SINGAPORE. DFS Group’s third annual Masters of Wines and Spirits took place over the weekend at the National Museum of Singapore, bringing together a finely curated selection of the world’s rarest and most coveted wines and spirits and the masters who made them.
As reported, DFS has searched the world for “the ultimate expressions of each category: Wine, Champagne and spirits from destinations including Australia, France, Italy, Scotland and the USA. The result is a 79-strong product collection from 49 prominent brands.
The event is a follow-up to the pioneering Master of Spirits held in 2011 and the Master of Spirits II a year later. As its name this year suggests, Masters of Wines and Spirits featured a broader and enhanced selection of wine brands – 22 in total – from the most prestigious Châteaus in Australia, France, Italy and the USA.
Bespoke offerings include the Penfolds Grange Gold & 100 Point Collection, Château Beychevelle Master of Authority Collection, Château Cheval Blanc 1988 & 2008 Magnum Set, and several outstanding vintage collections, such as the 40 Years of Château Margaux.
Balancing out this expanded collection of wines are the fine and rare spirits – Scotch whisky, single malt whisky, Cognac, baijiu and Armagnac – and Champagnes.
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Fine drinks, good food, great company – and a trip down memory lane |
| “I would like all of you to sit back and think about that very special evening, that very special drink, that very special food that you ate with it – and I think that truly says something about what we’re here for tonight.” |
Inspired by “the singular experience of pairing exquisite drinks with fine cuisine and good company”, this year DFS aimed to demonstrate the art of curating not only an entire category of luxury – but the lifestyle that it represents.
For the first time in the event’s history, DFS organised an exclusive dinner for media from around the region – including a sizable contingent from China – on the evening before the collection’s unveiling.
Other notable guests at the dinner included representatives from DFS, including Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus, Chief Operating Officer Michael Schriver, President of Global Merchandising Harold Brooks, Consumer Marketing and Branding President Sibylle Scherer, and newly appointed Managing Director of DFS Singapore Francois Rosset, as well as several key brand ambassadors.
In his welcome speech at the media dinner, Schaus said: “Encounters with some of the world’s rarest wines and spirits, as well as the very Masters behind them have defined this event for the past two years. Now, we also hope to share with our guests a deeper appreciation of what Masters of Wines and Spirits offers: a holistic understanding of the intersection between exceptional drinks, fine cuisine and good company.
“Tonight we have prepared a very special experience for all of you. Our inspiration has been to pair exquisite Champagnes, wines and spirits with fine foods and to elaborate on the role that this pairing plays in creating memorable shared experiences and great company.”
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DFS Group Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus (left) and DFS Group President of Global Merchandising Harold Brooks (right) extend a warm welcome to media guests at the exclusive dinner held at the ION Orchard’s Salt Grill & Sky Bar | |
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Three masters of their fields – Luke Mangan, Ch’ng Poh Tiong and Aki Eguchi – share insights on how to nurture great company by bringing together fine food and drinks |
Held at the ION Orchard’s Salt Grill & Sky Bar, a modern Australian restaurant overlooking Singapore’s premium shopping district from the 56th floor, the dinner comprised a four-course menu with fine wine and spirit pairings developed by Chef Luke Mangan.
In addition, three special guests regarded as masters within their fields – Luke Mangan, Australian chef, restaurateur and television personality; Aki Eguchi, Diageo World Class Bartender 2012; and Ch’ng Poh Tiong, Publisher of The Wine Review – were invited to participate in a dialogue, led by Brooks, about the shared social experiences that emerge from pairing fine food and drinks.
Brooks said: “Masters of Wines and Spirits: it’s more than a simple display of beautiful products; it’s a unique journey into the world of the best of wines and spirits”¦ I have never seen the types of products here in one place at one time – truly rare, truly exceptional, and truly extraordinary. This event, without a doubt, epitomises DFS’s ability to truly do one thing: curate simply the very best.”
In an interview with The Moodie Report, Schriver underlined the level of creativity in this year’s product assortment and the individualised experiences DFS is hoping to offer to its guests and customers. “The curated offer this year is very different from previous years’ – similar but different – and I think there are really creative ideas such as the 40 Years of Margaux. We’re holding Masters of Wines and Spirits in a new, unique venue – the National Museum of Singapore.
“And one of the new things we have introduced is the media dinner. We are really trying to make this more of a lifestyle event, so this is the first time we’ve ever done a food, wine, Champagnes and spirits pairing for the press, to really introduce the press to what this event is all about – the social nature and how all that really is about connecting people. Different individuals will have different opinions of what makes this event exceptional.”
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The pairing menu featured drinks from five brands, whose products for Masters of Wines and Spirits were previewed at the dinner: (clockwise from top left) Château Cos d’Estournel Vintage 2009 Pyramid, Hennessy Edition Particulière, Penfolds Grange Gold & 100 Point Collection, Royal Salute The Kensington Blend, and Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons | |
The day after the media dinner, 16 November, the doors of the National Museum of Singapore were opened to nearly 600 guests, over 400 of which were DFS’s top-tier customers and Platinum Services Club members. According to Schriver, this year’s event was “the most heavily attended Masters of Wines and Spirits yet”, with about +50% growth in attendance. The Moodie Report was privileged to be on hand for the night’s proceedings.
Built in 1887, the National Museum is an architectural gem with a neo-classical style, providing a suitable setting for the product line-up, which was displayed almost like art installations.
Guests were served drinks and canapés, and entertained with a special video projection on the walls of the Museum. And throughout the night, 25 brand ambassadors were on hand to take them on a journey through the history of the drinks houses and the inspiration and craft behind each product.
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The National Museum of Singapore provided a unique setting for this year’s product line-up |
Other notable items in this year’s collection include:
Chabot Vintage 1888 Paradis Collection: An extremely rare Armagnac, the 125yo Chabot Vintage 1888 has a complex nose with hints of walnuts, sweet plums and old leather. Created exclusively for the Masters of Wines and Spirits event, only one unit is available for sale.
Wuliangye 100-Year Anniversary Blend: Embodying the essence of ancient cellars of the early Ming Dynasty and celebrated as the “magic liquor” of China, Wuliangye is traditionally brewed using a secret recipe blending five premium-quality grains. In 2009, Wuliangye celebrated its 100-year anniversary and to commemorate this event, the house’s Master Blender created an exclusive blend using ancient ingredients aged for decades and historic blending techniques.
Hennessy Edition Particulière: The year 1900 – “a year of emotion” – is said to have been the ultimate year of reference for the House of Hennessy’s seventh Cellar Master, Yann Fillioux. It is the year that Hennessy isolated what it described as one of its most exceptional eaux-de-vie at the height of its expression from the Petite Champagne region of Cognac. Preserved in casks in the Founder’s Cellar for more than a century and selected at the height of its balance, only 30 bottles were created. DFS will offer bottles #2, #8, #18 and #28 at Masters of Wines and Spirits.
Louis XIII Le Jeroboam: Created in 1874, Louis XIII Le Jeroboam is regarded as a masterpiece in the Louis XIII collection, released in very limited quantities each year and reserved for a select number of privileged connoisseurs. Each decanter is individually fashioned by a team of nine of the most qualified crystal craftsmen at Cristallerie de Sèvres.
The Martell Exclusive Makassar Case: Four Cognac blends have been selected by Martell Cellarmaster Benoit Fil exclusively for Masters of Wines and Spirits. Each composition was created as “a sensory representation” of the specific characters of the respective cru – the Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois – that make up the identity of Martell’s Cognacs.
2013 Ballantine’s Championship Blend: Ballantine’s has established a tradition of producing an exclusive Championship Blend that celebrates the association between Ballantine’s Scotch whisky and golf. The 2012 Ballantine’s Championship winner, Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger, met with Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop at St Andrews in Scotland to create the 2013 Championship Blend. Only ten bottles were created and DFS will offer bottle #6 at Masters of Wines and Spirits.
Royal Salute, The Kensington Blend: In June 2012, Royal Salute hosted a gala dinner at Kensington Palace. The highlight of the dinner was a one-of-a-kind blend crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender Colin Scott, served in a decanter from Dartington Crystal. Inspired by the blend, Royal Salute has created The Kensington Blend, exclusively for Masters of Wines and Spirits, which contains a portion of the original blend. It is placed in a decanter that is a replica of the original, complete with matching pedestal.
Highland Park Orcadian Vintage Series and 50 Year Old in The Cabinet by John Glavin: John Galvin is a master craftsman who created the cabinet that houses some of Highland Park’s more coveted vintages; 50yo Highland Park and four bottles from the Orcadian Vintage series. The wooden case is sculpted by his hands and creates the ideal drinks cabinet for the whiskies, DFS said.
Glenmorangie 1970s Collection: A limited release of ten sets containing five extremely rare 1970s vintages, which have been brought together to showcase an era of Scotland’s pioneering whisky creation. Each collection is presented in a bespoke handmade case designed by Dutch designer Wouter Scheublin. DFS will present set number one at Masters of Wines and Spirits.
1949 Fine & Rare – The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition in Linley Cabinet:This single malt whisky was distilled at The Macallan Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, and has been matured in specially selected oak casks for more than 50 years. It is presented in a single limited edition set of four bottles, each with a label emblazoned with an original Annie Leibovitz photograph of Scottish actor Kevin McKidd. The bottles are presented in an exclusive handcrafted bespoke bar designed and created by the workshop of Viscount David Linley.
Dom Pérignon Balloon Venus by Jeff Koons: The Dom Pérignon and Jeff Koons collaboration is described as “an encounter between two worlds that have total faith in the power of creation”. Each Dom Pérignon vintage is said to be both a contemporary creation that characterises the present and a testimony to an unchanging style that stands the test of time. In the same manner, Jeff Koons’ Balloon Venus symbolises “the continuity of life’s energy, rebirth and sensuality”.
Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1911: The Grand Vintage Collection 1911 has been conserved for more than 100 years under optimum aging conditions in Moët & Chandon’s vintage cellars, the Grand Vintage Reserve. Kept on yeasts, the wine is said to have been enriched and protected from excessive oxidation. All of the bottles of Grand Vintage Collection 1911 were disgorged only in early 2011 in order to ensure “vintage wine of uncommon excellence”, DFS said.
The Mythical Collection of Château Lafite Rothschild: This case is a collection of the 12 vintages, from the years including 1982, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2005.
Château Latour One Decade Collection (Vintage 2000-2009): The Château Latour One Decade Vertical Pack features the 2000-2009 vintages, including two 100-point rated vintages. As wine critic Robert Parker stated: “A strong argument can be made that in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, Latour produced the wine of the vintage.” The Wine Spectator noted: “Over the past decade, Latour has been the top performing first growth, exemplified by the superb wines of 2002, 2001 and 2000.”
Grand Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases 1986 Jeroboam: Specially selected for Masters of Wines and Spirits, the 1986 Jeroboam is said to be regarded by the late Michel Delon as the greatest vintage he ever produced. It is described as a monument to classicism, “with great tannin, extraordinary delineation and a huge, full-bodied nose of sweet, ripe cassis fruit intermixed with vanilla, melon, fruitcake and a multitude of spices”. It was rated 100 in January 2003 by Robert Parker.
Gaja Barbaresco Magnum Duo: The Gaja Barbaresco Two Magnum Set comprises the rare 1982 and 1989 vintages. Only 3,000 cases of the 1982 vintage were produced, very little few of which are left in Italy. This vintage was said to be one of the first to reflect a new style and quality of Barbaresco wines, showing a transition from old traditions to new winemaking techniques and styles.
Amuse Bouche Vintage 2002-2007 Vertical: The Vertical Collection, the only one in existence, comprises six Amuse Bouche vintages in Magnum formats. Each bottle in this collection is signed by winemaker Heidi Barrett.
We’ll bring you a full report, including interviews with Michael Schriver and Francois Rosset, video and a Picture Gallery in coming days. In the meantime, here is a selection of pictures from The Moodie Report:
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“The goal of DFS is to inspire our customers tonight,” declares DFS Group Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising – Spirits, Wine, Tobacco, Food and Gifts John Hoover to the media at the National Museum of Singapore |
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Daniel Lefrancois introduces the Amuse Bouche Vintage 2002-2007 Vertical Collection comprising six vintages in Magnum formats, each signed by winemaker Heidi Barrett |
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A Century of Château Gruaud Larose, presented by General Manager David Launay, is a rare three-piece collection of vintages from the years 1905, 1955 and 2005 |
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In his signature ebullient style, The Dalmore Master Blender Richard Paterson makes use of props in his presentation of The Dalmore’s Constellation series, considered among the most valuable in the entire Masters of Wines and Spirits collection |
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The Dalmore Constellation Collection 1972 Vintage, presented with a luxury chess set crafted by Holland & Holland, with a custom Dalmore decanter holder and glassware |
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Camus Global Brand Ambassador Frédéric Dezauzier, glove in hand, handles with care the Camus Cuvées Masterpiece Organoleptic Piano (also pictured below), which houses five signature Cuvées in five separate compartments with tactile openings |
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Hennessy Winegrower Relations Manager Renaud de Gironde with the Hennessy Edition Particulière, containing eaux-de-vie that have been carefully preserved for more than a century |
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The Chabot Vintage 1888 Paradis Collection, presented by Chabot President Marc Gentzbourger, brings together the world of Armagnac and cigars in a limited, made-to-measure oak case housing Chabot Armagnac Vintage 1888 with cigars (also pictured below) |
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Chivas Brothers and Royal Salute Heritage & Brand Experience Director Peter Prentice introduces the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship Blend (also below), developed by Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger and Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop |
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The blend is presented in a bottle with a handcrafted, gold-finished metal band that bears the individual bottle number alongside the signatures of its two creators, Sandy Hyslop and Bernd Wiesberger; all proceeds from the sale will benefit the Hand in Hand for Haiti charity |
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The John Walker & Sons Master Blenders Collection – Alexander Walker Edition is a tribute to the house’s first Master Blender, Alexander Walker; the 30yo blend is housed in a Victorian-style Baccarat decanter and handmade cabinet |
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(Left) Highland Park Orcadian Vintage Series and 50 Year Old in the Cabinet by John Galvin is designed to be “the perfect drinks cabinet for the perfect whiskies”; (Right) The Dalmore Constellation Collection 1951 Vintage, said to be the oldest whisky available from The Dalmore distillery’s ownership, is also the most valuable product in the Master of Wines and Spirits collection at S$350,000 (US$280,000) | |
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1949 Fine & Rare – The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition in Linley Cabinet features four bottles – each with a label featuring an original Annie Leibovitz photograph of Scottish actor Kevin McKidd – presented in an exclusive handcrafted bespoke bar |
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Château de Laubade Private Cellar Vintages 1898 & 1938 add to the exceptional selection of Armagnac offerings at Masters of Wines and Spirits |
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The Balvenie Fifty and Tasting Archive pay homage to The Balvenie Malt Master David Stewart, who last year celebrated his fiftieth anniversary at The Balvenie Distillery |
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Duncan Taylor has commissioned Scottish artist Ian Gray to paint the 12 animals from the Chinese Zodiac for the bottles in this collection, known as The Duncan Taylor Zodiac. Each bottle is from the last-ever production of the Port Ellen Distillery, which closed in 1983 |
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Kweichow Moutai aged 80 Years is a hallmark of China’s traditional distilling process and a stunning representation of ancient Chinese culture |
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For the first time in its 200-year history, Perrier-Jouët has released a limited number of mature Belle Epoque vintage champagnes as part of the new Art of Vintage Collection. DFS is offering the vintage champagnes 1982, 1985 and 1996 at Masters of Wines and Spirits |
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The Three Jeroboams of Krug includes the Krug 1995, 1996 and Krug Grande Cuvée |
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Matured in ex bourbon oak casks for 22 years before finishing its journey in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, Glenmorangie 1963 is presented in a special Time Capsule box |
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The Martell Exclusive Makassar Case consists of four cognac blends selected by Martell Cellar Master Benoit Fil presented in ‘montres’ (cylindrical bottles) and two crystal glasses housed in a wooden case handcrafted by renowned French Cognac cabinet maker Ateliers Drevelle |
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The Gaja Barbaresco Vertical Case includes two bottles each of six vintages from one of the premier wineries of Piedmont – 1996, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2009 |
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40 Years of Château Margaux, one of the largest collections of wines from one château at Masters of Wines and Spirits, features 40 vintages, including the acclaimed vintages of 1953, 1959, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2009 |
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Another vertical 40-vintage collection (from 1970 to 2009) comes from Château Mouton Rothschild, whose colourful labels make an instant gallery of miniature art pieces |
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Masters of Wines and Spirits 2013 features a broader selection of wine brands (22 in total) from some of the most prestigious Châteaus and houses in Australia, France, Italy and the USA |
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A significant proportion of the products were sold on the night of the event itself, including this Louis XIII Rare Cask 42.6 |
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DFS Group Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus and Craig McKenna, who is leaving his role as Managing Director of DFS Asia South and DFS Venture Singapore to return to his native New Zealand, assuming responsibility for the Oceania Region as Managing Director |
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Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Managing Director Peter Sant and his wife Jenny |
The first Masters Collection event of the year
Masters of Wines and Spirits marks the inauguration of DFS’s 2013 Masters Collection, a signature programme of exhibitions that also includes the highly-celebrated Masters of Time, which will take place in Macau on 7-8 December.
“I am proud to say that this year’s Masters Collection is off to a very strong start,” said Brooks. “Building upon the success of the past two editions of Masters of Wines and Spirits, this time we have partnered with even more of the world’s best-loved brands to curate an unprecedented collection of the finest and rarest spirits, wines and Champagnes.
“As with all our Masters Collection events, I am certain that our guests will not only appreciate the depth and breadth of the collection, but also the chance to meet the Masters behind so many of these exceptional products on display. We are all very much looking forward to continuing the Masters Collection journey in the upcoming months.”
Masters of Wines and Spirits World Traveller Showcase
As part of the Masters of Wines and Spirits World Traveller Showcase, the collection will remain on display and available for sale within DFS stores at Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, and 3 from 17 November 2013 to the end of February 2014.
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The Masters of Wines and Spirits collection will remain on display and available for sale within DFS stores at Changi Airport’s Terminals 1, 2, and 3 until the end of February 2014 |
DFS Singapore Managing Director Francois Rosset said: “We are thrilled to partner with Changi Airport to showcase this exceptional collection of many of the world’s best wines and spirits in our terminal stores at Changi Airport. Through this curated showcase, we hope to delight and enhance the shopping experiences of the millions of world travellers who travel through this gateway South East Asian Airport.”
Changi Airport Group Senior Vice President, Airside Concessions Ivy Wong added: “At Changi Airport, we work closely with concession partners on innovative ways to inject even more excitement and vibrancy into our transit malls, including exclusive products and novel on-ground activities. Since it was launched in 2010, DFS’s Masters of Spirits has been a key flagship event for Changi’s liquor and tobacco business every year. We are honoured to partner DFS, for the third time, on this prestigious event, which has strengthened our position as an airport that offers a world class travel retail experience.”
