Last night was a really wonderful evening for Goedhuis & Co. More than £200,000 was raised at the much celebrated biennial Wine Dinner established by Johnny and Laura Goedhuis 22 years ago to raise much needed funds for learning disabilities and children’s charities. This brings the total amount raised by The Wine Dinner to more than £2,200,000. This year’s chosen charities were Carefree Northants, The Place2Be and Young Epilepsy.
The event, held at the Savoy, would not be possible without the overwhelming generosity shown by the châteaux who take part in the event by donating exceptional wines either for the auction or the tasting. A particular mention must go to Prince Robert of Luxembourg of Domaine Clarence Dillon, Anthony Barton of Châteaux Léoville and Langoa Barton and Jacques Thienpont of Château Le Pin, for their outstanding generosity and support. Petrus and Le Pin used to be present at the tasting but to include them this year would have added at least £125 to the price of each ticket. Jacques’ donation to the auction has ensured that this iconic wine is still present at The Wine Dinner.
The pre-dinner tasting showed 29 top Bordeaux, including all five First Growths, other outstanding wines from the Left Bank appellations, St Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes. A full blog of David’s notes will follow.
The Savoy really did us proud. The food, particularly the King Prawn Carpaccio and Seared Diver Scallop, was delicious. Here is the full menu with matched wines.
King Prawn Carpaccio and Seared Diver Scallop, Avocado, Poached Rhubarb & Maple-Mustard Dressing
Puligny-Montrachet, 1er Crû Les Folatières,Domaine Maroslavac-Leger 2008
*******
Slow Roasted Devon Beef Fillet and Seared Duck Foie Gras, Glazed Globe Artichoke and Barley Risotto, Candied Carrots, Broccoli and Cranberry Jelly
Château Langoa Barton, 3éme Crû, St Julian 2001
La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan 2001
Château L’Evangile, Pomerol 2001
*******
Oreo Mandarin Napoleon Cheese Cake, Lemon Curd, Raspberry Sorbet
Château Doisy Vedrines, 2ème Crû 2001
Humphrey Butler was, as always, a charming, amusing and fabulously efficient, auctioneer. Highlights of the auction included over £30,000 raised for trips to Bordeaux and Burgundy with Johnny Goedhuis and over £20,000 for two lots of Le Pin 2001.
A huge thank you to everyone who made the event possible and to everyone who contributed so generously last night.