150 years ago, Japan was at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration (1867) – a time of great change. It was the time when diplomatic relations with Britain and France were officially established as well as the foundation of Keio University. Last year, a variety of events commemorating the 150th anniversary took place.
One more important historical event – publication of "The origin of species" by Darwin was also 150 years ago.
I had the great honor and privilege to taste 2 bottles of Chateau Lafite of 1858 (I heard that it was a vintage year, and also a decade before it was owned by Baron Rothschild), that very year of 150 years ago.
photo1-3: Chateau Lafite, 1858
It was on January 24th, a day before my departure to London. About 20 people or so gathered, but let’s not discuss about who was there. You might be held a grudge against such an experience even if you were just invited and have nothing to do with it. All I know is that they were found in Gibraltar, and somehow someone succeeded in purchasing them (For your reference, I will introduce you a link to an antique wine company).
photo4-6: carefully, carefully
We enjoyed listening to Mr.Kogai, President of Japan Sommelier Association (photo8) explaining about the wines during the one hour interval of opening two bottles but I assume that this was an unprecedented experience even for him to encounter such a wine. Although the 2 bottles were the same wine, they tasted quite differently.
photo7-9
The rest of the wines we tasted that evening are as in the list below (photo10). Dinner was a French course with vegetables from Kyoto.
Gemurztraminer Vendange tartives 1998, Louis sipp
Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Canet 2006, J.M. Boillot
Pommard 1er Cru Grand Clos des Epenots 2005, Courcel
Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1996
Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos 2002, Torley
Philipponnat Reserve Rosee N.V
photo10
As digestive, Chateau d’Yquem 1975 was served.
My goodness, it was the ultimate luxury, thank you so much.
This happened only 3 weeks ago, but seems like a long time, still like in a dream.