Bordeaux Right Bank Wine Tasting Featuring A 2011 Barrel Tasting And A Selection Of Previous Vintages

On March 8th, 35 members of Le Cercle Rive Droite de Grands Vins de Bordeaux (Right Bank Circle of Great Bordeaux Wines) will be introducing both 2011 en primeur selections (barreled wine that has been bottled especially for this event) and older vintages, including the outstanding 2009 vintage, to the wine trade and wine journalists at the French Consulate in New York. Wine enthusiasts, who will attend an early evening tasting, are invited to taste only "released" vintages (already on the market) including the 2009 vintage.

Founded in 2002, the Cercle Rive Droite www.cerclerivedroite.com is comprised of 139 chateaux and 19 appellations located on the right bank of the Gironde, an estuary in the Bordeaux region. Of the hundreds of wineries on the Right Bank, only chateaux with the most outstanding reputations for excellence are allowed membership in the elite Circle. With their diverse soil types and maritime climate, the sub-regions of the Right Bank, including St.-Emilion and Pomerol, are known to possess the ultimate Merlot-growing terroir.

During the tasting, Master of Wine Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan will challenge guests with a series of "wine games" including blind tastings, aroma quizzes, and vintage comparisons. Wines will be paired with a selection of wine-friendly hors d'oeuvres and French pastries, including authentic Bordeaux caneles by Patissiere Celine Legros, recently described as the "new sweet addiction" by Bon Appetit. To further underscore the authentic Gallic experience, live French music will be played throughout.

This event will take place in the grand salons of the French Consulate, an imposing limestone mansion at 934 Fifth Avenue (between 74th and 75th St.), where guests will be able to admire a magnificent 18th-century Gobelin tapestry and other important works of art.

Trade and Press are invited to attend from 2pm - 5pm. A special dinner for invited guests will be held at Benoit New York, Alain Ducasse's 55th Street bistro. Consumers - from wine connoisseurs to newbies - are invited to join the tasting from 5pm - 7pm. The consumer ticket price is $120 ($200 for two) with proceeds being donated to Gods Love We Deliver www.glwd.org. Trade, press and wine-lovers are encouraged to RSVP by Thursday, March 1st at http://rightbank-ny.eventbrite.com.

Key players in the French wine world will be on hand to answer questions and discuss these distinctive selections.