Cincinnati Mondiale members were treated to an extraordinary wine experience by Vice Echanson Mike Monnin in collaboration with Bailli George Elliott. On June 23, 2015, Mike brought in renowned speaker and Bordeaux wine expert extraordinaire Dan Greathouse to share his wit and wisdom with our bailliage at the cozy Heidelberg tasting facility just across the river in Hebron, Kentucky. Mr Greathouse, just back from a trip to Vinexpo 2015 in Bordeaux, joined the Heidelberg Distributing Co. in 1988 and currently seeks out fine wines throughout the world to bring to the Ohio and Kentucky market. He has been seen on numerous television wine shows and is the auctioneer for the prestigious Cincinnati International Wine Festival.
We started with a very interesting Nicolas Idiart Blanc de Blanc Brut from the Loire Valley. Mr. Idiart was the youngest graduate from the Bordeaux winemaking school Blanquefort at age 19 and his talents were evident in this sparkler. Our wines were a comparison of first and second label bottlings, primarily from Margaux. As Mr. Greathouse entertained and educated us, a splendid buffet dinner was served by Michael “Funky” Forgus including a Black Angus NY strip au poivre which paired nicely with six Bordeaux selections including a 2008 Château Margaux. The combination of Mr. Greathouse’s wine knowledge, the sumptuous buffet, and “over the top” wines made for a delightful evening. As a final parting gift to all of us, Vice Echanson Monnin brought out a rare magnum of 2011 Château d’Yquem which was enjoyed by all. What a memorable evening!
Graig W. Smith, Vice Chargé de Presse