There are wine tastings… and then there are wine tastings at the Saatchi. Throw in some Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux, edgy modern art, a macaron tower worthy of Versailles, and prosciutto so delicate it probably had a therapist — and you’ve got yourself a night to remember. Hosted in one of London’s most stylish venues, this event brought together wine lovers, collectors, trade experts and a few curious art aficionados for an evening where the glass was always half full (well, 30–50ml anyway, until refilled).

Goedhuis & Waddesdon pulled out all the corks (and probably a few backs) for this beautifully chaotic, utterly decadent Bordeaux tasting on the 26th of November at London’s Saatchi Gallery. The theme? 2009 vs 2016 vs 2019. Think of it as Bordeaux’s version of a heavyweight showdown — only with more velvet tannins and fewer knockouts (though one or two glasses did come swinging). This was no half-hearted sip-and-swirl affair; it was an expertly curated event showcasing the evolution of three stellar vintages.

Saatchi Wine Tasting with Geodhuis Waddesdon

Where Wine Met Warped Perspectives

Modern art may not pair with everyone’s palate, but the visual chaos of the gallery was oddly perfect for a night of structured, classic claret. One minute I was nose-deep in Pauillac, the next I was locked in a staring contest with a painting that looked like a USB stick going through an existential crisis. The juxtaposition of timeless Bordeaux and avant-garde brushstrokes somehow amplified both worlds. Like wine, art is all about interpretation — and this setting encouraged plenty of both.

The Liquid Highlights

In total, I tasted 43 wines from some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious châteaux, across three standout vintages: 2009, 2016 and 2019. My top scorers (4.3/5 — keeping in mind anything over 4 is excellent for me) were:

• Ch. Langoa Barton 2009 (St Julien) – Silky yet structured. Cabernet behaving beautifully.
• Ch. Pontet Canet 2009 (Pauillac) – All muscle, no bluster. Pauillac perfection.
• Ch. Rieussec 2019 (Sauternes) – Liquid gold. A dessert wine that makes you rethink your life priorities.

Close behind were standout performances from Clos du Marquis, Ch. Talbot, Ch. Canon, Ch. Rauzan-Ségla, Ch. La Conseillante and more. The 2009 vintage dominated my top picks — ripe, plush and drinking beautifully. The 2016s were classical, elegant and built to age, while 2019s brought vibrant fruit and youthful energy that hints at great things to come.

Regions & Royalty

The tasting was a masterclass in Bordeaux’s diversity, arranged by appellation across nine gallery rooms. Guests were free to roam, glass in hand, through:

• Pessac-Léognan
• Margaux
• St Emilion
• Pomerol
• St Julien
• Pauillac
• Sauternes & Barsac

Châteaux in attendance included: Lynch-Bages, Brane Cantenac, Haut-Bailly, Rauzan-Ségla, Figeac, Canon, Duhart-Milon, La Conseillante, Pontet Canet, Rieussec — and many more. It was a rare opportunity to taste wines across vintages, styles and communes, offering a fascinating glimpse into terroir, winemaking, and cellar potential.

A Word on Goedhuis & Waddesdon

For those unfamiliar, Goedhuis & Waddesdon is no ordinary wine merchant. It’s a collaboration between Goedhuis & Co, one of the UK’s most respected fine wine specialists, and Waddesdon Wine, the wine division of the Rothschild Foundation. Together, they combine heritage, access, and genuine passion for Bordeaux and Burgundy. Whether you’re building a cellar, buying en primeur, or looking for something sensational for a Friday night dinner, their attention to detail and focus on provenance sets them apart. Events like this one reflect their ethos perfectly: wine is about more than just taste — it’s experience, connection, and a bit of theatre.

The Snacks That Deserve a Shout-Out

Macarons from PAUL were stacked like edible Pantheons of joy, and the jamón-style cured ham was sliced with such finesse it was very much worth the second trip back to the platter. Add to that a generous spread of cheese and artisan bread that added texture, richness, and a savoury backbone to the sweeter and saltier offerings. The cheese board was well-curated — not overwhelming, just the right touch of soft and firm, creamy and sharp. With crisp white linens, elegant glassware, and people who poured with grace and purpose, the snacks didn’t just complement the wine — they matched the occasion.

Instagram-Worthy Everything

From the Saatchi’s festive front draped in fairy-lit trees to the glowing rose field in Duke of York Square, the setting was like walking through a Pinterest board curated by a sommelier with an art degree. Sculptures, bold canvases, and ambient lighting created a luxurious and eclectic backdrop for swirling and sipping. If you didn’t take at least five photos, were you even there?

🥂 Final Sips

Huge thanks to Pete and the Goedhuis & Waddesdon team — not just for the wines, but for letting us enjoy them in such a magical setting. Events like this remind you that wine isn’t just about drinking. It’s about place, people (I was joined by a friend and fellow Bordeaux enthusiast), history, and the occasional philosophical debate over whether the 2016 or 2009 will age more gracefully. I left with a full camera roll, an even fuller belly, and the growing suspicion that I’d soon be justifying a mixed case of 2009s to myself.