Impression of the Father

Mother’s Day in its modern form originated in 1908 in the US and was made a national holiday six years later by President Woodrow Wilson. Father’s Day was created in 1910 but it wasn’t till 1972 that the day became a holiday. Not only the inception dates show priority, the observation is that Mother’s Day has always been more celebrated, with children showing their gratitude by pampering mothers with luxury gifts and nice meals at restaurants which always get booked up well in advance. Father’s Day is a much lower key affair. Indeed, the US National Retail Federation reported spending for Mother’s Day more than 50% over that for Father’s Day. Why?

There was a long time when the man of the house was the bread earner while the lady took care of the home. The man, with the finance at his disposal, would through the children use Mother’s Day to show his appreciation. In most cases, children tend to have a stronger bond with the mother and feel that they get greater affection and support from the mother who probably spends more time with them anyway. Some families have the good cop / bad cop roles between the parents. If the father appears somewhat aloof, part of that is because men are more about sense and women sensibility. In a family, the father often feels that he has to set an example of “social justice” and not to side with family members indiscriminately every time. He will point out mistakes, the proper way to behave and so on. If that is construed as unsupportive, detached, even non loving, he merely wants the children to be able to look at things objectively and recognize what might be the reality of society. It may not make him popular but he feels that to be his responsibility. Deep inside, he loves his children no less than their mother. So do give your father a real treat this coming Sunday!!!

Let’s now go to wines and the following are our suggestions. We carried some of them previously and are re-stocking because of the very positive feedback from you guys.

2018 Le Petit Cheval Blanc White (WA95 at HK$980/bottle) – Don’t compare this with the typical Bordeaux white from Pessac-Leognan as it is not. This flamboyant white offers elegance and decadence with profound notions of ripe pineapple, passion fruit and white peaches, followed by fragrant notes of lemongrass, lime blossoms and yuzu zest with a waft of sea spray. The palate is full-bodied with an alluring oiliness to the texture and layer upon layer of tropical fruits, citrus peel and minerals, marked by a refreshing finishing with loads of mineral sparks. It is quintessentially Cheval Blanc. 

2018 Domaine Henri Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchere Monopole (WA95 at HK$1,500/bottle) – Boillot's emblematic 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchère has turned out brilliantly, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, hazelnut, dried white flowers, citrus oil, blanched almonds and smoke. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with terrific concentration, searing levels of extract and a long, mineral finish.

2015 Kongsgaard Chardonnay (WA97 at HK$1,300/bottle) – One of the best Chardonnay cuvee from Napa, the 2015 vintage is incredibly concentrated and offers plenty of muscle, rich, extracted honeysuckle, orange blossom, tangerine oil and crushed/powdered rock in a full-bodied, rather large-scaled effort reminiscent of a truly profound Grand Cru from Burgundy, the likes of which we don’t really see much anymore.

2012 La Fleur-Petrus (WA96 at HK$1,380/bottle) – Though not generally regarded as the strongest Bordeaux vintage, many 2012 Bordeaux reds have managed to surprise and La Fleur Pétrus is one such outstanding example. The wine has a mint-fresh bouquet, vigorous and vivid, with delineated red cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit under notions of wet limestone. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine tannin. There is real nuance in there, black truffle and leather tinging the introspective black fruit all showing up with harmony and finesse, ending with a sustained finish.

2012 Pape Clement (RP97 at HK$700/bottle) – Robert Parker felt that the iconic 2012 Pape Clement to be near-perfection and a candidate as one of the wines of the vintage. This is a truly great wine and not far off their magnificent 2005 and 2010. Full-bodied and elegant, with rich cassis, subtle burning embers and spice followed by velvety, well-integrated tannins, the wine is lush, expansive, savory and profound.

2014 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (WA93-95 at HK$2,200/bottle) – This good Burgundy red is blessed with a winsome bouquet. Typical of this wine, there is something very pure, natural, unimposing and refined on the nose: blackberry and briary, a hint of graphite and a subtle leafiness, all blended in delineation. The palate is lively and energetic with crisp tannin, black rather than red fruit, linear and very classic in style with what you might call a "cool" marine-influenced finish that has fine salinity.

2021 Domaine de L'Arlot Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots (JS95 at HK$1,750/bottle) – This young Burgundy red needs time to open up and when it does, one senses the aromas of sweet berry fruit, plum, a little smoke and rose petals. The medium-bodied palate comes armed with a voluptuous entry, almost viscous in texture, intense with a gradual build to a sweet and detailed finish.

2017 Rieussec (WA97 at HK$280/bottle) – With the same ownership as Lafite, Rieussec is probably the best value Sauternes one could find. The 2017 has the nose that will blow you away with intense lemon tart, lime cordial, mango and quince notes followed by a second wave of floral, orange blossoms and honeysuckle scents, and then notes of crushed rocks, crème caramel and marzipan join the party. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is still slightly tight with concentrated sweetness and a racy backbone to match, delivering layer upon layer of citrus and savory flavors, finishing on a persistent mineral note. 

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.