Steamed Fillet Giant Grouper with Dried Mandarin Orange Peel, and the Roasted Long Jiang Chicken with Fried Sliced Ginger.
Stewed Longevity Egg Noodles with Truffle and Mushrooms, Chinese pastries were the finale to a great dinner with fine wines from Domaines Barons De Rothschild (Lafite).
The wines are available at major supermarkets and wine shops in Malaysia. In Vino Veritas Sdn Bhd is the distributor.