How Business Conversations Can Get Better With the Right Wine Bottle on the Table
I've always believed that wine is one of the best ways to get a good conversation going, and when business is involved, the bottle you choose can make the experience even more memorable. So, I headed to NoMI inside the Park Hyatt Chicago for an important business meeting, and guys, this is the kind of place that makes talking business feel a lot less like work. Great atmosphere, incredible food, and a wine list that gives you plenty to talk about before the meeting even gets started. But for this particular afternoon, I wanted something special on the table. We started with a 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, a Bordeaux with nearly 20 years of age behind it. And believe me, this was a bottle worth spending some time with.
A Business Meeting That Deserved a Special Bottle
Where Business Meets a Great Wine Experience
There's something about having a business meeting at a place like NoMI that changes the whole experience. Located inside the Park Hyatt Chicago, it's an elegant restaurant where you can settle in, enjoy good food, and actually spend some time having a conversation without feeling like you're sitting in another conference room.
Also, one of the things I appreciate about a restaurant with a serious wine program is that the wine becomes part of the experience. It gives everyone something to enjoy, something to discuss, and occasionally something to discover together.
Now, I'm not saying every business meeting needs an expensive bottle of wine. But when the occasion calls for something special, I think the right wine can make a difference. And if you've ever wondered what you're really paying for when you choose a special bottle, I've explored that question before.
For this meeting, we decided to start with a bottle that had already spent nearly two decades developing its character.
Château La Mission Haut-Brion: A Bordeaux Estate With a Remarkable History
An Exquisite Bottle to Start the Conversation
We're talking about the 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion from Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France. It is a wine with approximately 20 years of age. That's a long time for a bottle to develop, and when you open something like this, there's a certain anticipation. You want to see what those years have done to it.
The moment I smelled the wine, I could tell it had evolved beautifully.
There was dark fruit, dried rose petals, herbs that reminded me of thyme and oregano, and some spice. Everything seemed to work together without one particular characteristic taking over.
But what really impressed me was the elegance.
The wine was incredibly well balanced, and that's something I appreciate when drinking Bordeaux with this kind of age. You're experiencing a wine that has had time to develop beyond its younger, fruit-driven personality.
We spent some time with that bottle, and believe me, it deserved the attention.
A Historic Estate in Pessac-Léognan
Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of Bordeaux's celebrated estates, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves wine-growing area.
Its history stretches back centuries, and the estate has earned an international reputation for producing wines capable of developing beautifully over time.
The property is closely associated with Château Haut-Brion, another renowned Bordeaux estate. Both are owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon, although they maintain their own identities and produce distinct wines.
La Mission Haut-Brion's red wines are generally based on Bordeaux's traditional grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
The proportions vary according to the vintage, as do the wines' personalities.
Its reputation rests on a combination of quality, complexity, structure, and aging potential. For collectors and enthusiasts, mature examples can offer an opportunity to experience the estate's character after years of development.
What Made the 2006 Vintage Memorable
The 2006 vintage of Château La Mission Haut-Brion was produced from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
As with other serious Bordeaux wines, the vintage's character reflects the growing season, grape selection, winemaking decisions, and subsequent maturation.
But an important point about older wine is that its condition matters enormously. Two bottles of the same vintage can show differently if they've been stored under different conditions.
Consistent, appropriate storage helps preserve a wine's ability to develop gracefully. Excessive heat, temperature fluctuations, and poor storage can affect the drinking experience.
When a mature wine is showing well, the reward can be extraordinary.
What Makes a 20-Year-Old Bordeaux So Special?
Understanding How Bordeaux Changes With Age
Bordeaux is particularly interesting because many of its most respected red wines are produced with aging potential in mind.
Young Bordeaux can be quite structured. Depending on the wine, you might notice firm tannins, pronounced acidity, concentrated fruit, and aromas associated with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Over time, some of those characteristics begin to change.
Tannins can become softer, the fruit may seem less dominant, and new aromas can emerge as the wine develops in the bottle. The result can be a more integrated experience, where no single element demands all your attention.
That doesn't mean every older Bordeaux will automatically be better than a younger one. Aging potential depends on the wine's quality, structure, vintage, storage conditions, and personal taste. Some wines are at their most enjoyable when they're relatively young, while others reward patience.
What makes an aged bottle compelling is the opportunity to discover how it has developed.
Why Older Wines Develop More Complex Aromas
Wine aromas are often discussed in three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
Primary aromas come mainly from the grapes themselves. In red Bordeaux, these can include blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and other fruit characteristics, along with herbal or floral notes.
Secondary aromas develop through winemaking processes such as fermentation and oak maturation. Depending on the wine, these might include spice, toast, vanilla, or other characteristics influenced by how it was produced.
Tertiary aromas emerge as wine ages. These can include dried flowers, leather, tobacco, forest floor, earthy notes, and more developed expressions of fruit.
This is where an older Bordeaux can become particularly compelling. Instead of tasting primarily fresh fruit, you may find layers of aromas that weren't as noticeable when the wine was young.
In the 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, I noticed dark fruit alongside dried rose petals, thyme, oregano, and spice.
Those aromas gave the wine a beautiful sense of development.
Elegance Matters More Than Power
When people talk about impressive red wines, there's often a lot of attention given to concentration, richness, and power.
And there's nothing wrong with enjoying a big, bold wine.
But drinking something with 20 years of age can offer a different kind of pleasure.
For me, the appeal of this particular Bordeaux was its evolution. The fruit was there, but the wine had so much more going on. Its balance and elegance made it a pleasure to spend time with.
That's one of the reasons aged wine can be such an engaging part of a conversation. There's something to explore in the glass, and as you spend time with it, you may notice details that weren't immediately apparent.
Great Wine, Good Food, and a Table Full of Conversation
The NoMI Park Board Alongside Our Bordeaux
Of course, we weren't going to sit there enjoying all that wine without ordering something to eat.
We started with NoMI's Park Board, a selection of charcuterie-style items that included cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.
It's the kind of plate that works well for a table where people are talking and sharing food. Everyone can enjoy a little of this, try a little of that, and keep the conversation moving.
From a general wine-pairing perspective, charcuterie boards can offer several interesting combinations because the different ingredients have their own levels of salt, fat, acidity, and intensity.
Cured meats can have concentrated savory flavors, while cheeses vary considerably depending on their age, texture, and style. Accompaniments such as preserves or pickled ingredients add other dimensions.
With a mature Bordeaux, those differences can become noticeable because the wine may have a more delicate balance than a powerful young red.
A Change of Direction With Another Château
After spending time with the Bordeaux, I wanted to change direction.
So I ordered another Château, one of my favorites, to add some complexity and keep the conversation going.
Different wines have different personalities, and moving between them can change the experience at the table.
Sometimes the conversation is about the wine itself. Other times, the wine simply helps create the kind of relaxed atmosphere where people feel comfortable talking.
For this meeting, we had a little of both.
Sushi at NoMI and an Unexpected Wine Combination
We also ordered several sushi rolls.
And if you've been to NoMI, you know sushi is an important part of the restaurant's menu.
Now, Bordeaux and sushi probably aren't the first pairing most people would think of.
Sushi is more commonly associated with drinks such as sake, Champagne, or certain white wines. Those choices often complement the delicate flavors of fish, rice, and other ingredients without overpowering them.
Red wine can be more challenging, especially when tannins interact with certain seafood flavors. The ingredients in the rolls, the sauces, and the structure of the wine can all influence how a pairing works.
But wine pairing isn't always about following the most traditional combination.
We had several rolls on the table, great wine in our glasses, and an experience we were enjoying.
And hey, when it works, it works.
Why Wine Can Be Such a Good Foundation for Business Conversations
There's Something About Sharing a Great Bottle
I've always said and I really believe that wine is one of the best platforms for conversation.
Think about what happens when you open a special bottle with someone. You pour the wine, take a moment to appreciate it, and before you know it, there's something to talk about.
Maybe somebody notices a particular aroma. Maybe another person has visited the region where the wine was made. Or maybe it's simply a bottle nobody at the table has tried before.
The wine becomes a shared experience.
Now, when business is involved, I think the choice deserves a little more consideration. That same attention to the occasion matters when choosing a corporate gift, something I've discussed in more detail before.
I also have talked before about the experience of ordering wine at a restaurant, and how much a good wine conversation can add to the occasion.
It can't always be just any bottle.
For our meeting at NoMI, the 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion was an exceptional way to begin. It was a wine with history, age, complexity, and plenty of character.
The Atmosphere Is Part of the Experience
Of course, the bottle isn't the only thing that matters.
The restaurant, the service, the food, and the people sitting around the table all contribute to the experience.
NoMI has an atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy a meeting over lunch or dinner. You can appreciate the surroundings, spend time with the wine, and allow the conversation to develop naturally.
There's also a difference between a meeting where everyone is focused on getting through an agenda and one where people have the opportunity to connect.
A restaurant setting can encourage a more personal exchange, although the right environment will always depend on the people involved and the purpose of the meeting.
Wine can be part of that experience when everyone is comfortable enjoying it. A thoughtful nonalcoholic choice can serve the same purpose for someone who prefers not to drink.
What matters is creating a setting where people can connect.
I love NoMI, and this visit reminded me why. We had an important business meeting, a beautiful setting inside the Park Hyatt Chicago, some great food, and a 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion that was absolutely magnificent. The dark fruit, dried rose petals, herbs, spice, and incredible balance made it a wine I was happy to spend time with. At nearly 20 years old, it was a wonderful example of how much character a Bordeaux can develop. But beyond the wine itself, I enjoyed the experience of sharing it around the table. I believe great wine can be a great platform for meaningful conversations. And when those conversations involve business, choosing something special can make the occasion even more memorable. So, guys, I'd love to know: Where do you like to take your business meetings? And if you ever want some help choosing a special bottle for an occasion like this, that's something I'm always happy to help with. Until next time, cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is NoMI Restaurant Located in Chicago?
NoMI is located inside the Park Hyatt Chicago at 800 North Michigan Avenue, near Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The restaurant is known for its upscale dining experience, city views, wine selection, and sushi offerings.
What Wine Did You Drink at NoMI Chicago?
I started the business meeting with a 2006 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, a red Bordeaux from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in France. The wine was magnificent, noting dark fruit, dried rose petals, thyme, oregano, spice, and exceptional balance. I also ordered a second Château during the meeting.
Is Château La Mission Haut-Brion a Good Wine for Aging?
Château La Mission Haut-Brion is widely recognized for producing red Bordeaux wines with significant aging potential. Its wines typically have the structure, concentration, and balance necessary for long-term development, although the ideal drinking window varies by vintage and storage conditions.
What Happens to Red Bordeaux After 20 Years?
A well-stored Bordeaux with sufficient aging potential may develop softer tannins, more integrated flavors, and complex tertiary aromas. Notes of dried flowers, leather, tobacco, earth, and spice can become more noticeable as youthful fruit characteristics evolve. However, not every Bordeaux is intended to age for two decades.
What Are Tertiary Aromas in Wine?
Tertiary aromas are characteristics that develop as wine ages, either in a barrel or bottle. They may include dried flowers, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushrooms, and other earthy or savory notes. These aromas are part of what makes mature wines particularly appealing to many enthusiasts.
Can You Pair Bordeaux Wine With Sushi?
Bordeaux and sushi can be a challenging combination, especially when the wine has pronounced tannins and the sushi includes delicate seafood. However, sushi rolls vary widely in ingredients and preparation. Richer or more savory combinations may work better with certain red wines than delicate raw fish. The specific wine and dish matter more than a general rule.
Is NoMI Chicago a Good Restaurant for Business Meetings?
NoMI offers an upscale dining environment inside the Park Hyatt Chicago, making it an option for business lunches and dinners. Its setting, service, wine program, and food selection can suit occasions where guests want to enjoy a meal while having a conversation.
Why Choose an Aged Bordeaux for a Special Occasion?
An aged Bordeaux can offer a distinctive tasting experience because years of development may create complex aromas, softened tannins, and an integrated structure. For wine enthusiasts, opening a mature bottle can also provide an engaging shared experience, particularly when the wine has been carefully stored and is showing well.
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