Dinner with Alfred Tesseron from Chateau Pontet-Canet, by Alex Robertson

On Wednesday night this week, private members club, Home House, was the venue for an intimate gathering with Alfred Tesseron of Chateau Pontet-Canet. A delicious 3 course dinner was laid out for a tasting of vintages going back to 1995 and finished with a very special sample of Mr Tesseron’s Cognac Lot 53. 

Pontet-Canet’s rise to prominence has been as dramatic as it has been rapid. It can be directly attributed to Alfred Tesseron who has overseen the day to day running of this magnificent chateau since 1994. Instigating a move towards biodynamic, organic viticulture and strict vineyard selection, Tesseron has helped to sculpt one of Bordeaux’s most talked about wines. The recent perfect score for the 2009 vintage by Robert Parker acknowledges his hard efforts with the 2010 vintage looking to match this achievement.

The evening began with Pierre Moncuit Grand Crus Blanc de Blancs 2004.

Port poached foie gras was accompanied by Les Hauts de Pontet-Canet 2006 and 1995 Pontet-Canet.

The main, roast loin of venison forestier with celeriac cream, was paired beautifully with the 1996 and 2000 Pontet-Canet.

Onto the cheese course next with the 2008 and the perfect scoring 2009 Pontet-Canet.

And finally, a very special tasting of Tesseron Cognac Lot 53.

Mr Tesseron’s passion about his wine was warmly felt as was his generosity to share the experience of wine. He finished the evening saying “I have the keys to the cellar and a good cork screw, so please everyone, come and visit me to share my wines”