AFFLUENT PAGE

APRIL 2011

Luxury Auto Issue

8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDES 2011
for

Rolls-Royce, Phantom Drophead Coupé

Bodacious Brit King of Diamonds Invitation Only

The Aston Martin Graff Expands His Empire The Super Exclusive
One-77 To South Africa Lancia Stratos
$25.00
FORALL USA, INC • LUCA SPANO • 29 W.57TH STREET • 7TH FLOOR • NEW YORK, NY 10019 • TEL. 212.751.8585 • FAX. 212.751.8673 PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOB KRIEGER
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 open up to extreme thinking.

Wind. Sky. The open road. Nothing beats the feeling of open-top
motoring in a supercar. If you’re also attracted to the extreme driving
of our Continental Superports, you’ll love the new convertible. A mus-
cular four-seater with distinctive exterior and interior styling, it is the
epitome of open-top motoring. Power up the roof and experience the
sumptuous comfort and refinement of the driver-focussed environment.
Or lower it in just seconds and enjoy the rush of wind and glow of the
sun – all in a car that can still power effortlessly past 200mph.
This is the extreme Bentley open-top driving experience for those
who demand supercar performance with exquisite Bentley craftsmanship.
The 621bhp engine provides a remarkable 590lb ft of torque, propelling
you from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of
202 mph. But more than raw figures, it affirms our commitment to de-
velop the world’s highest-powered FlexFuel production car: a 6-litre
engine that runs on biofuel, gasoline or a mix of both – all in a Bentley
way.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2010 Bentley Motors, Inc. Model shown: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible.
For details on the extreme open-top Bentley, please go to www.longisland.bentleymotors.com

BENTLEY LONG ISLAND

115 South Service Road, Jericho, NY 11753 Tel: 877 333 1774
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W W W. H A s t e n s o n B e v e r ly. C o m
JUDITH RIPKA.COM
 Se
C oct
n tien
o ntT
s i t le

Features AP R I L 2 0 1 1

40

33 Top Supercars for 2011

From Bugatti to Shelby, we reveal the
latest supreme supercars.

52 Delaire Graff Estate

A jewelry salon, winery and spa are just a few of
the amenities awaiting your arrival in South Africa,
where Laurence Graff extends his empire beyond
the diamond business.

52
10 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
El Toro
Patented Perpetual Calendar. Self-winding movement.
Platinum case with ceramic bezel. Water-resistant to 100 m.

Also available in 18 ct rose gold.

Limited to 500 pieces.

W W W . U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M F O R A C ATA L O G , C A L L 5 6 1 - 9 8 8 - 8 6 0 0 O R E M A I L : U S A 7 4 @ U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M
 CO n t en t s

Departments APRIL 2011

18

18 The Ride 68 Design

Aston Martin unleashes a vehicle that
would give James Bond a run for his money.
22 Time
Harry Winston unveils the rare
Histoire de Tourbillon 2.
24 Sparkle
Chopard commemorates its 150th anniversary Hotel Barcelona.
with an haute joaillerie Animal Collection.
28 Perfection
A German business tycoon collaborates with
Pininfarina to reintroduce the Lancia Stratos.
62 Insider
RM Auctions European managing director
74 shares essential tips for purchasing classic
cars on auction.
12 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
Eddie Meeks proves he does not have
to rely on technology to build the
ideal automobile.
70 Escape
Patricia Urquiola blends the romance
of Spain with a state-of-the-art
aesthetic for Mandarin Oriental
74 Indulge
Henri Lurton nurtures Classified growth
Bordeaux for Brane-Cantenac wine.
80 Last Word
Morgan Motor Company creates
a three-wheel vehicle that makes its
own lane.
ON THE COVER: Rolls-Royce,
Phantom Drophead Coupé, pg. 46
Aaron Basha Boutique • 680 Madison Avenue • New York • 212.935.1960 • w w w.aaronbasha.com
Athens • Dubai • Hong Kong • Italy • Kiev • London • Moscow • Qatar • Tokyo

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC • Neiman Marcus • Harrods

 Published By

Epic One Media, LLC

Founder & Publisher
Mario Jourdan

Creative and Editorial Director

Rosetta Nichole Mitchell

Graphic Designer
Barry Gloffke

Managing Editor
Christine Thomasos

Digital Media Manager

John Santos

Contributors
Tom LaPointe
Ralph DiGennaro
Marisa D’Vari
Michael Frank
Ariel Jastromb
Joseph Maldarelli
Alison Crisp Stockley
Kim Romagnuolo
Amanda Brower

National Advertising Sales

Tristan Michael

Affluent Page
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New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212.359.9502
Fax: 646.792.3262
www.AffluentPage.com

Affluent Page is published by Epic One Media, LLC and

does not assume liability for products or services advertised in
its pages. All views expressed in all articles are those of the
authors and are not necessarily those of Affluent Page. All
letters and their contents sent to Affluent Page become the sole
property of Affluent Page and may be used and published in any
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and liability to the author thereof. Copyright © 2011 by
Affluent Page, an Epic One Media, LLC publication. All
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therefrom without wr itten per mission is prohibited.
 ®

T H E U L T I M AT E I N L U X U R Y L I F E S T Y L E A C C E S S O R I E S

To find the nearest Davidoff Store call 1-800-213-2340 or visit davidoff.com.

 E D ITO R ’ S LETTE R
W
ith a reputation built on success, your next
automotive purchase should exude the same
opulence. Not only does this issue of the Affluent Page
offer you more than a dozen exclusive options for
ultimate four-wheeled performance and pleasure, but exquisite
ways to satisfy your palette, your timepiece passion and even an
ultra-luxe getaway in the diamond capital of the world.As
automobile aficionados ready to discover the next new design, it
would almost be remiss to overlook the skill level of inventor
Eddie Meeks. Although we have given you a glimpse of the types
of creative feats Meeks can accomplish,we have also showcased
the newest releases from some of your favorite brands.
Not only do we detail such incredible machines as the inspired
Aston Martin One-77 and unique Lancia Stratos, but we round
up ten amazing cars that collectively crank out more than 8,000
horsepower and are sure to delight your pent-up thirst for power,
16 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
speed and exclusivity. Our coverage of hot rides extends to a
two-wheeler that is as much a piece of art as it is a machine.
This issue also includes our take on a unique collection of
baubles from one of the world’s preeminent jewelers and
watchmakers, and a look at a groundbreaking new tourbillion
timepiece from another legendary craftsman.Take a virtual sip of
the “Lamborghini of the wine world” and plan a luxurious South
African vacation that is beyond imagination.
So press the start button, slip into first gear, and roll through
these pages filled with the best the world has to offer.
Rosetta Nichole Mitchell
Editorial and Creative Director
 R I DE

Bodacious Brit
Incredible Aston Martin One-77
supercar is the real deal.
By Tom Lapointe

T
he next time James Bond heads to the market
for a new car, the incredible Aston Martin One-77
supercar is a shoe-in to make the short list. There is
no need for cliché weapons or defensive measures on
this beast. Its voluptuous curves announce its performance intent
and a massive V12 engine backs that up with 750 screaming
horsepower. Nearly two years after its debut at the prestigious
Concorso d’Eleganza on the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa
d’Este in Italy, production vehicles are making their way into
the hands of eager buyers. As the name implies, only 77 of the
handcrafted vehicles are scheduled to roll with few available
units remaining at press time.
As the famed British sports car company nears its 100th
birthday, the amazing One-77 gives the marque a halo
supercar with outrageous performance
potential that matches its looks. From its signature front grill
to its muscular shoulders in the rear, the car has Aston Martin’s
unmistakable outline, while at the same time, it pushes the design
envelope to extremes. In particular, the air intakes that bisect the
connection between the front bumper and fender on either side
of the signature grill are extremely aggressive, and its single strake
in either door helps differentiate it from mere “normal” Astons.
A handcrafted aluminum body is stretched over a high-tech
carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and the company will
reportedly leverage its race car expertise to specially
tune the suspension of each car for every
buyer’s preferences.

20 AFFLUENT PAGE | MARCH 2011

 “…the amazing One-77 gives the
marque a halo supercar with
outrageous performance potential
that matches its looks.”

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 19

 Ride
Aston Martin One-77
Manufactured: England
List Price: $2 million (approx.)
Available: Now
Engine: 7.3-liter V12 with dry sump lubrication
Horsepower: 750 bhp
Torque: 553.2 pound / feet
Layout: Front midmounted engine / rear drive
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Length: 15 ft
Width: 6.5 ft
Curb Weight: 3,300 pounds (approx.)
Zero-To-60: 3.5 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 220 mph
“The craftsmanship and design that has gone into the creation
of the Aston Martin One-77 lifts automotive engineering
into the realm of art,” said Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr.
Ulrich Bez. “With its finely sculpted forms and sleek lines, it is
an expression of unparalleled beauty that embodies everything
Aston Martin stands for.”
While the One-77 has enough curb appeal to ensure it garners
20 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
“...its powerful 750-horsepower,
7.3-liter V12 engine guarantees
credibility as a performance contender
in any cocktail party discussion—
or track event.”
all the attention in any valet line or exotic car event, its powerful
750-horsepower, 7.3-liter V12 engine guarantees credibility as
a performance contender in any cocktail party discussion—or
track event. If you like Aston Martin’s symphony of cylinders in
the DB9 and DBS sports cars, you will love the modified version
that has been specially tuned by Cosworth to make the One-77
a performance powerhouse. Racing-style dry sump lubrication
allows the front midmounted engine to be mounted four inches
lower in the chassis, which benefits handling. A strengthened
version of the DB9’s six-speed automated manual transmission
with paddle shifters helps get the prodigious power to the
ground, while massive carbon ceramic brakes give it effective
stopping power and a huge air diffuser in the rear helps keep it
planted firmly on the ground.
Aston Martin continues to tout its thorough testing process
for the new car, and reported that the first production unit was
delivered in February. Dr. Bez explained it would be easier to
make a one-off concept car than a full production run, referring
to the project as “77 one-offs.”With the company’s commitment
to ultimate performance and a limited release, the One-77 is sure
to be not only a star in any automotive crowd, but it has long-
term collectability potential, as well.
Aston Martin, +44.1908.305530, www.astonmartin.com
Our idea of the perfect wetsuit.

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 Time
History Class:
Harry Winston: Histoire de Tourbillon 2
The aptly-named new edition continues the jewelry house’s pioneering spirit.
I
n keeping with its inventive sense of design and constant
exploration into new ideas at once aesthetic and func-
tional, the House of Harry Winston has rewritten history,
so to speak, with its Histoire de Tourbillon 2, which the
company unveiled at Baselworld, the recent, annual international
watch and jewelry show in Basel, Switzerland.
This highly unusual and striking timepiece actually
represents a second edition of Winston’s
original Histoire de Tourbillon series
launched in 2009—itself a ground-
breaking watch that likewise artfully
“...Winston describes
another three on the
case-back as “windows
to a futuristic world in
which technology forges
the passing of time.”
combined both technical sophistication and
pioneering innovation in design. Powered
by an exclusive mechanical hand-wound
movement, the Histoire de Tourbillon 2
retains the sci-fi appeal and design sensibility
originally developed by Maximilian Büsser,
Winston’s watch-making wunderkind often
credited as the man most responsible for the
esteemed jewelry house’s virtual overnight
success in the realm of complicated horological
achievements through his celebrated Opus series.
Though limited to just 20 pieces, the new
18-karat white gold Histoire de Tourbillon 2 is
already being viewed as Winston’s latest signature-style timepiece
given its bi-axial flying tourbillon with running seconds at 9
o’clock, the hours with day to night indication at 2 o’clock and
the minutes at 6 o’clock and displays isolated in independent
subdials with their own partitioned fields of expression set at
varying levels.
22 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
By Ralph DiGennaro
Further innovations abound, including the two concentric
carriages on the tourbillon that increase precision by enabling
the regulating organ to perform multidimensional rotations.
Visually striking, the outer titanium carriage completes one full
turn in 120 seconds and houses an internal carriage that revolves
in just 40 seconds and maintains the balance, balance-spring
and escapement.
The subdials are underscored by a
beveled inner bezel ring, and swept over
with orange-accented hands that stand
out against the backdrop of an opaline
black dial. Readability is also enhanced
by day to night indications, which
distinguish night and day by color:
orange for day and blue for night.
The decidedly masculine appeal
of the Histoire de Toubillon 2 is
reflected in two additional dial
aper tures set in a straight-line
guilloché motif adding a finishing
touch to the watch’s aesthetic appeal.
Apart from the complexity of the inner
mechanism, few would argue that Büsser’s
design is pretty intense and innovative not
just in design, but pure aesthetics. The
Histoire de Tourbillon 2 features a hand-crafted,
handsome circular-grained, polished and shot-
peened finish, highlighting the timepiece’s
many components in “an extraordinary contrast
between light and dark shades.”
In addition, the watch features eight sapphire
crystals. Three of the five on the dial side provide
time indications, and the House of Harry Winston
descr ibes another three on the case back as
“windows to a futuristic world in which technology
forges the passing of time.”
The oversize 48.5mm case of the Histoire de
Tourbillon 2 has a power reserve of up to 50 hours, features
a matte black alligator strap and is water resistant up to
30 meters. Price available upon request.
Harry Winston, 212.245.2000, www.harrywinston.com
 The Palm Beach Driving Club offers an exclusive
experience to test your car and its limits around the two
mile road course at Palm Beach International Raceway.
Located in sunny South Florida, the facility features an
11-turn road course and 40-ft wide ribbon of asphalt
that will challenge both the car and the driver.
R

Time for you to experience the performance of your

automobile with an evening at the Palm Beach Driving
Club. Escape the buzz of the working world and enjoy
PALMBEACHDRIVINGCLUB.COM dinner, laps and stories all under the lights at Palm
Beach International Raceway.

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lvaughn@racepbir.com.
 Sparkle
Animal
Planet
Chopard Celebrates 150 years of excellence in fine jewelry
with a 150-piece collection of unprecedented proportions.
By Ariel Jastromb
F
amed Swiss jeweler and watchmaker,
Chopard, celebrates 150 years of
imagination, luxury and wonder with
Animal Planet: a 150-piece fairytale haute
joaillerie collection of baubles inspired by the animal
kingdom, from the everyday to the rare and mythical.
Chopard Co-President and Artistic Director Caroline Gruosi-
Scheufele devised the collection, settling on the theme of animals
to honor her love and appreciation for them. The collection
melds the best of new technology at Chopard with techniques
that have been central to the core of its jewelry-making process
since the beginning. In addition to the usual parade of gorgeous
rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds, Chopard’s Animal
Planet collection welcomes quartz, kunzites, pearls, Paraíba
tourmalines, moonstones, red gold, titanium and precious woods
to enhance and authenticate the natural experience of an animal
and its habitat.
Gruosi-Scheufele poured over various specialized
encyclopedias and a Chinese calendar and mythical materials
to cull her collection of both worldly and other-worldly beasts.
From the usual bee and frog to the hippopotamus, stork and
majestic dragon, Chopard’s anniversary collection literally leaves
no stone unturned. Each piece is crafted from flawless gems,
24 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
metals and woods, such as an 11.43-carat, pear-
cut brown diamond imagined as a turtle. Its shell
is pavéd and set with 370 brilliant champagne,
cognac and deep chestnut brown diamonds to
resemble the turtle’s delicate scales.
Other pieces, such as the Clownfish plastron
necklace, boast more than 2,160 stones of all
hues from diamonds, apatites, aquamarines
and sapphires to Paraíba tourmalines, quartz,
moonstones and chalcedonies. It took more than
750 hours of Chopard genius and craftsmanship
to create the necklace, which depicts four clownfish
suspended in the fluid splendor of the ocean. Another
ocean creature, the sea horse, claims its stake in the
spectacular collection by way of a pair of earrings. The pair’s
onyx eyes radiate outwards to a body smothered in brilliant-cut
diamonds lending the sea horse its elusive and magical quality.
Perhaps most wondrous of all, however, is the cloud of 108
effervescent rose-cut diamonds resembling bubbles that cushion
the bottom of each sea horse as it makes its journey through the
sea of air above the neck.
A pair of storks in midair makes a perfect present to an
expectant mother or for a birthday, Mother’s Day or no holiday
in particular. Chopard’s Stork earrings are adorned with a
multitude of black-and-white diamonds set in white gold. The
surprise, of course, is in the packaging: A little blue bundle of
topaz represents a sleeping baby boy, while you’ll find a little girl
nestled among a subtle drop of pink kunzite.
For the admirer of rare, quality gems the world over, it doesn’t
get any better than Chopard. Celebrate a very happy birthday
by delighting in a fit of her fancy—Chopard’s Animal Kingdom
simply dazzles.
Chopard, 212.223.2304, www.chopard.com
 Celebrating
Celebrating25
25years
yearsin
inNew
NewYork
York

Restaurant
Restaurant
182 West
182 West58th street
58th street
( Corner of of
( Corner 7 Ave)
7 Ave)
(212) 245
(212) 2452214
2214

Boutique
Boutique
911 7th
911 Avenue
7th Avenue
Bet 58th and 57th
Bet 58th and 57th
(212) 245
(212) 2217
245 2217
Please
Pleasecall
callto
toinquire
inquireabout
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ourAnniversary
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MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 27
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 Perfection

Super Exclusive
Exotic A lightweight and sleek design makes this
car speed past the competition.

By Michael Frank

28 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

 “...if the rebirth of this
car, the new Lancia
Stratos, was to stand for
anything, it had to be
about producing the
very best handling
sports car on earth.”

I
t’s a foot shorter, 500 pounds lighter and gets 33 more
horsepower than the vaunted Porsche Carrera Turbo. But
fast isn’t the best adjective for the Lancia Stratos. This car
is going to put the fear of God into Ferrari, Porsche and
Aston Martin owners. It will not only outsprint those marques,
but out-corner them as well. The key is an übershort footprint
barely two feet longer than a Mini Cooper, and an exceedingly
low weight. Why sweat weight? Because it’s the enemy of great
handling and cannot be overcome by suspension design. And if
the rebirth of this car, the new Lancia Stratos, was to stand for
anything, it had to be about producing the very best handling
sports car on earth.
Or perhaps the best-handling car since the 1970s, when the
Stratos HF, based on the Ferrari Dino, won three-straight World
Cup titles, from 1974 to 1976.

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 31

 “The engine launches the Stratos to
60 mph in three seconds flat, and
you’re pulling 125 mph, in a
747-like sub-10 seconds.”
This new Stratos, of which roughly 25 examples will be
produced, was penned by brilliant design house, Pininfarina, and
pays homage to the original batlike Stratos. Like the original,
the 2011 Stratos is also based on a Ferrari, the 430 Scuderia, but
is cut down from the original chassis by nearly a foot. A shorter
chassis shaves nearly 200 pounds off the car’s weight, but the
Stratos is also stiffer with a carbon body that’s directly bonded
to the aluminum subframe. It is also safer thanks to an FIA-
approved roll cage, which the Ferrari lacks. At 2,900 pounds,
the Stratos is lean, and with such a short wheelbase, begs to take
corners as fast as you can focus on the next apex.
A near afterthought in all this talk of handling and carbon fiber
re-skinning:The Stratos is as sharply angled and arresting to see as
the original with a lower nose than the Ferrari, and the rear engine
tucked in just aft of the driver, plumb ahead of the rear axle, and
then boom, the car dead-ends right in back of the rear wheels.
Beneath the shell, while this car has Ferrari at its roots, there
30 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
are distinct differences. The seats are carbon buckets with a thin
skin of leather, and even the dash and steering wheel are unique.
Mechanically, the Stratos is deeply revised for higher performance.
The donated Ferrari V8 is more urgent than that of the
Scuderia thanks to a revised computer and exhaust that yield
533hp peak output. The engine launches the Stratos to 60 mph
in three seconds flat, and you’re pulling 125 mph, in a 747-like
sub-10 seconds. Remember that business about weight
being the enemy of handling? Less weight is the friend of
fearsome acceleration.
However, the fast run against the clock isn’t just about that
Ferrari V8. The Stratos has a quicker-shifting transmission than
the Scuderia—a sequential six-speed from Drexler that also
allows for greater lockup of the rear wheels on launch. Finally,
the suspension is entirely new as well, with driver-adjustable
settings that deliver a far more aggressive, race car-like tune. If
all this sounds like way more than a poser supercar, you’ve read
right, because finally—well, maybe since the original Stratos
was sold—a carmaker has realized that the best racing machine
isn’t necessarily the one with more horsepower, but the one
with the right combination of horsepower, low weight and
a small footprint.
New Stratos, contact@new-stratos.com, www.new-stratos.com
8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDES for 2011
O
By Tom LaPointe

ur top roundup this year is all about survivors. In an

era that manufacturers big and small routinely fall by
the wayside because of the global economic recession,
this group of exotics and supercars survives and even thrives
thanks to amazing performance and strong brand cachet, which
helps keep these superstars screaming down the road.
There are many ways to quantify “best” or “fastest.” For this
collection, we have a variety of players, and all are available for
purchase. Claims to fame range from quickest to 60 or even 200
mph, to highest priced or even extremely limited availability—
all factors that play into a buying decision when you have to
pick one. That is, unless you have the desire and ability to pick
one of each.

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE LUXURY INDEX 35

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Ferrari 458 Italia

This heir to the throne delivers
The late Enzo Ferrari, who started the company that still bears
his name, was oft quoted the best Ferrari is “the next one,” and
the 458 Italia undeniably delivers on that promise. This cavallino
rampante leverages decades of success on the track to raise the
bar on the F430 it succeeds to amazing heights. From small
aeroelastic winglets in the front to its triple exhaust pipes in
the rear, the evolutionary design continues the company’s fo-
cus on ultimate performance while still offering an artistic mas-
terpiece. With 570 horsepower and a race-bred, dual-
clutch transmission with F1 paddles and seven
speeds, the car easily preserves the brand’s
legendary heritage.

Ferrari, 845.425.2600,
www.ferrari.com

36 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

Price: $225,000
Engine: 4.5 liter DOHC V8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch (F1 Superfast)
Power : 570 hp
Torque: 398 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 3,042 pounds
Zero-To-60: Under 3.5 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 202 mph

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 35

36 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Gumpert Apollo S
A street-legal race car with requisite gull wings
While the Gumpert brand may not be at the forefront of
a supercar discussion, and its primary model a bit aged, the
Apollo earns its place on this list with world-class power and its
dominant third-ranked time for production cars on the legendary
Nürburgring track. Outrageous looks, gull-wing doors and a
screaming twin-turbo V8 sourced from Audi combine to ensure
this wheeled rocket will be the center of attention in any exotic
car gathering. The cars are imported in sections and assembled
by Evolution Motorsports, in Tempe, Ariz., and the company is
reportedly working on its Tornante concept for future production.

Gumpert, +49.3447.499.3960, www.gumpertracing.com

Price: $550,000+
Engine: Twin-turbo, Audi-sourced V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Power : 650-800 hp
Torque: 627 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 2,600 pounds
Zero-To-62: 3.1 sec (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 224 mph

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 39

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Hennessey Venom GT
This Bugatti beater brings the heat
Master car tuner John Hennessey revives the tried and tested
method of dropping an American V8 into a British sports car
to create the ultimate performance vehicle. In the case of the
Venom GT, a 1,200-horsepower V8 with twin turbos is shoe-
horned into the tiny Lotus Exige. The result is something close
to strapping yourself to the ubiquitous Acme Rocket for launch,
with Hennessey boasting a 0-200 mph (that’s TWO hundred)
time of 15.9 seconds that bests the Veyron by more than eight
seconds. Custom-built engines are manufactured in Texas and
shipped to England for final assembly, and the car is probably the
most incredible “sleeper” ever contrived.

Hennesey Venom, 979.885.1300, www.venomgt.com

40 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
Price: $1 million
Engine: Twin-turbocharged 6.2-liter V8
Transmission: Ricardo 6-speed manual
Power : 1,200 hp
Torque: 1,155 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 2,685 pounds
Zero-To-60: 2.5 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 267 mph (mfr. est.)

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 39

 Koenigsegg Agera R
Swedish super car is green—and mean
As production of Koenigsegg vehicles near the 10-year mark, the
brand continues to earn a top spot in the supercar world with its
incredible Agera R. Arguably one of the most beautiful on the
road, it has exquisite wind-tunnel-tested proportions with just
the right amount of race-car aggression. An evolutionary
successor to the CC, CCR, CCX and CCXR, the Agera not
only cranks out an amazing 1,115 horsepower from its rather
small twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but requires E85 ethanol to
do so (pump gas rating is around 900 hp). In normal mode the
car is limited to a “mere” 233 mph, but the company estimates
that in high-speed mode the car has the potential to hit 270 mph
or more with the right conditions.

Koenigsegg, +971.4.881.0301, www.koenigsegg.com

40 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Price: $1.4 million (approx.)

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 5.0 liter Biofuel DOHC V8 with dry sump lubrication
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual
Power : 1,115 hp
Torque: 885 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 3,127 pounds
Zero-To-60: Under 3.0 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: Up to 270 mph (mfr. est.)

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 43

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Lamborghini LP 7OO-4 Aventador

The bull’s horns just got bigger—and faster
Lamborghini has traditionally eschewed artistry in their design
and headed straight for outrageous, and the company’s latest
supercar takes that to new heights. The name actually denotes
much of its potential. The LP in the model name is for Lon-
gitudinale Posteriore, meaning the engine is mounted in the
rear, the 700 represents the 700 horsepower from its monster
V12 engine, and the 4 designates its all-wheel-drive configura-
tion. A worthy successor to the wild Murciélago, the Aventador
(named for a courageous Spanish bull) is lighter and features
technology upgrades throughout the car, including a stiffer body,
F1-inspired suspension and all-important 217-MPH top speed.
Even with its amazing looks and performance, the Aventador is
one of the most affordable supercars in this group. “Entry level”
never looked so good.

Lamborghini, +390.516.81.7611, www.lamborghini.com

42 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
Price: $379,700 (approx.)
Engine: 6.5-liter V12
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Power: 700 hp
Torque: 509 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 3,472 pounds
Zero-To-62: Under 2.9 (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 220 mph

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 43

 Pagani Huayra
Andean god of wind set to rule the streets
Forget boasting about the carbon fiber body of your car at the
next cocktail party, because according to Pagani, carbon titanium
is the new chic. From its outrageous looks to its gull-wing doors
and incredible twin-turbocharged V12 engine sourced from
Mercedes-AMG, the Huayra looks every bit like the contender
it is. The Huayra replaces the Pagani in the Italian carmaker’s
lineup, and unlike its predecessor, is engineered to meet U.S.
requirements for import. More than 700 horsepower ensures its
performance can back up its outrageous looks, and its seven-
figure price tag guarantees it will be a rare sight on any continent.

Pagani, +39.059.473.9201, www.paganiautomobili.it

44 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Price: $1.5 million (approx.)

Engine: Mercedes-AMG 6-liter twin-turbo V12
Transmission: 7-speed sequential automated manual
Power: 700+ hp
Torque: 740 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 3,000 pounds (dry)
Zero-To-62: Under 3.5 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 230+ mph (mfr. est.)

MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 47

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

Forget the mustard—pass the driving gloves
With curb weight and dimensions that rival a large SUV, this
Rolls will never compete for supercar status, but when prestige
and comfort are on the agenda nothing can match its ostentatious
presence. From its optional stainless steel hood to its yacht-quality
teak tonneau cover, the handcrafted car literally oozes luxury and
exclusivity. Whether you cruise with the top up or down, the car
commands respect and is engineered (by corporate parent BMW)
to be whisper quiet.Three-fourths of the car’s torque is available at
a mere 1,000 RPM, so you have the option to drive in a stately or
urgent manner, whichever the situation demands.

Rolls-Royce, 516.882.1440, www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

48 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

Price: $450,000 (approx.)
Engine: 6.7-liter DOHC V12
Transmission: ZF 6-speed automatic
Power: 453 hp
Torque: 531 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 5,893 pounds
Zero-To-60: 5.6 (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 150 mph (computer limited)

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 47

 SSC Ultimate Aero
Raw speed in a raw package
Before the upgraded Veyron Super Sport captured the world
speed record for a production vehicle, the SSC Aero held the
record for nearly three years. Shelby SuperCars (no relation to
Carroll Shelby) has a new model in the wings, but the Ultimate
Aero earns its spot on this list as one of the fastest and most
powerful cars of any era. Some may argue that the design is a
bit aged, but there is no denying that a 257-mph top speed and
zero-to-60 times of 2.78 seconds are timeless credentials. A pure
sports car, it lacks any safety aids like ABS brakes or stability
control, but it performs like a superstar.

Shelby, 506.279.0624, www.shelbysupercars.com

48 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

 8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDESfor 2011

Price: $654,000 (approx.)

Engine: 6.34-liter, twin-turbocharged V8
Transmission: 6-speed Tremec manual
Power: 1,287 hp
Torque: 1,112 pound/feet
Curb Weight: 2,750 pounds
Zero-To-60: 2.78 seconds (mfr. est.)
Top Speed: 257 mph

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 51

8 MAGNIFICENT
RIDES
for 2011

Brand Registry
Ferrari 458 Italia
845.425.2600
www.ferrari.com

Gumpert Apollo S
+49.3447.499.3960
www.gumpertracing.com

Hennessey Venom GT
979.885.1300
www.venomgt.com

Koenigsegg Agera R
+971.4.881.0301
www.koenigsegg.com

Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador

+390.516.81.7611
www.lamborghini.com

Pagani Huayra
+39.059.473.9201
www.paganiautomobili.it

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

516.882.1440
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

SSC Ultimate Aero

506.279.0624
www.shelbysupercars.com
MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 53
 DELAIRE
GRAFF E S T A T E
The King of Diamonds opens South African lodges and a
spa for an ultimate luxury vacation experience.

By Ariel Jastromb

N
estled in the crest of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass in the lush
Stellenbosch wine lands countryside, Laurence Graff ’s Delaire
Graff Lodges and Spa redefines the luxury vacation. The “King
of Diamonds” has expanded his terr itory to where he
does much of his work, leaving no stone unturned, or diamond
unpolished. A cornucopia of fine art, design, cuisine, wine and,
of course, diamonds, the Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa
caters to the most discerning consumer. The site
combines top-notch service with ecological
sustainability—a mission Mr. Graff has
pursued in his search for the finest
diamonds in the world by employing
local craftsmen, both in the
jewelry company and the
newly minted Delaire
aGraff Lodges
aand Spa.

52 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

 “A cornucopia of fine art, design, cuisine, wine and, of course, diamonds,
the Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa caters to the most discerning consumer.”
APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 55
DELAIRE
GRAFF E S T A T E

“The London-based British jeweler

is famous for the flawless quality
of their stones in cut, color and
clarity. Perhaps the most
famous Graff diamond is the
603-carat Lesotho Promise
diamond, ranked as the
15th largest diamond
ever discovered.”

The London-based British jeweler is famous for the flawless

quality of their stones in cut, color and clarity. Perhaps the most
famous Graff diamond is the 603-carat Lesotho Promise diamond,
ranked as the 15th largest diamond ever discovered. It was
recovered at the Letseng Mine in Lesotho, a kingdom surrounded by
South Africa.The flawless D-color quality diamond was studied in
the rough for three months before Graff ’s experts even thought
about cutting into it. The diamond ultimately yielded 26
multishaped, top-quality diamonds for a total weight of 223.35
carats. The Lesotho Promise gave way to a 76.41-carat pear-shape
diamond, a 43.12-carat heart-shape diamond, a 27.03-carat round
brilliant diamond and a 20.05-carat emerald-cut diamond. The
dazzling Lesotho Promise necklace sparkles resplendently with
all 26 diamonds.
As a shareholder in SAFDICO, the South African Diamond
Corporation, Graff ’s exceptional team of jewelers number 300 in
Johannesburg and 500 in Botswana. Proceeds of his 2007 coffee-
table book, “The Most Fabulous Jewels in the World,” benefit the
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Due to Laurence Graff’s extensive
involvement with South African people, resources and charities,
the country was a natural choice for Graff ’s new venture into the
complete jet-set lifestyle with Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa.

56 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 55
DELAIRE
GRAFF E S T A T E

“The Lodge also boasts a 230-ton

wine cellar, one of the Southern
Hemisphere’s finest, which is packed
with famed winemaker Morné Vrey’s
Delaire wines, derived straight from
the vineyards that surround the
Lodges and Spa.”

Located just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Delaire Graff

Lodges and Spa seamlessly melds with its lush surroundings,
where top-quality accommodations encompass incredible
views of the Simonsberg Mountains and sweeping, panoramic
views of Cape Town and beyond. Traditional African style, like
polished peach-pit flooring and slate walls, mingles with Cape
Dutch architecture illustrating Graff ’s dedication to discovering
the perfect jewel from its rough, natural state.
The Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa consist of 10 separate
units, including the 175-square-meter Owner’s Lodge with
a fireplace and two bedrooms, and the 150-square-meter
Presidential Lodge also with two bedrooms. All lodges,
including the eight 80-square-meter Luxury and Deluxe
Lodges, offer private heated infinity-edge pools.
In addition to these lavish living quarters, the Lodge’s
Reception Area offers a pr ivate dining room, conference
facilities and a boutique cinema. Pieces from Laurence Graff ’s
own extensive art collection grace the lodge’s walls. Its refined
restaurant, designed by local architect Derek Henstra and
London-based interior architect David Collins, offers up
“Sunshine Cuisine,” which caters to the sophisticated palate and
blends Mediterranean flavors with local ingredients. The Lodge
also boasts a 230-ton wine cellar, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s
finest, which is packed with famed winemaker Morné Vrey’s
Delaire wines, derived straight from the vineyards that surround
the Lodges and Spa.
To add to the Delaire Graff ’ experience, a full-service spa
contains four treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a state-
of-the-art gym facility, a Pilates reformer machine and a
qualified Pilates instructor. For the ultimate in luxury, the spa
utilizes Switzerland’s famed La Prairie Spa skin care products
to coax even the most stubborn complexion into brightness
and health.

58 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 57
DELAIRE
GRAFF E S T A T E

58 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011

“Located just 45 minutes from Cape
Town, The Delaire Graff Lodges
and Spa seamlessly melds with its
lush surroundings, where top-quality
accommodations encompass
incredible views of the Simonsberg
Mountains and sweeping, panoramic
views of Cape Town and beyond.”

Aside from the sustainable structure of the Delaire Graff

Lodges and Spa, Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal finalist and
horticulturist, Keith Kirsten, landscaped the estate, filling the
South African terrain with the alluring sight of Milkwood,
Yellowwood, Sneezewood, Wild Olive and African Coral Trees,
along with the magical scent of flowering shrubs like Hibiscus,
Hydrangea, Rose and exotic Frangipani.
Two South African exclusives call the estate home, including
the 100% Capri boutique for fine linen and, of course, a Graff
Diamonds salon. Graff Diamonds, which are considered some of
the finest in the world, include stones, such as the 50.01-carat
La Favorite; the folded-pear-shaped 137.82-carat Paragon; the
101.28-carat Golden Star, an intense fancy yellow diamond;
the beloved 100.57-carat Star of America; the 5-carat intense
fancy pink Rose; the heart-shaped 53.11-carat Star of Lesotho;
the 6.19-carat stunningly deep Graff Blue; the Pink Orchid, a
22.84-carat pink marquise-cut beauty; the 118.08-carat fancy
yellow Delaire Sunrise—no doubt an inspiration for the
Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa; the 102.79 round Graff Constellation;
the exquisite 12.42-carat Exceptional Purple Pink marquise-
cut sensation; the 91.23-carat Windsor Diamonds and the Rose
Queen, which clocks in at 70.39 carats, among many other
important, named diamonds.
Laurence Graff ’s passion for diamonds can best be summed
up by his own words: “Diamonds excite me; diamonds are my
life—I see inside the stone, look at the colour and cut and assess
its natural beauty and value.”

MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 61

DELAIRE
GRAFF E S T A T E
The salon houses some of Graff Diamond’s famous collections,
such as the Butterfly Collection, Diamonds on Diamonds, The
Waterfall Collection, The Chandelier Collection and Graff ’s
sparkling array of fantastic watches.
For a unique travel experience in one of the most exotic
and gorgeous locations in the world, the Delaire Graff Lodges
and Spa offers sustainable, world-class accommodations, cuisine,
vineyards, wine and diamonds, where a Graff Diamond salon sits
60 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
“For the oenophile, gem lover, spa
fiend, traveler and explorer, the
Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa is sure
to engage and delight every sort
of luxury vacation seeker.”
nearly on top of the source of its splendid sparklers. For the avid
diamond collector, one can imagine the excitement of exploring
the very land where the world’s finest diamonds are culled. For
the oenophile, gem lover, spa fiend, traveler and explorer, the
Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa is sure to engage and delight every
sort of luxury vacation seeker.
Delaire Graff Estate, +27.21.885.8160, www.delaire.co.za
Travel 15 is a full-service travel management company that
offers business and vacation travel services including meetings,
reward programs, destination events, cruises, tours and
independent journeys. We have a customized travel program
to suit every traveler’s interests.
Our advisors are among the best in the industry and have
an average of 25 years’ experience. They have “been there” and
“done that,” and use their expertise to make sure your travel
experience is the best possible. When it comes to your travel, for
us it’s not just business, it’s personal.
Our membership in Virtuoso, the most prestigious organization
in travel, extends to our clients extraordinary benefits and added
amenities that you will not find anywhere else. And as a member
of Tzell Travel Group, a $7 billion international travel
organization, we secure the very lowest of preferred rates for
domestic and international travel.
Travel 15 focuses on personalized service in a world that
seems to have forgotten what the word service means. At Travel
15 you will have a designated advisor.You will never be shuffled
around or be forced to speak to a computer. Your advisor will
get to know you and your personal travel tastes.
Craig Van Doren
973-857-3410
cvandoren@ travel15.com • www.travel15.com
MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 63
 Insider

Invaluable Advice
RM Auctions managing director shares tips to help you obtain the consummate classic car.

S howing off your vintage classic collection can be rousing,

but the acquisition is a worthy experience in itself. Max
Girardo, managing director of RM Auctions Europe, the
world’s largest collector car auction house, shares insider tips to
help improve your next hunt for classic collectible cars.

1. Do Your Homework

When you decide on your ultimate dream car, do your
homework. Use the Internet to research. Classic car clubs
and live auctions are great places to network with
enthusiasts. Before you buy, have an expert check
it over, and always buy from a reputable source.

2. Study the Market

Several publications, like Sports Car Market and
Classic & Sports Car, offer insight into the market and
track auction results. Market price guides, such as
Kelley Blue Book and Hagerty’s Price Guide, list
current values based on recent sales and most
auction houses publish sales online.
RM Auctions are available online
at www.rmauctions.com.
 

64 AFFLUENT PAGE | MARCH 2011

“Low production and survival rates
are important factors. While fewer
than 100 produced is valuable, fewer
than 50 is better...”

3. Do it for Love
Don’t buy with the thought of making money overnight. Buy a
car you’re going to enjoy. Be sure not to fall in love at first sight.
Some cars have great visual appeal, but that doesn’t always
translate into value or reliability.
 
4. Buy a Significant Make
Classic cars with famous heritage such as Ferrari, Duesenberg
or Porsche are better long-term investments than less desirable
marques. Not every manufacturer’s model is valuable—each has
its winners and losers.
 
5. Make it Rare, Please
Low production and survival rates are important factors. While
fewer than 100 produced is valuable, fewer than 50 is better, such
as the Jaguar C-Types (50) and Ferrari GTOs (39). One-of-a-
kind, prewar luxury cars like Duesenberg and Packard, and
certain ’50s and ’60s American cars built in low numbers
with special options hold their value.
 

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 63

 Insider
6. Bigger is Sometimes Better
Bigger engines can sometimes mean a bigger return on investment.
The most desirable 1960s cars are the high-performance, big-
block V8, four-speed muscle cars, built in limited numbers. The
V12-powered sports cars of Italy took many track victories
because of their power and aerodynamics, making them instant
classics like their derivative road cousins.
 
7. Learn Your History
The car’s complete history is very important. Any factory-
issued documentation can add considerable value to its selling
price. Who was the original purchaser and where was it sold?
Did a former celebrity or notable individual own it? Did the
owner keep a service log?
8. Consider a Sports or Race Car
Some of the strongest segments are sports and racing. Consider a
vintage sports or race car as they are always in demand, which
almost ensures a lasting market. For example, the current market
for a Jaguar D-Type is about $2 million, but the one Stirling
Moss drove at Le Mans is worth considerably more. There are
also many established international vintage events that will let
you “exercise” your prize.
64 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
“Enjoy the ride...there’s no other
investment that compares to the
enjoyment and memories of
owning a classic car.”
9. Build the Right Portfolio
Compiling a car collection will help build a reputation beneficial
to its future value. A well-planned portfolio will draw a specific
and much attuned market of potential buyers at auction time to
secure a return on the original investment.
 
10. Care for Your Car
Make allowances for upkeep. Classic collectibles require climate-
controlled garages or storage facilities, plus regular service and
maintenance. And don’t forget car insurance. Surprisingly, insurance
on a classic is more affordable than a new car—just keep an eye
on the miles.
 
Max Girardo saves the most important tip that he can give any vintage car
collector for last. “Enjoy the ride,” Girardo says. “ There’s no other investment
that compares to the enjoyment and memories of owning a classic car.”
Once the perfect classic automobile is obtained, you can participate in a
juried show like a concours event or enter your car in competitions.These
opportunities help garner awards and renown that can secure the car’s
provenance and value for a lifetime.
 
RM Auctions, 519.352.4575, www.rmauctions.com
 SPECIAL MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Your Expert Guide to the World’s Finest Coins
Nicholas J. Bruyer, Chairman & Founder, First Federal Coin Corp.
ANA Life Member Since 1974

$5,690 for an Ounce of

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 Design
Defy Convention Eddie Alexander Meeks can design and build your
next dream automobile by hand.
By Joseph M. Maldarelli
T
he creator of one of the most beautiful motorcycles
ever designed says it will never be ridden. “It’s a
showpiece, a rolling piece of art,” says designer, builder,
architect and artist Eddie Alexander Meeks, whose
creativity only begins in the garage.
The Quantum Leap, which Meeks describes as something
out of the movie, “Tron,” was a labor of love, taking more than
four years to complete. Meeks custom designed everything on
the bike except for the engine and transmission. However, as
with most concept cars and motorcycles, it is one-of-a-kind
and not for sale. His partner, Simon Solomon, at
Solomon and Meeks, LLC, is the
proud owner of what
66 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
Meeks calls “the crowning piece” of his portfolio.
Meeks skills are obvious; his design for the Quantum Leap
went against the norm for most production bikes by flipping
the ends around, making it a front-wheel drive with rear steering.
He also handcrafted most of the bike, including the steel
bodywork, the copper, bright and black nickel plating and even
the headlight. Meeks is multitalented. Not only is he a designer,
inventor and metal crafter, but also an architect, artist (he
hammer s out copper by hand to create his sculptures)
and a luthier (he makes acoustic guitar s and cases). All
this is done at his workshop,
EAM Studios, in
Greensboro, N.C.
 “We always build radical, innovative
bikes and always wow the crowds
when we unveil them.”
He began designing and building motorcycles in
1994, and by his count has created approximately 35
bikes. Meeks also says Solomon and Meeks, LLC has
won many awards and accolades for the motorcycles at
national shows from Florida to New York to Nevada. “We
always build radical, innovative bikes and always wow the
crowds when we unveil them,” says Meeks. He has also started
drafting a design of a limited edition production motorcycle
“with an unusual power plant for the modern day.”
What’s next for Meeks? What about building a custom car? “I’ve
thought about it, but haven’t done it,” he says.“Someone would have
to have deep pockets and patience. It’s not like you can go and
buy this car like you would a Ferrari.” He could not predict the
endeavor’s time frame, but says the price tag to custom build an
automobile is probably in the seven-digits range (The Quantum
Leap cost about $250,000 to build).
Some of his other inventions range from bathroom fixtures,
remote-control spy planes to better beer containers. He also creates
furniture in his woodworking studio. All of his creations are
individually numbered with tiny plaques—be it one of his
sculptures (Sculpture 004) or the Quantum Leap (FWD 001).
Looking ahead Meeks would like to be a consultant for
companies seeking help with design. “Sometimes having someone
from the outside like me come in and take a look at a project can save
hours and money for a company,” he says. But he will continue
to build and invent. “My talents for creating anything are just
about unlimited.”

Solomon and Meeks LLC., 336.545.1004, www.eddiemeeks.net

MARCH 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 69
 E sc ap e

Barcelona
Avant-GardeBarcelona’s most exclusive hotel gets a contemporary makeover
by internationally renowned Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola.

By Ariel Jastromb

72 AFFLUENT PAGE | MARCH 2011

 “Situated at the city’s most
exclusive address, the hotel offers
a sumptuously intimate setting with
just 98 rooms and suites.”

T
he new
Mandarin Oriental
in Barcelona blends the
best of Spain’s most romantic
city with all that’s new in architecture and
design. Situated at the city’s most exclusive address,
the hotel offers a sumptuously intimate setting with
just 98 rooms and suites. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Group, known for its exceptional hotels and resorts
worldwide, delivers the ultimate experience in luxury architecture
accommodations, combining the city’s old-world beauty provide the perfect
and charm with Urquiola’s stylish, ultracontemporary backdrop for a
interiors and a touch of the Group’s Asian heritage. romantic meal.
Located on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Steps from Barcelona’s most
Oriental Barcelona boasts two world-class restaurants, famed attractions, such as the Gothic
Blanc and Moments, as well as Banker’s Bar—all chic Quarter and Las Ramblas, the hotel’s central
places to see and be seen while enjoying delectable cuisine location proves one of its greatest assets. Designer
and imbibing Spain’s finest wines and liquors. Al fresco shopping, local dining and Barcelona’s incredible
dining, a luxury of the temperate Mediterranean climate, cultural amenities abound, including two of the city’s
can be enjoyed at the hotel’s breathtaking 660-square- most celebrated Gaudí-designed buildings. Other
meter Mimosa Garden or poolside on the Terrat rooftop, neighborhood staples include gorgeous churches, parks,
where panoramic views of the glittering city’s famous museums and promenades.

APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 71

 E sc ap e
For the traveler that prefers to view from afar, many rooms and
suites at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona include sweeping
balconies and terraces with views of the glamorous Passeig de
Gràcia or the impeccably landscaped hotel garden. The
2,542-square-foot Penthouse Suite, the hotel’s most exclusive and
private accommodation, occupies the entire top floor, boasts views
of the Passeig de Gràcia and is outfitted with top-of-the-line
Bang & Olufsen technology. The suite has two bedrooms. The
master bedroom boasts its own set of rooms and a terrace. The
second bedroom has an en suite bathroom. The Penthouse Suite
also has two living areas, one of which has a sweeping terrace. It
also has a kitchen, a dining room equipped for eight and a guest
powder room. A personal butler rounds out the whole
experience at $10,000 per night.
To ease weary feet or just plain relax, indulge in the hotel’s
1,000-square-meter Spa at Mandarin Oriental—the destination
for pure pampering. The spa’s tranquil setting and holistic
approach to beauty and wellness ensure a variety of treatments
to suit every taste. Signature spa programs include both full- and
half-day options. The daylong Pathway to Radiance, a rejuvenating
program, promises to reveal the best you, and includes a personalized
72 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
“The spa also offers a selection of
individual treatments for both men
and women...developed in consultation
with specialists in traditional Chinese
medicine...tailored to meet the
individual needs of each guest.”
80-minute aromatherapy massage, the Signature Quintessence
Body Scrub and the Age-Defying Facial.
For an afternoon of bliss after wandering Barcelona’s storied
streets, the spa’s Urban Escape package awakens the body and soul
with an invigorating sea salt, menthol and lime scrub, followed
by the Therapeutic Massage and the Regenerating Firming Eye
Treatment. The spa also offers a selection of individual treatments
for both men and women, including the Signature Spa Therapies,
a nearly two-hour-long, full-body treatment developed in
consultation with specialists in traditional Chinese medicine,
which are tailored to meet the individual needs of each guest.
From its stunning architecture and perfect location to its delicious
cuisine, excellent spa and spectacular views of this storybook city,
a visit to the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona promises to be a truly
remarkable experience. The Mandarin Group’s brand of excellence
has surely exceeded itself in the hotel’s development, but it is the
groundbreaking design and personalized approach that will ensure
the perfect vacation destination for the well-heeled traveler.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, +34.93.151.87.68,
www.mandarinoriental.com/barcelona
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 I n du l g e

Bordeaux
Enchantment
The 1952 Margaux-based Brane-Cantenac
has enjoyed heated bidding in the
international auction market, with
an estimated $900 retail value as
a Second growth estate vintage.

By Marisa D’Vari

I
n the 2,000 year history of
the wine world, Classified Growth
Bordeaux still retains its magic, value and
allure. Created in 1735, Margaux-based Château
Brane-Cantenac caught the roving eye of the “Donald Trump”
of the Bordeaux wine world in 1833: Baron Hector de Brane. By
all accounts Brane was quite the socialite, and despite his vibrant
personality, he had a deep scientific educational background and
was largely responsible in identifying Cabernet Sauvignon as the
Médoc’s ‘premier grape.’ By the time of the 1855 classification,
Brane-Cantenac achieved the lofty second Growth classification.
Today the château is under the direction of the charming Henri
Lurton, whose family bought the estate in 1925. Unlike many
château owners who live in Paris and hire a vineyard manager to
look after their property, Henri Lurton lives near his vines and
“Henri Lurton lives near his vines
can be seen in the vineyard almost daily, examining the grounds and can be seen in the vineyard
or overseeing trellising work. Near harvest, he tastes the grapes for
ripeness in addition to sending the results for laboratory analysis. almost daily, examining the
Recently, he invested in an optical sorter in addition to handpicking,
which ensures that only the ripest grapes make the first wine. grounds or overseeing
Why this dedication? Perhaps it’s due to the fact that as eldest
son, Henri received Brane-Cantenac, the family’s most prestigious
trellising work.”
estate, while the other nine siblings were bequeathed lesser estates.
76 AFFLUENT PAGE | MARCH 2011
APRIL 2011 | AFFLUENT PAGE 75
 I n du l g e
“The freshness of Brane-Cantenac’s
1952 is a testament to the vintage
and the skill of the Lurtons as
winemakers.”
Or that in the winery, the year “1925” (the year of the family’s
acquisition) is carved into the wall, reminding Henri daily about
his grandfather’s dedication to the brand. Either way, the highly
credentialed owner holds oenology degrees from many
institutions, including the University of Bordeaux, and as a
young man worked in South Africa, Australia and Chile to
perfect his skills and learn the newest technology in the industry.
Brane-Cantenac is one of the first Classified Growth estates to
make this expensive investment of the optical sorter, signifying its
continued desire to move toward the modern age and create the
finest wines on the market.
Vintage variation is so crucial in Bordeaux there can be a
several hundred dollar difference from one vintage to the next.
The 1952 vintage sells for nearly $900 on the international online
market — a very rare occurrence due to an excellent vintage. On
the nose, the wine is fresh and lively, with concentrated black fruit
76 AFFLUENT PAGE | APRIL 2011
on the palate and the kind of acidity and balance with firm
tannins, which is responsible for its incredible longevity.
Many people assume that the older the wine, the better. While
this is usually true for Classified Growth Bordeaux, Burgundy and
Barolo, at some point (typically 15 to 20 years) the wines plateau
and then slowly fall apart.The freshness of Brane-Cantenac’s 1952
is a testament to the vintage and the skill of the Lurtons
as winemakers.
French tradition dictates that the most expensive and rare wines
are served at the end of the meal, and usually with cheese. And
in the case of the 1952, this is an appropriate choice as the wine
still has incredible acidity and concentrated depth of fruit, yet the
tannin is softer, and not as appropriate for steak as it would have
been in its prime.
Brane-Cantenac, +33.557.888.333, www.brane-cantenac.com
Bob Gomel, LIFE Magazine Invites Muhammad Ali to See The Great White Hope, 1968
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 L a st W o r d

The Thrill is Found

T
he Morgan Motor Company proves that three is a crowd
with the aerodynamic 2011 Morgan Threewheeler. The
modern three-wheel automobile contains a Mazda five-
speed gearbox that can race from zero to 60 mph in under five
seconds. For $72,000, the British made 115-horsepower cyclecar
gives other unconventional vehicles a run for their money.

Morgan Motor Company, +016.84.580.739,

www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk

82 AFFLUENT PAGE | MARCH 2011

 EXPLORE THE EXOTIC PLEASURES

O F S O C L O S E , Y E T S O FA R AWAY .

S TAY
LONGER
C O M P L I M E N TA RY
5TH NIGHT

Τηισ ισ Μεξιχο τηε ωαψ µοτηερ νατυρε ιντενδεδ.

∆ισχοννεχτ φροµ τηε µαινλανδ ωιτη τηισ σπεχιαλ οφφερ.
Φορ ρεσερϖατιονσ, χονταχτ ψουρ τραϖελ χονσυλταντ, Φουρ Σεασονσ
ατ 1−800−332−3442 ορ τηε Ρεσορτ διρεχτλψ ατ 1−866−280−9490.
Ορ ϖισιτ ωωω.φουρσεασονσ.χοµ/πυνταµιτα/παχκαγεσ

Advance reservations required. Offer is subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is not valid on any negotiated, promotional or group rate. Package rates vary
throughout the year. Complimentary night is based on minimum four paid nights and must be used in conjunction with initial stay. A stay is considered consecutive nights at the same property.
Other room types and packages available.
section