For Bordeaux, 2009 and 2010 sit in our recent memory as two of the best 21st century vintages to date. It’s not unusual for greatness to come paired like this. 1899 and 1900 were two such vintages vying for the upper hand a century ago. 1928 and 1929 followed. As I got into wine in the 1990s, the pair in question was 1989 and 1990. I made a point in verticals I organised during the 2000s always to include an ’89 ’90 pair, and in 2009 organised a retrospective of the best of the ‘89s, confirming their status. In my view, while 1990 showed better during the 1990s and 2000s (because they were typically more open and soft, while the 1989s were closed and firm), as the 1989s opened up, they ultimately edged out into the lead.

Well, here we are in 2019, at the 30 year mark. This is the point in the evolution of even the best of Bordeaux vintages where true greatness shines, and any weaknesses become all the more evident. Over the past year we have quietly assembled the best selection we think possible for our task, entering the front runners from the key districts, including all the first growths, from both banks, not to mention Le Pin, etc. You get the idea!

Of course this is not an evening for lab coats and microscopes! This is an evening of shared exploration and fun, and not to mention a great dinner. We’ll get a good sense of the style and expression of the vintage overall, its quality, and from a region that has changed a great deal since 1989, the style of the wines being made back then. This is a good chance too for us to work out our own favourites for further drinking. This is Bordeaux, remember, with some exceptions, it’s still quite possible to buy and to drink well-stored 30-year-old examples of the best without necessarily selling a car, a company or a kidney.

Wines to be served:
1989 Krug, from magnum
1989 Château Laville Haut-Brion Blanc

1989 Château Petrus (WA100)
1989 Château Le Pin
1989 Château Ausone
1989 Château Lafleur
1989 Château Cheval Blanc
1989 Château Clinet (WA100)
1989 Château Haut-Brion (WA100)
1989 Château Lafite Rothschild
1989 Château Latour
1989 Château Margaux
1989 Château Mouton Rothschild
1989 La Mission Haut-Brion (WA100)

1989 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Beerenauslese

Dinner Menu

彤福開味前菜
(吊燒鵝肝金錢雞、脆薑酥炸田雞腿、蔥油春韭羊肚耳)
Chef Appetizer Selection 
(Roasted Goose Liver, Pork Belly, Mushroom 
Crispy Frog Legs, Ginger  
 Amber Jelly Fungus, Chinese Chive, Sesame Oil)

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羊肚菌竹笙紅燒豆腐
Braised Tofu, Bamboo Pith, Morel Mushroom

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黑皮雞樅菌炒龍蝦球
Wok-Fried Lobster, Termite Mushroom

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碧綠炒雞球
Wok-Fried Chicken Fillet

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果仁酥香牛肉粒
Deep-Fried Spicy Beef, Nuts

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甜麵醬花生苗炒羊柳
Wok-Fried Lamb Loin, Bean Sprout, Fermented Bean Sauce

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香芒滑布甸
Chilled Mango Pudding