In the heart of Madrid, an event recently took place that wine enthusiasts around the world can only dream of. Canadian engineer and passionate collector Nathan gathered nine friends at one of the city’s most prestigious restaurants to sample wines with a combined age of over fifteen centuries. The total value of the collection he brought exceeded €200,000. Among the bottles was the legendary 1982 vintage Petrus, bought at auction for €20,000, along with rare selections from Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.
The evening unfolded at García de la Navarra, located on Montalbán street. This restaurant is renowned not only for its cuisine but also for its impressive wine list—over 700 labels, all stored in optimal conditions. For this dinner, the owner reserved a private room, and Nathan personally transported his wines in special cases to ensure each bottle was served at the perfect temperature.
Guests and atmosphere
Around the table were guests from seven countries: Spain, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, and Portugal. Among those invited were two well-known oenologists, who took on the role of leading the tasting. The wines were opened one after another, allowing each guest to sample selections that are rarely seen, even at the world’s most prestigious auctions.
Spanish wines attracted particular attention: Vega Sicilia 1965, Marqués de Riscal 1925 and 1945, Viña Condonia 1934, Monte Real 1947, and Igay 1925. The Italian segment of the collection was represented by the renowned Conterno, known as the ‘wine of kings, king of wines.’ The Portuguese Boal 1863 became the true sensation of the evening—such bottles can fetch over a thousand euros at auction.
A Collection Without Borders
Each wine was introduced with a brief story, told either by Nathan himself or by the oenologists. For example, the Marqués de Riscal 1945 was described as the most expressive and complex wine of the evening. Petrus 1982, recognized as one of the finest Bordeaux in history, sparked considerable excitement. Its price is three times that of Chateau D’Yquem and ten times that of Vega Sicilia. The winery owner once said: ‘There is no moment in life worthy of Petrus. Any important event will always be less significant than this wine.’
The evening would not have been complete without Italian masterpieces. On the table appeared Monfortino from Giacomo Conterno—wines from this producer are considered the best in Piemonte and among the most valuable in the world. Barolo, made from the Nebbiolo grape, holds a special place among red wines, surpassed only by Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Evening Finale
The dinner ended with the clinking of Champagne glasses: Krug Clos de Mesnil 1990 and Louis Roederer Cristal 1979. The atmosphere was intimate, yet filled with emotion and delight at every sip. Nathan, who works in strategic risk analysis for major companies, chose to keep the details of the event private. For him, such dinners are a way to bring friends together and share his passion for rare wines.
That evening in Madrid brought together not just wine lovers, but true connoisseurs for whom every bottle is a story and a reason to gather. Luxury, flavor, and friendship became the main ingredients of a dinner that is sure to leave its mark on the capital’s culinary scene.
