Donum 2021 vintage has arrived

Those who like Donum might want to know we have got some of their latest releases in stock. Indeed, we recently worked with the very exclusive cigar private club C+ to have a tasting session for its members as the launch for the Donum 2021 vintage.

C+ is a concept conceived by Steve Leung who was initially trained as an architect and then becoming arguably the most talented and successful interior designer of the last two decades. The Club is now operated by his son Nicholas. The event did not aim at attracting a large crowd. It was a very focused group who could truly enjoy Donum and interact with one another under a cozy setting. Donum owner Mr. Allan Warburg was very kind to make himself available and all participants were so pleased to meet him in person and to catch his wisdom and philosophy in making Donum what it is today.

If you like to try the wines too, these are the 4 items we currently have stock:

2021 Donum Carneros Estate Chardonnay (JS95 at HK$620/bottle) – Light straw to gold in colour, this balanced style white opens with aroma of lemon, lime, apple and a hint of cinnamon. The palate is mineral focused, with peach and pear. Crisp and intense, the finish leaves a lingering spice note held together with elegant acidity.

2021 Donum Anderson Valley Estate Pinot Noir (JS93 at HK$750/bottle) – Planted on slightly higher altitude iron-rich soil and a cooler sub-climate, this ruby colour wine offers currant, blackberry, lavender and oak spice on the nose. The palate is lush but not overwhelming, with berries, pomegranate, graphite and mineral notes.

2021 Donum Russian River Valley Estate Pinot Noir (JS94 at HK$750/bottle) – A more full-bodied red among the Donum offerings, it exhibits notes of plum, blackberry, roasted meat and toasted oak on the nose. The palate is broad and structured, with black cherry, vanilla and black pepper, finishing long and smooth.

2021 Donum Mikado Tree Reserve Pinot Noir (JS95 at HK$950/bottle) – Out of carefully selected grapes, this is a wine with intensity and youthful energy as it opens with aromas of dry raspberry, cherry, slate and licorice. The palate is one that reveals dark berries, coffee, round tannin and certain herbal notes, all leading to a lingering, textural finish. Only 2,600 bottles produced.

Apart from Donum, we also have the following new arrivals which might be of interest to you, especially now that the festive season is fast approaching and time to stock up:

NV Robert Moncuit Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Reserve Perpetuelle (WA97 at HK$500/bottle) – This golden coloured champagne offers a fantastic nose with great purity, finesse and a beautiful mix of chalk, yeast and oxidation. Very intense but always precise, it is lush on the palate, with tension, grip, minerality and a generous finish. A great wine at such a valued price.

2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne (WA96+ at HK$1,100/bottle and HK$2,400/magnum) – We are restocking our favourite champagne which is fascinatingly intense, floral and slightly reductive on the nose. As it opens in the glass, it offers lemon confit along with flinty notes of crushed chalk and a hint of iodine. The palate is fresh, rich but totally balanced, finishing with tension and concentration.

2021 El Enemigo Chardonnay (JS97 at HK$150/bottle) – Phenomenal white from Argentina, way above anyone’s expectation for this price point, with good fruit, freshness and a touch of yeast…a perfect wine for your festive parties.

2018 Les Gravieres (WA95 at HK$200/bottle) – A great valued Bordeaux (St-Emilion) red made from 100% Merlot, it rocks up with gregarious blueberry pie, cherry, plum reserve, chocolate, mocha and spice cake. Big and full-bodied, it has a firm frame of ripe tannin and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and layered.

2016 Giscours (JS96 at HK$1,150/magnum) – For those who are looking for a magnum red at a sensible price point, we recommend this Bordeaux (Margaux) that gives out aromas of cassis, chocolate, earth, tar and pepper with touches of flowers and a meaty nuance. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with a substantial core and a long finish.

2015 Orma (JS98 at HK$520/bottle) – This exciting red from Tuscany is a blend of Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc in 50/30/20 proportion. It is absolutely rich, intense and thick in extract, with loads of dark fruit, blackberry and crème de cassis. Those fruity tones segue into spice, leather, tobacco and barbecue smoke. Roasted espresso beans and dusty chocolate appear on the full-bodied finish.

2017 Le Macchiole Paleo (WA97+ at HK$700/bottle) – By a great Tuscany producer, this red is out of 100% Cabernet Franc. After shedding some dusty notes, it opens the way for determined black fruits, charred meat, spice, tobacco and cigar. There is oak, but it works beautifully against the natural intensity and rich concentration of this warm vintage. Pretty tones of lilac, blue flower and aniseed add to the detailed rendering and complexity of the bouquet. This wine really has won our heart!!!

2015 De Martino La Aguada Carignan (WA96 at HK$180/bottle) – A Chilean red out of mainly the Carignan grape varietal, the wine offers aromas of violet, red and black fruit and a touch of raw meat, with a hint of leather. The fine-grained tannin, the freshness and moderate alcohol make it very drinkable. Only 3,300 bottles produced.

2019 Schrader Oakville Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon (WS94 at HK$800/bottle) – Last but certainly not least, we have this California red which is the Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year for 2022!!! There are generous flavours of plum, boysenberry and mulberry backed by a broad swath of roasted alder and bittersweet cocoa. Brimming with dense fruit, a forward style and a long finish, it is downright pleasing.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to go to our website www.vinopolis.com.hk to browse the full wine list. Purchases can be made through the website or by sending us an e-mail or simply WhatsApp 9195-7383.