Libations Fit for a King
Libations Fit for a King by Saralyn Richard
Who’s up for some amazing libations at an exclusive party?
The dictionary definition of “libation” is “a drink poured out as a ritual offering to a deity.” (Oxford Dictionary, Oxford University Press). Sometimes libations were given as an offering to a god or spirit, often in memory of those who have passed on. Pouring libations was a common practice in many religions of antiquity, and it continues to be performed in various cultures today.
This is very likely where the ceremony of toasting before drinking alcoholic beverages derives from.
In Murder in the One Percent, the characters attend a birthday party at a mansion in the horse country of Pennsylvania. That Saturday night, they dine from an elegant nine-course menu with wines selected for their best years and perfectly matched to each course.
We would expect nothing less from the wealthy and powerful hosts in the one percent, right?
Just for fun, I priced the wines being served, using 2018 and 2024 market quotes. Following are the prices per bottle:
Champagne Krug, 2000 $225 /$597
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos, 1990 $350 /$1929
Sauternes Chateau d’Yquem, 1990 $265 /$511
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru, 2006 $125 /$235
Richebourg Leroy, 1991 $3122 /$7957
Chateau Lafitte Rothschild, 1982 $2400 /$3625
Graham’s Vintage Port $139 /$159
Hennessy Paradia Cognac $693 /$1360
That adds up to a hefty $7319 /$16,373 for just one bottle of each. Knowing these characters as I do, they would consume at least two and probably three bottles during the party, bringing the cost of libations to a whopping $21,957 /$49,119.
No wonder the guests had such a fun time at that dinner party! They ate and drank like royalty and went to bed happy. Too bad the next day, one of them woke up dead.
Saralyn Richard writes about the one percent in the Detective Parrott mystery series: MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT, A PALETTE FOR LOVE AND MURDER, CRYSTAL BLUE MURDER, and MURDER OUTSIDE THE BOX. Neither she nor Detective Parrott occupy a place in the one percent, however.
A bit costly…. especially to wake up dead rather than hung over.
You are so right, Debra!
Too expensive for my taste! I guess I’ll be sticking with Two Buck Chuck! 😉
Also for mine, Lois.
Not to sound cranky, but when you’re paying that much for wine, you’re paying for the label. And I’ve had some super pricey wines in my lifetime. Maybe not as pricey as above, but still…
At this particular party, no one is paying attention to the cost.
What a fun look back at the feast!