Tonight we were invited to a unique shopping experience at Chopard, the luxury brand watch and jewelry store in downtown Vancouver.
This was done in collaboration with the Australian wine company Penfolds, and if I am being completely honest, that was what I was here for, that was the only thing I could afford, and this was my first time in the store.
As guests trickled in names were checked off and we were welcomed by staff taking our coats and directing us. Past the well lit and polished showcases was a back room where they were pouring the wine. We had the ability to try 5 bottles from the Penfolds collection: 2 whites, 3 reds, and one of which a limited release.
We would go in, order, then go back for our favourites, each a numbered “bin”.
BIN 51 is a Riesling from Eden Valley, South Australia. I don’t typically gravitate towards a white, but this I enjoyed sipping on at tonight’s mingler. It served as an easy pairing for the passed canapés. It is crisp and refreshing with vibrant citrus and green apple notes. Coupled with a hint of honeyed sweetness balanced with bright acidity, offering a longer and cleaner finish.
However, I took the BIN 311 home as the only $56.18 priced bottle available tonight. A lovely Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills, South Australia. I got gasoline on the nose, an elegant structure with delicate acidity, notes of green apple, citrus zest, and hints of vanilla. Its subtle oak influence offers the palate a creamy texture and a fresh, crisp finish.
BIN 389 was only available for tasting tonight, you were able to purchase the bottles at a discounted price of $99.99 instead of $106.52, but it would be delivered to you, and we wanted to get our bottle personalized at this exclusive event.
This is a Cabernet Shiraz blend from, South Australia. I got a bloody minerality from this. A savoury red with dark notes of stewed plum, blackcurrant, hints of liquorice, dark chocolate, and mocha.
BIN 704 ran at $116.46. A Cabernet Sauvignon, from Napa Valley, California. I found this the lightest of the reds with plenty of structure and subtle tannins. A food forward red with notes of cranberry, mulberry, and Italian herbs, making it an excellent side to any wild game meat or steak.
The 2016 GRANGE was a special release and made available tonight for $1,115.01 a bottle. This is a Shiraz from South Australia. Speaking with a wine collector (who picked up a bottle tonight), he informed me that the only way you can get this is if you have purchased a set amount of bottles from Penfolds in the past. However today there would be no precursor, so long as you had the money. And this crowd did, $1K for the bottle was nothing compared to the price tags on the time pieces and work of wearable art in the main Chopard room.
They only had 2 bottles of this to sample and we were sure to get multiples, as well as the last pours. A deep crimson wine with robust notes of dark chocolate, mocha, ruby cherry, blackberry, and aniseed. Well balanced acidity with firm tannins, it had a wonderful long chocolaty finish.
As we drank our fill small bites were prepared and passed by the Alberni catering team. Sophisticated canapés inspired by the luxury setting. Beef carpaccio, mushroom tart, tuna Tartar served in a cone, and shrimp cocktail to make a few.
There was an opportunity to try on Chopard’s collections, however knowing I was unable to afford any of it, I didn’t bother but to look. They certainly sparkled within their cushion showcases and the staff were eager to bring them out with their branded gloves.
We did however walk away with a bottle of wine. As mentioned earlier, we each bought a bottle of the Chardonnay to have personalized. This was lovely service they were offering to entice you into purchasing, and it worked. Not just your name, but a snake as well. My guest had to have one because he is the year of the snake. I liked the fact that the lady engraving was able to do my Chinese name, and I wanted to get a bottle for a friend who I know would appreciate the gesture.
You had the ability of engraving directly on the glass or having it painted on the label. Both gold with crystals for the snake’s eyes. We also got some extra crystals and stars painted on for added opulence. They look wonderfully adorned. Bottles that we would not be drinking, but using as decor instead.
In short, this was a great event and we had a lovely start to the evening because of it.
Chopard Boutique Vancouver
1108 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A5
(604) 684-6515
chopard.com