Impressions of my first Paulée de New York
July 21, 2020
By Eléonore Lafarge
Although I am from Burgundy and heard many stories about La Paulée de Meursault I have, unfortunately, never attended one. So, La Paulée de New York 2020 was my first official Paulée (the unofficial ones being Domaine Michel Lafarge Paulées!). I had an idea what to expect from La Paulée based on what my parents and grandfather shared after each Paulée de New York but I was still surprised when it started.
I started working for Daniel Johnnes in February, one month before the event. Seeing all the Burgundy producers I usually see in Burgundy (and my family) made New York feel like home, even though I had only been living there for four weeks.
When I look back on La Paulée de New York, the only word that comes to my mind is stunning!
The Gala Dinner was by far the most amazing dinner I have ever attended. There were more people in one room than in the entire village I grew up in. My first thought when I saw all the tables and attendees was to wonder how the chefs were able to cook for so many people. I was amazed by the service as well. Being able to cook and serve so many people on time is quite a feat.
One of the most important features of the Gala is the wines. Seeing so many sommeliers and so many wines from different producers was very impressive and intimidating. I do not think I ever saw so many bottles of wine from different producers. I don’t think I imagined the dinner to be this important with so many wines. Seeing so many people willing to share their delicious wines was heartwarming. I had the chance to taste a Richebourg 1994 from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Not the best Burgundian vintage but it is my birth year. It was the first time I tasted a wine from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti from my birth year, it felt like a special treat. I am still grateful that someone was willing to share this wine with me.
A very Burgundy spirit floats in the air during the dinner. All the elements that make up the reputation of Burgundy were there: excellent food, festivity, good atmosphere, sharing and of course legendary wines.
For one night, New York is no longer in the USA but is a part of Burgundy.
Unfortunately, toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin (everything comes to an end)!
