The mouth-watering combination of Heinz Beck’s signature pasta Fagotelli La Pergola with a 2006 Gaia Rey chardonnay, and black cod with a 2004 Corton Charlemagne were among the extraordinary flavors showcased during Crystal Cruises’ Ultimate Vintage Room experience this Sunday aboard the ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity. For the intimate winemakers’ dinner with just ten guests, a variety of rare fine wines was selected by world-renowned Master of Wine Philip Goodband, and then expertly paired with a menu specially created by three Michelin Star guest chef Heinz Beck of La Pergola restaurant in Rome. Mr. Goodband then led guests through the six-course dinner, highlighting the nuances of each special cuvee.

“To enjoy these extremely rare wines with the skilled guidance of Philip Goodband, and with the celebrated cuisine of Heinz Beck is a rare treat for one’s senses,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president of food and beverage. “With distinct flavors created by a fine wine perfectly paired with a menu of carefully crafted cuisine, Crystal’s Ultimate Vintage Room experiences are truly impressive, even for the most discerning palates.”

The dinner, offered for $950 per person, included such other superstar wines as a 1996 Romanée Saint-Vivant, a 1989 Vega Sicilia Unico and a 1996 Chateau D’Yquem, each complemented by one of Beck’s specialties.

For 2010, Ultimate Vintage Room experiences are also featured on Crystal Symphony’s July 2 Baltic voyage and Crystal Serenity’s August 24 Black Sea cruise, with Dominus Estate proprietor Christian Moueix and Heinz Beck among the guest experts set for the events. Menu and prices for the dinners vary depending on wines selected.

The dinners can only be purchased on board and will be served in the Crystal ships’ intimate Vintage Room, accommodating up to 12 guests on Crystal Symphony and 14 guests on Crystal Serenity. Besides these experiences, on every cruise Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony offer Vintage Rooms dinners, typically starting at $210-$250 per person.