Charlie Trotter’s Château Margaux 1900 Auction: A $475,000 Triumph for Emeril Lagasse’s Charity

It was an extraordinary night at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Carnivale du Vin on November 16, where the lot titled “Chef Charlie Trotter’s Legacy,” featuring a remarkable bottle of Château Margaux 1900, stole the show. This notable wine came from Trotter’s personal collection, donated by his widow, Rochelle. Trotter once remarked that this bottle would be his choice for a final meal. This coveted lot also included a private dinner for four couples at Emeril’s in New Orleans, a longtime recipient of a Wine Spectator Grand Award, prepared by Trotter’s good friend, Emeril Lagasse.

Before the auction commenced, Lagasse shared an amazing surprise: Marvin R. Shanken, the editor and publisher of Wine Spectator, had pledged $100,000 to purchase the lot, prompting cheers from the audience. However, Shanken had an even grander idea. He announced that he would donate the lot back to the Foundation for another round of bidding.

Soon, the auctioneer, DawnMarie Kotsonis, energized the crowd as the bidding began. The price quickly escalated, reaching $200,000, when David and Shelly Kim of Southern California emerged as the winning bidders. In a generous gesture, Shelly announced they would donate the lot back once again, leading to the runner-up securing the lot for $175,000. In total, this remarkable auction raised an astounding $475,000 to benefit children in the 16 states supported by the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

By the close of the event, the 20th live auction of Carnivale du Vin had amassed a staggering total of $1.86 million. Including contributions from silent auctions and various weekend events, the charity raised over $3 million.

Founded by Lagasse and his wife, Alden, in 2002, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation initially focused on children’s charities in New Orleans but has expanded its reach across the country. The foundation has provided approximately $20 million in grants, with a strong emphasis on youth programs in culinary, nutrition, and the arts.

The ongoing friendship and culinary collaboration between Trotter and Lagasse date back to the 1980s, a peak era for fine dining in the U.S. Both chefs were known for their deep appreciation of wine, with their establishments earning Wine Spectator Grand Awards.

Tragically, Trotter passed away in 2013 at the age of 54, shortly after retiring to pursue other passions. Rochelle reflected on the auction, stating that although she intended to keep the wine after Trotter’s passing, his philanthropic spirit inspired her to part with it for a good cause. Lagasse noted the immense generosity displayed at the event, emphasizing the powerful impact of their collective efforts to aid young people across the nation.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!