2023 Auction Lots

2 – 1.5 Liter 2010 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle

Six (6) night epicurean journey in France with the Domaines of Caroline Frey for two (2) couples

Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major city in the contiguous United States to Paris, France for two (2) couples
Business Class Airfare from Bordeaux to Lyon for two (2) couples
VIP Meet and Greet, roundtrip airport services with customs assistance
Roundtrip, airport transfers and private ground transportation to all stated activities

Paris, France:
Two (2) nights’ accommodations in Junior Suites at Le Bristol Paris for two (2) couples
Train transportation from Paris to Bordeaux for two (2) couples

Bordeaux, France:
Two (2) nights’ accommodations with private use at Château La Lagune with personal 24-hour butler service for two (2) couples
Private walking tour of La Lagune, its marais and vineyards
Lunch at the estate prepared by estate chef Catherine Stewart
Tasting of special wine selections in the La Lagune aging cellar
Dinner in the La Lagune iconic castle dining room

Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, France:
Two (2) nights’ accommodations at Relais & Châteaux Les Maisons Marcon for two (2) couples
Lunch at Bistrot La Columellae
Cultural guided tour of Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid
Private cooking class with Michelin-starred chef Jacques Marcon
Dinner at Three Michelin-starred Restaurant Régis et Jacques Marcon
Access to the spa and wellness center at Les Sources du Haut Plateau

Hermitage, France:
Full day experience in the heart of Tain-l’Hermitage for two (2) couples
Visit to Paul Jaboulet Aîné, with a tour of the cellar and vineyards with executive members of the Domaine
Tasting of special wine selections at the Le Vineum wine cellar
Walk up Hermitage hill followed by lunch and visit to the Domaine de Thalabert to view the Domaine’s eldest vines
Dinner at Two Michelin-starred restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic
Train transfer to Paris

This lot will provide the winning bidder an introduction to one of France’s most talented young winemakers, Caroline Frey, and a close-up experience at two of her best-known properties: Château La Lagune in the Médoc and the Rhône Valley’s legendary Paul Jaboulet Aîné—as well as an enchanted stay in Paris and several days of culinary excellence in the Loire Valley.

After your Business Class flight to Paris, you’ll spend two nights at the capital’s premiere address, Le Bristol Paris. Located on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, one of Paris’ most elegant shopping streets, Le Bristol officially opened in 1925. The building’s renovated, 18th-century décor revisits the glamour of La Belle Epoque.

From Paris, you’ll travel to Bordeaux for a stay at Château La Lagune, ranked as a Third Growth in the Médoc Classification of 1855. The Frey Family purchased La Lagune in 1999, and Caroline’s first vintage at the property was 2004. Although she was merely 26 years old at the time, she was well qualified for the role, having graduated from Bordeaux University at the top of her class and mentored by the legendary Denis Dubourdieu.

Château La Lagune dates to the 16th century, when it made the transition from a tenant farm to a major wine estate. The majestic château building was constructed between 1730 and 1734. The estate has 180 acres under vine, planted in the proportion of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot.

You’ll receive an insider’s view of the property, beginning with an exclusive two-night stay at the château, complete with 24-hour butler service. A private tour of the vineyard and cellar will be followed by lunch, prepared by the château’s chef Catherine Stewart. You’ll have the opportunity to try special back vintages of La Lagune in the aging cellar and have dinner in the building’s iconic castle dining room. Very few visitors are ever allowed this type of access at Bordeaux’s leading estates.

It’s time to transfer to the village of Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in the Rhône for an immersion into the cooking philosophy of one of France’s great chefs and leading restaurants. You’ll spend two nights at Les Maisons Marcons, the Relais & Châteaux property which serves as the home base for the father and son team of Régis and Jacques Marcon.

Régis Marcon has won numerous accolades and awards, including the coveted Bocuse d’Or in 1995. Along with his son Jacques, he is the proprietor of the restaurant Clos des Cîmes, awarded Three Michelin Stars since 2005, along with the more casual Bistrot Le Coulemelle. The cuisine of the Marcons relies heavily on local ingredients such as meats, asparagus, Puy lentils, citrus fruits and above all mushrooms, picked in the thick undergrowth of the region.

You’ll have a private cooking class with Three Star Michelin chef Jacques Marcon and have the opportunity to dine at both Clos des Cîmes and Bistrot Le Coulemelle. In addition, you’ll tour the charming village of Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid and recharge at Les Sources du Haut Plateau, a spa and wellness center in the heart of the village.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll spend a day at the crown jewel of the Frey Family’s wine empire: the estate of Paul Jaboulet Aîné, located at the top of the Hermitage hill. In the opinion of many experts, the famed La Chapelle vineyard is the source of the world’s best Syrah. The chapel after which it is named was built in 1235; the vineyard itself was planted by Antoine Jaboulet in 1834. The estate was purchased by the Frey Family in 2006, and Caroline Frey now makes the Hermitage La Chapelle for which Jaboulet is famous.

You’ll tour the Jaboulet cellar and walk to the top of the Hermitage hill to view the estates’ oldest vines at the Domaine de Thalabert. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Le Vineum wine bar, owned by Paul Jaboulet, accompanied by a tasting of special wines.

Before returning to Paris for your journey home, you’ll dine at the Restaurant Anne-Sophie Pic in Valence, holder of Three Michelin Stars. The Pic Family played a crucial role in the evolution of French cuisine. Founded in 1889 by her ancestors Sophie and Eugene Pic, the restaurant held Three Stars from 1939 until it began to decline in 1946. Anne-Sophie Pic took over in 1997 and earned her third star ten years later. She also operates restaurants in Paris, Lausanne, London and Singapore, but Valence is where her heart resides.

In anticipation of this exceptional journey, each couple will receive a Magnum of 2010 Hermitage La Chapelle from Paul Jaboulet Aîné, widely praised by critics and expected to drink well for decades to come.

This lot is a gem for a true wine lover and connoisseur: Bid high, bid often and make it your own!

Insider's Info

Roundtrip, Business Class Airfare from any major city in the contiguous United States to Paris, France and one-way Business Class Airfare from Bordeaux, France to Lyon, France are included. Roundtrip, airport transfers and ground and train transportation are included to and from all stated activities. Food and beverages are included as stated. Any additional meals are at the winning bidders’ expense. Gratuities are not included.

Donor

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

With special thanks to Martha Good Luxury Travel