New York City, NY – On Wednesday, October 23rd, Chambers Restaurant hosted an exclusive dinner to celebrate the centenary of the iconic Moulin-à-Vent appellation. This remarkable evening, orchestrated by Yannick Benjamin and Pascaline Lepeltier, brought together exquisite food, exceptional wine, and passionate individuals in support of the Wine on Wheels mission.
The event featured a rare tasting journey through the history of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. First, showcasing the wines of Château du Moulin-à-Vent, a domaine widely considered the crown jewel of the region. Guests were guided by a panel of esteemed experts including Pascaline Lepeltier, Abe Zarate, Master Sommelier Dana Gaiser, and Edouard Parinet, the current owner of the estate.
Under Edouard Parinet’s leadership, his family Estate has reached new heights, producing wines celebrated for their balance, elegance, and age-worthiness. These wines challenge the common perception of Beaujolais. The incredible potential of the Gamay grape when cultivated with care and a deep respect for tradition is their priority.
One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to taste an impressive selection of rare vintages. (1967, 1976, 1989 Magnum, 1996 Magnum, 2009 Magnum, 2016 ‘La Rochelle’ Magnum, 2019 ‘Clos de Londres’ Magnum, and 2022 ‘Grands Savarins’.)
This side-by-side tasting, usually reserved for private cellars, offered a unique glimpse into the evolution of the estate’s wines over time. Moreover, an auction allowed participants to acquire some of these iconic vintages, further contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
Prior to the grand celebration, I had the privilege of attending a more intimate tasting at Contento Restaurant. A group of New York sommeliers gathered to explore some recent vintages of Château du Moulin-à-Vent alongside Edouard Parinet. We delved into a remarkable lineup, including seven continuous vintages from the 2012 to the 2019 Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais.
Many of us were impressed by the 2014 vintage, which was very fresh despite its 10 years of aging. It was fascinating to taste these vintages not linearly but grouped by their similarities. We started with the classic vintages: 2012, 2016, and 2019, which showcased the elegance and typical elements expected in an iconic producer of this exclusive appellation. Next, we explored the challenging vintages, 2014 and 2019, which were absolutely stunning in the glass. Finally, we tasted the “climate change vintages,” 2015 and 2016, where extreme weather impacted the wines. And if you wondered what happened to 2013, it was unfortunately corked.
Tasting through these wines was an eye-opening experience. The finesse and sheer elegance of these Gamay expressions were unlike anything I had encountered before. Even though I have tried other Beaujolais sub-appellations, trying Moulin-à-Vent solidified my understanding of Beaujolais’ top-rated wines. Château du Moulin-à-Vent is a true icon in the wine world. Experiencing these wines in such a way is truly memorable. This is a moment I will likely share with my grandkids: “I tried Moulin-à-Vent in such a fashion during the Appellation’s 100th anniversary.”
Edouard Parinet himself shared captivating insights into the history, craftsmanship – including the practice of harvesting by hand – and heritage behind each vintage, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Congratulations to the Moulin-à-Vent appellation on this incredible milestone! Here’s to another century of exceptional winemaking. Santé!
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