Chateau Lafite Rothschild By The Glass at Millesime

So here we are, outside of Millesime, waiting of a wine tasting event to begin. This particular event would be unlike any other and unique in itself, because we would soon be experiencing, the 5 famed first growths of Bordeaux by the glass, including the most sought after wine in the world right now, the Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Also available by the glass that evening, was the undisputed king of sweet wines, Chateau d’Yquem.

That’s right. Great news folks, for those of you who are lovers of top end Bordeaux wines, because you will now be able to buy them by the glass in Millesime, which is believed to be the first restaurant in the region to serve these vintage wines in such a manner. “All the wines are from either the 2000 or the 2001 vintage, which we believe are drinking perfectly right now,” said Max Chin, chef and co-owner of Millesime. “We have a temperature controlled wine room and a Le Verre du Vin preservation system from Europe and this allows us to offer our customers this unique experience, which follows the theme of the restaurant where we are the only restaurant in Kuala Lumpur if not Malaysia that only has a prix fix menu that changes daily,” he added. Prices by the glass for these wines start from RM575++ and can go up to RM1075 per glass.

Along with these fabulous wines, Chef Max Chin will be providing complimentary finger food for the guest. Here are some photos and a video on the event that evening. The wines were presented by Lionel Lau, co-owner of Millesime, as seen in the video.

Arguably the most renowned wines on earth, the classed growths of Bordeaux continue to be the most sought after wines. While most of their wines are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, both Merlot and Cabernet Franc play important roles in adding layered complexity to the finished wines. Different regions produce different wines, with their own classic traits, for example, St. Estephe giving full, rustic wines, from the heavy clay soils, Paulliac produces wines with a balance of ripe fruits, minerals and structure, St. Julien’s wines have a rich blackberry core to them. Moving to the South of the region brings one to Margaux, with its notes of flowers and berries, and then to the Graves region with wines redolent of tobacco, gravel and smoke. To the East lies the famous appellations of St. Emillion, with its wonderful Cabernet Franc, and Pomerol, where Merlot rules and produces deep and plush wines.

Chateau Margaux 2001

Of all the first growths, Margaux is certainly a strong contender for being the most splendidly presented, its imposing 19th-century chateau which peers over the chai, barrel cellars and other buildings easily visible from the road that snakes up the Médoc past the front doors of many of the classed growths. These wines consistently show an ineffable floral perfume, silky texture and great persistence on the after taste. Grapes have been grown on the property dating from the sixteenth century. The Chateau Margaux 2001 is a seamlessly constructed wine with a deep ruby/purple color, and a beautiful nose of flowers, blackberries, and cedar. A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, this forward, opulent beauty can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.

Pithivier of Goose Foie Gras with Duck Liver Terrine

Chateau Haut Brion 2001

Chateau Haut-Brion is notable for its First Growth status, under both the 1855 and 1973 Médoc classifications, despite its geographical location in Graves. In Pessac-Leognan, the dominant soil type is the gravel (and sand) which gave Graves its name. Chateau Haut-Brion is extremely classic. Less flamboyant and concentrated than the Pauillac first growths (Latour, Lafite, and Mouton), Haut-Brion is closer to Château Margaux in finesse. However, its intrinsic Graves nature comes through with age, and a fine old bottle of Haut Brion has an aristocratic bouquet of complex, noble, and intense tertiary aromas. Haut-Brion absolutely requires aging to express its fabulous taste.

Merlot Braised Waygu Beef Cheek with Dijon Grain Mustard Sauce

Chateau Mouton Rothschild 2001

This wine from Paulliac is smoky, with berry, coffee and tobacco aromas. The Chateau Mouton Rothschild is full-bodied, with lovely velvety tannins, plenty of fruit and a cedary aftertaste. Tight and compacted. This is better than the 2000 Mouton. It`s a baby 1986 Mouton. Solid and very, very fine. It actually persists for a long time on the palate. Best drunk after 2009.

Welcome to the Grand Cru..

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001

Ah, my absolute favourite of the Bordelais! Talk about expensive taste (Max, what have you done.. my husband’s going to flip when he sees what I have cultivated a taste for.. ) Drinking surprisingly well, this wine has elegance and structure all the way through it. The nose is classic Pauillac – an interesting nose of pencil shavings, cedar and spices. In the mouth, the Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001 has wonderfully balanced fruit notes and perfect tannins that keep melting into the background. Long, complex, refined, elegant, stunning. Years ahead of it, but actually not a shame to drink now!

Smoked Duck Breast with Black Truffle Sauce

Chateau Latour 2001

If Lafite is renowned for elegance, Latour is prized for power. Vines were first planted on the site in the fourteenth century, but Latour’s reputation stems from the late part of the seventeenth century. In recent years, no finer wine has been made in Bordeaux, for Latour displays an uncanny combination of deep color. Cabernet-dominated flavors of dark berries, licorice and minerals- the finest oak that money can buy and great length on the after taste. Typically, the blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Piccata of Haloumi Cheese with Champagne Vinaigrette

Chateau d’Yquem 2001

In the world of sweet wine, Chateau d’Yquem is King. The 2001 remains one of few wines ever to be awarded 100pts by critic Robert Parker, his comments include: ‘set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past…will age effortlessly for 75+ years‘. This unique estate dominated the 1855 classification of Sauternes and Barsac; with its own private ranking of Premier Cru Superieur. Being literally in a league of its own, the wines of Chateau d’Yquem are several times as expensive as those of its neighbours! Rather dense and concentrated on the palate, it offers up plenty of barley sugar and floral sweetness framed by a fine acidity. The palate gradually unfolds with time, fanning out, to give a balanced structure. This sauterne has great finesse, and will age beautifully. Its future will be measured in aeons of cellar time rather than mere years.

Eiling shows how much she lusts after the Chateau d’Yquem 2001. She says it’s better than an orgasm. Lionel and I, disagree:P (we agree it’s a great wine BUT not better than an orgasm! haha)

So folks, for those of you who are lovers of top end Bordeaux wines, you will now be able to buy them by the glass in Millesime, which is believed to be the first restaurant in the region to serve these vintage wines in such manner. Alongside these wines, Finger food (on the house) will be prepared by Chef Max Chin. Please note that these small plates, especially the first Pithivier that was created for the occasion, required pre-ordering, 1 day in advance. The Grand crus by the glass, are priced below.

Chateau d’Yquem 2001

Chef Max, Ciki and the Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001

Sassy Eiling says, “only the best, at Millesime!”