Early Bird |
January 1 |
Day Of |
| $475 plus gratuity and cc fees = $599 | $525 plus gratuity and cc fees = $660 | $750 inclusive |
Deposit: $50
Join Ian Blackburn + Learnaboutwine in welcoming the wines of Vega Sicilia with special guest Dennis Fassett of Vega Sicilia. This is a showcase producer with a diverse set of top quality brands under ownership - we will taste a nice cross section of some of the best in SPAIN.
The setting, we will occupy the private space on the 71st floor at 71Above. Javiar, the Chef, has dialed in a great menu for the occasion. You will have a chance to purchase the wines from the ESTATE at the dinner. *Dinner menu TBA and will adjust per the season. **We can accommodate any dietary restrictions with a 72 hour notice.
FIRST COURSE — OREMUS
2023 Oremus Mandolás Dry Furmint
92 Points — James Suckling | Valued at $40 Retail
2020 Oremus Petrács Dry Furmint — Magnum
94 Points — James Suckling | Valued at $400 Retail
SECOND COURSE — THE FAMILY BUSINESS
2020 Pintia, Toro
95 Points — James Suckling | Valued at $95 Retail
2022 Macán Clásico, Rioja
94 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | Valued at $80 Retail
THIRD COURSE
2022 Alión, Ribera del Duero
95 Points — Wine Spectator | Valued at $150 Retail
2021 Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º Año, Ribera del Duero
98 Points — James Suckling | Valued at $300 Retail
FOURTH COURSE
2016 Vega Sicilia Único, Ribera del Duero
99 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | Valued at $700 Retail
NV Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial — 2023 Release
97 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | Valued at $800 Retail
DESSERT
2017 Oremus Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos
96 Points — James Suckling | Valued at $160 Retail
Founded in 1864 in Spain’s Ribera del Duero, Vega Sicilia is one of the world’s most legendary wine estates and a benchmark for Spanish fine wine. Known for extraordinary patience in both vineyard and cellar, the estate produces remarkably complex, age-worthy wines led by its iconic Único and Valbuena 5º bottlings. Since acquiring Vega Sicilia in 1982, the Álvarez family has expanded its vision into TEMPOS Vega Sicilia, encompassing acclaimed projects including Alión in Ribera del Duero, Pintia in Toro, Macán in Rioja, and Oremus in Hungary’s historic Tokaj region.
Europvin USA I have been in the wine business in Southern California going on 25 years. I have been a buyer, independent broker and worked for large liquor focused companies. I have been selling Vega Sicilia wines for the past 12 years along side other iconic European brands. I now cover the Western US for Vega Sicilia, Clos Mogador, Lustau sherry among other top Spanish houses.
At 71Above, each dish is a masterpiece crafted by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, blending seasonal ingredients with modern American flair. From the delicate Japanese Sea Bream Crudo to the bold Grilled Ribeye and decadent Illanka Chocolate Semifreddo, every bite is elevated by breathtaking 360º views of Los Angeles. Whether indulging in caviar service or savoring a handcrafted pasta, the menu invites you on a journey of culturally inspired flavors from the Los Angeles communities that we are inspired by.
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles and almost 1,000 feet above ground level, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Executive Chef Javier Lopez prepares elevated seasonal modern American cuisine coupled with spectacular 360º views. From Malibu to Laguna Hills and the surrounding mountain ranges, guests can enjoy an uninterrupted panorama in an upscale, romantic atmosphere.
In addition to the magnificent views, 71Above offers a variety of dining experiences. Guests may choose to dine within the buzz of the bar, our relaxed bistro-style SkyLounge, or the lively main dining room. We also offer an interactive chef’s table experience facing our open kitchen, edge tables positioned looking out over West Los Angeles, and quieter, semi-private dining areas.
For special events and fully secluded dining, 71Above offers one large and two small private dining rooms overlooking Dodger Stadium.
633 W 5TH STREET, 71ST FLOOR, LOS ANGELES
Dinner Policy
All tickets are non-refundable. We can adjust your menu for dietary needs up to 72 hours prior without any additional cost. Wines can change without notice, failure or corked wine at the dinner does not result in any type of credit or refund. We open one bottle minimum per paying guest, and can reduce the total number of bottles being opened so that the dinner does not have to cancel should ticket sales not reach the minimum. Fewer bottles / larger pours - you will get the same quantity of wine and we always open the best wines for the quality of the event. Cancellation due to illness is not allowed, you may however take food to go - or assign your seat to someone else without fee. The perishable nature of our product requires no cancellation, no credit, no refunds for any reason.
About
IAN BLACKBURN
Ian Blackburn, CSW, Event Producer
Ian discovered the wine industry while visiting the Napa Valley as a Culinary Student. Ian moved his focus to the front of the house, while working with Thomas Keller and Joachim Splichal in Los Angeles. Now in his 30th year hosting events; leading trips around the wine world; Ian has published a wine education book and is working on a new one; Ian has his own wine brand called Beekeeper Cellars and has sat for the difficult Master of Wine Exam! Today, Ian is considered one of the region’s best wine educators and works for his 120,000 followers (follow me), visiting vineyards and wine regions and produce over 100 wine classes and events per year for Learnaboutwine.com
