Robb Report Thailand was recently invited to an exclusive evening hosted by a single private collector, Miss Nicole Pinyawat, to discover the largest ever showcase of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in Bangkok. Held for the first time ever in Bangkok, the event highlighted DRC, the Burgundy producer renowned for its highest priced wines. The most notable bottle is DRC’s Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which tends to fetch the highest price. Another 1990 vintage carries an estimated USD $14,000 to $20,000.
The evening commenced with a tasting of the fascinating Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin 1979 and Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée 1979, one of the most elegant vintages we’ve had the pleasure of relishing. With progression in intensity and delicacy, five of DRC grand cru reds were served in the following order: Échézeaux 1985 & 1990, Romanée-Saint-Vivant 1990, Richebourg 1985 & 1990, La Tâche 1985 and 1988, ending with Romanée-Conti 1990. Amongst the guests were Burgundy wine aficionados, private wine collectors, and sommeliers. We spoke to Pinyawat to discover what makes the wine collector tick.
Robb Report Thailand (RRTH): Why host a DRC night?
Nicole Pinyawat (NP): I wanted to create a once-in-a-lifetime wine dinner experience that has never been done before in Bangkok, Thailand. I also wanted to share such precious wines with people who have mutual appreciation and understanding for them. It is more sentimental for me in memory of my late father and his love for wines. I might never taste these Burgundy again, so I’m grateful for the privilege to put together such a meaningful evening.
RRTH: What is the most valuable wine you currently have in stock?
NP: Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 1990 vintage.
RRTH: How did you acquire such a large collection?
NP: It was actually from my late father, Mr. Surasak Pinyawat’s collection. He had entrusted me with these beautiful vintage wines and asked me to look after them and appreciate them.
RRTH: What other regions do you have in your collection?
NP: Besides Burgundy, I also have Bordeaux and Champagne. Then some New World wines such as Australian and Napa Valley, California.
RRTH: What regions are your personal favorites?
NP: I clearly have developed a big appreciation for Burgundy, for its intricacy and complexity.
RRTH: Will there be another wine dinner like this?
NP: There certainly will be many more wine dinners lined up. I’m just waiting for the right timing.
