I cannot remember if I got the first year Gold on the Amex. However, on qualifying years it is good for the rest of the year you qualified in, the next one, and the first three months of the following year.

So, if you qualified in 2011, the status should be good until 03/2013.

I can only assume it is the case for the first year as well. Why don't you call and just ask them when the status expires?