When it suffered near loss due to the crisis of 1975-76, its former owners the Ginestets found themselves looking at the ruin of this prized wine, until Andre Mentzelopoulus, a deft, urbane financier saved the Chateau Margaux.
For his daughter Corinne M., Chateau Margaux remains a visceral passion. Her daring foresight in propping traditional methods, including her bold choice of a young regisseur, resulted in a celebrated vintage. In fact, the 2000 bottle was hailed by wine critic James Suckling as "simply the best".
Brothers two Alex and Clifford Lichaytoo of Bacchus Intl feted this dynamic woman during an elegant black tie affair a full moon ago. With TV host Johnny Litton as emcee, Alex L. articulated the virtues of Chateau Margaux, "the only memorable highlight of a sometime date in New York". "It was a 78 vintage," he said, "that began the fascination."
Madame Corinne shared what it was like to oversee a fiefdom that is widely hailed, and the considerable effort, "not without much trepidation on the mercies of the elements", that goes into every vintage.
Remember, palanggas, "He who abandons himself to Jesus Christ will never be abandoned by God." Smile. See you.