The evening of initiation of the Japanese palate to the greatest of French wines. Allow me to transport you back in time to the year of 1990, in the beginning of the autumn. In the vibrant heart of Tokyo, inside the walls of the historical Imperial hotel, a remarkable Petrus Magnum tasting took place.
Picture it: Tokyo, 1990, a time when shoulder pads were as sharp as wit, and optimism soared higher than the skyscrapers that dotted the skyline. I decided to treat the world to a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I had meticulously assembled a collection of 15 vintages of Petrus Magnums spanning four decades, from the hallowed year of 1945 to the extravagant ’80s. I wanted this tasting to be a gathering that would set wine lovers’ hearts aflutter and transport them through time and terroir.
As the guests gathered, anticipation filled the air, as I welcomed them with a twinkle in my eye. We were about to unlock a treasure chest of history, decadence, and pure, unadulterated pleasure. The evening began with the youngster 1986 Petrus Magnum, and slowly built up to the 1945, maybe the best Petrus ever made, a vintage that witnessed the end of World War II and the dawn of a new era. With each sip, the guests could almost taste the resilience and hope that had filled the air during those tumultuous times. The 1945 was aged to perfection, telling a story that words alone could never convey.
Moving through the decades, the tasting continued. The ’61 Petrus Magnum, elegant and refined, transported tasters to a period of rebirth and renewal, mirroring Japan’s post-war renaissance. It was as if the wine had absorbed the very essence of the era. The 1986, 1981, and 1979 vintages followed suit, each offering a glimpse into the opulent extravagance of the ’70s and ’80s. The wines mirrored the exuberance and ambition of the times, leaving the guests spellbound by their complexity and depth.
So, if you ever find yourself in Tokyo, gazing at the modern marvels that surround you, remember that beneath the surface lies a world where time and wine converge. A world where a selected group of wine lovers once took a journey through the ages, one Petrus Magnum at a time. It was an evening that blurred the lines between past, present, and future, leaving a taste of the extraordinary in every sip.
Are you curious about the other historical tastings I conducted ? Read more on landmark and historical events.