In 2012, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur announced its redevelopment plans leading to the creation of the evolved entity now known as EQ Kuala Lumpur. Fortuitously, during the same year, France experienced an unprecedented growing season marked by tumultuous weather conditions, ranging from freezing cold to torrid heat, followed by a clement spring with minimal sunshine. Despite drawbacks such as hail and torrential rain persisting until the end of July, the high temperature in August successfully reclaimed the 2012 vintage. Although the harvest yielded a small quantity, it epitomised the production of one of the most unwonted champers of the 21st century—the Champagne Barons de Rothschild Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012.
With just 18,500 bottles and 2,000 magnums on hand, this vintage is highly coveted around the world. Its appeal is heightened by the fact that it’s crafted exclusively from 100 per cent chardonnay sourced from the four eminent Grand Crus vineyards of Côte des Blancs slopes, including Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger. The production process involves the sole use of cuvée, vinifying each plot individually in small 20hl stainless steel vats, with a small portion aged in barrels. The blend undergoes a lengthy ageing procedure on the fine lees in small vats, with regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) for a duration of nine months. Thereafter, it proceeds to cellar ageing on the lees for a minimum of eight years. Featuring an extra brut dosage of 4g/l, the champagne is mandated to rest for at least 12 months post-disgorgement before release.
To honour EQ Kuala Lumpur’s momentous achievements and its 50th anniversary, the group partnered with Champagne Barons de Rothschild to grant the hotel the singular rights in Malaysia to parade 240 bottles of Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012 in their cellars. EQ Kuala Lumpur now joins Ritz Paris as the only two hotels globally to receive this valued distinction. This special occasion took place at the hotel’s bespoke rooftop lounge and bar Blue, located at Sky51, which was graced by VIP attendees.
During the sampling of this fine champagne, all guests remarked that it was nothing short of extraordinary. Upon pouring, the champagne flute is greeted with a bright pale gold hue, accented by shimmering crystalline glints. Initial notes emanating from the glass reveal the profundity and richness of this vintage, mingled with a crisp, chalky minerality—supplemented with white-fleshed, roasted, and dried fruits, candied lemon, and hints of apricots and grilled almonds. On the palate, a broad and fresh entry unearths layers of depth as the bracing undercurrent of citrus touches lead to a lingering finish of toasty mocha and vanilla tinges—culminating in an interplay of piquancy and complexion. Complementing this champagne experience was a selection of canapés, including capellini with salmon and uni, and poached veal with tonnato sauce. A live duo performed slow classic hits as guests circulated against the backdrop of the Petronas Twin Towers.
“Just as Barons de Rothschild has refined its winemaking through diligent craftsmanship over the years, so has EQ Kuala Lumpur. We’re always striving to be the ultimate purveyor of Malaysian hospitality internationally. This collaboration enables our celebration of our 50th anniversary to go on long after the calendar date has passed,” said Gerard Walker, EQ Kuala Lumpur general manager. “The trust underpinning this exclusivity makes us even more committed to making EQ a world-class expression of Malaysian excellence and reception.”
The Champagne Barons de Rothschild Rare Collection Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2012 is now available for purchase at EQ Kuala Lumpur for RM3,888++ per bottle. Each bottle comes in a dedicated dark-grained wood box, with embossed Rothschild coat of arms. The vintage and year are denoted by a raised engraved metal plate, with the 50th anniversary logo embellished the top of the case.
