In Memory of Denis Durantou

Denis Durantou, the highly respected owner of Chateau L’Englise Clinet (Pomerol), passed away last week at the age of 62 after a long illness.

Mr. Durantou studied winemaking in the University of Bordeaux and in 1983 took over to run the family owned estate. It is not an over-statement to say that he brought the winery from obscurity to become one of the most prominent producers in Bordeaux, not because of size but for its quality. He was one of those who would walk the vineyard every day and personally involved in making the wine, something not seen as often for an owner these days. We like L’Eglise Clinet wines for its elegance and depth. It may not be the most masculine but there is no doubt plenty of underlying substances in it to make one’s experience very intriguing. With an annual production of just 1,000 cases, L’Eglise Clinet is always well sought after and for those who have not tried it, we would highly recommend the 2011 vintage (RP95 at HK$820/bottle) in our inventory list.

And on wines that are a little special, we have the following in stock recently:

2005 Clos St. Martin (RP97+) at $900/bottle – This St-Emilion winery has been climbing up the ladder since management changes some 20 years ago. With annual production of just 600 cases, it is also not easy to find. The 2005 vintage is full-bodied stuff, getting the highest score Robert Parker had ever given to this estate. And our price is probably the lowest you can find anywhere.

2010 Xavier Vignon Cuvee Anonyme (WA95) at $350/bottle – Full-throttle red from Chateauneuf du Pape at nearly 16% natural alcohol, the wine boosts copious black cherry, blueberry, lavender and graphite characteristics. Less than 1,000 case produced.

2013 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon (RP96) at $1,000/bottle – Napa red by the same owner as the legendary Petrus of Bordeaux, it is different from its other US sibling Dominus by being more bold and powerful. There are under 1,000 cases made for the 2013 vintage which gives strong floral notes and a cedar wood smell on top of the gorgeous black fruits. This is a wine that can be drunk now but will keep evolving (and appreciating in value) for another 25 years.

2016 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (JS98) at $720/bottle – Another Napa estate with a Bordeaux connection and this one by the same owner of Ch. Latour. Their reds are of the highest quality and at First Growth prices. The whites are more affordable but nevertheless very good, with this one giving intense notes of white peaches, grapefruit, lemon tart and vibrant citrus flavours.

We encourage you to browse our website www.vinopolis.com.hk and view our wine list. If you want to buy anything, send us an e-mail or WhatsApp to 9195-7383. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support…