Olivier Leflaive Dinner at Park Avenue
On October 28th, a few lucky guests gathered at the Park Avenue Autumn to learn about and celebrate Olivier Leflaive, a wine tasting event. The private affair was led by Jean Soubeyrand, who has been the president of Olivier Leflaive since 2008. Formerly a stock trader, (but always a wine lover) living abroad, Jean returned to joined the team at Olivier Leflaive under the tutelage of his former father-in-law, Olivier himself.
The history of the The Leflaive Family goes back all the way to 1717, then Domaine Leflaive began exporting to the United States in the early 1930’s. Entrepreneurial and creative, in 1985, Olivier started his own business, focusing solely on quality, buying grapes and managing vineyards, with a team directed by Olivier Leflaive himself. With his own team in place, Olivier Leflaive was able to source wines from outside of Puligny-Montrachet. In 1995, Olivier Leflaive, in mutual agreement with his family, left Domaine Leflaive to concentrate on Maison Olivier Leflaive. Today, the Maison Olivier Leflaive controls 50 acres of vineyards throughout Puligny-Monrachet, Chassagne-Monrachet, Meursault and Pommard.
The evening got off to a relaxed start, with a champagne reception in the Autumn's private dining room accentuated by delicious hors d’oeuvres. This reception was then followed by an extravagant dinner that began with a toast from guest of honor Jean Soubeyrand:“I want us to have a wonderful night and enjoy some of the finest wines we have.”
The appetizers were Hamachi Crudo, Orecchhiette, and Local Burrata & Roasted Grapes // Paired with Pugliny Montrachet AC. 2016, Chassagne Montrachet AC. 2017, and Mersault “Poruzots” Ier Cru.2015. The main course was Roasted Filet Mignon with Creamed Spinach & Mushroom Strudel// Paired with Volnay AC. 2017, Pommard “Pezerolles” Ier Cru. 2017, and Corton “Clos du Roi” Grand Cru. 2017. For the desert the table was served Park Avenue Auturmn Cheese plates paired with Corton Charlemnage Grand Cru. 2017. After the dinner, Champagne Valentine Leflaive and Brut Rose. NV was the perfect choice to end a remarkable evening.
Throughout the night, Jean told wonderful stories about the Leflaive wines and the kind of wines he prefers. Jean said that he continues educating himself by blind pouring wines when he is home, and tasting select wines from around the globe. His taste ranges from around France, Italy and even California.
Being a grower and grape buyer enables Maison Olivier Leflaive the strength to produce wines from Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune. The wines of Maison Olivier Leflaive are widely regarded for their precision, elegance and finesse rather than power and ‘specularité’. More than a dinner pairing, the wines are symbols of classiness, purity that consumers of all ages will enjoy and love.
