Royal Opera House and Decanter Magazine Wine Gala Dinner

An opera recital by Antonio Pappano, Bryn Terfel, Emonela Jaho, Vlada Borovko and Davind Junghoon Kim, followed by dinner with wines presented by the proprietors of the Domaines:
- Frederic Rouzaud, CEO of Champagne Roederer
- Jean-Charles le Bault de la Morniere of Domaine Bonneau du Martray
- Hugh Johnson, presenting on behalf of Pual Draper, CEO and Winemaker of Ridge Vineyards
- Baron Eric de Rothschild, Chairman of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and
- Adrian Bridge, Managing Director of Fonseca Port.

• 2009 Louis Roederer Champagne Vintage Brut Rosé - France, Champagne
  Aperitif at reception (91 pts.)
• 2007 Bonneau du Martray Corton-Charlemagne - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
  This was lovely. With Pan-fried turbot, tender leeks, truffle beurre blanc. (93 pts.)
• 2006 Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut - France, Champagne
  Real vinosity, depth (not weight) and energy. Served with lobster boudin, shaved salsify, lobster cream, although I had some kind of ravioli. (93 pts.)
• 1991 Ridge Monte Bello - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
  This was lovely, big and rich but very well-balanced. Compelling. With saddle of venison, winter roots, celeriac puree, red wine sauce. (94 pts.)
• 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
  Subtler than the Ridge Monte Bello 1991; a nice old vs. new world contrast. Profound and long. With comte cheese, campaillou bread, red grapes and celery. (94 pts.)
• 1985 Fonseca Porto Vintage - Portugal, Douro, Porto
  With dried fruits and chocolate truffles. (94 pts.)