By Michael Ganne
The question may seem trivial…
Here is a question that may seem simple, one we often ask, and that I would like to ask you: what is the most memorable meal of your life?
Perhaps, as you read this catalog, certain memories are already coming to mind: a suspended moment evoked by a chef, a dish, a place, an appellation, a vintage, a domaine… We all have a meal etched in our memory forever. Was it extravagant or disarmingly simple? The result of chance or meticulously prepared? Recent, or buried in the earliest memories of childhood?
The question may seem trivial, but we seek to understand: what is the secret ingredient that transforms a meal into an unforgettable moment?
Many would say it requires great wines and exceptional dishes. Then, upon reflection, one would add: “Yes, but you must be well surrounded.” True enough. The setting, the ambiance, and the state of mind matter almost as much as what is on the plate. So, in the end, isn’t it above all a matter of the company? For, as the saying goes, “one missing person, and everything feels empty.” A single presence — or absence — can sometimes undo all efforts made to create a moment suspended in time.
I would dare to add that there is another indispensable ingredient to the magic of a great meal: generosity. It alone drives us to share with the guests the emotion once felt when tasting a dish or a wine. It invites sharing a passion, a memory, an intimate vibration that continues to move us, even years later.
The 397 lots of this “Kipling” #14 sale will take you back to your most cherished memories, and more importantly, give you the opportunity to create new ones. For, at heart, this is all about generosity, without compromise. A unique and perfect cellar, born from the passion of one man for life, for cuisine, for the Burgundy Climates, and of course fine wines. A treasure-filled cellar that honors tradition. A vibrant tribute to the art of hosting and the excellence of great wines.
So all that remains is to raise my glass: to the memory of those meals engraved in our lives, to those whose potential we already sense… but above all, to the health and honor of the winemakers, who devote their lives to offering us these rare emotions and sharing with us the beauty of their work.
Good luck with your bids!
