Is there a “shortage squeeze” for wines?

I am sure you all hear about the more recent logistic disruptions across the World, with the paradox created by Covid as it impacts production and port/transport operation while at the same time the increased demand of goods when consumers are active again despite the pandemic far from disappearing in many countries. Your truly just experienced some wine shipments off schedule by more than a month. The uptrend of energy cost certainly is not helping things either. There is also the rumour of some investment funds going into wine to hedge against inflation. The bigger shortage and therefore price impacts are more on Burgundies and Champagnes though wines from other popular regions will likely follow suit soon. If you don’t like wine, these all would not be of concern. But if you are planning various events over the holiday season, you better stock up early this year to avoid disappointment.

So much on that as we would now share with you some of our latest additions:

2008 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs (WA95 at HK$750/bottle) – Medium to full bodied Champagne with a long and penetrative finish, the 2008 vinatge is the highest rating the Wine Advocate ever gave to this house, regarded by some as the second wine of the great Salon as both are held by the same ownership. One probably should focus though on Delamotte’s great value when its price is only about 5% of Salon from the same vintage.

2008 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Brut (WA95 at $800) – We wrote about this brilliant Champagne which gives a nose of yellow fruits and discreet chalk, with a palate of purity, power, intensity and stimulation. We just managed to get a small parcel at a good price so we are now offering it to you at only HK$800/bottle.

2014 Doyard Extra Brut 1er Cru Clos de L’Abbye (WA95 at HK$820/bottle) – From an estate deserving greater attention, this is a full-bodied, serious and muscular Champagne out of 60+ years old vines, revealing notes of citrus oil, pear, mandarin orange, pomelo, walnut and pastry as it unwinds.

2018 Le Petit Cheval Blanc White (WA95 at HK$1,000/bottle) – We all know the great Cheval Blanc from St-Emilion (Bordeaux) and this is their more recent effort in producing a dry white, with the 2018 vintage in 74/26 Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon. There are profound notions of pineapple, passion fruit and white peach, followed by fragrant notes of lemon grass, lime blossoms with a full-bodied palate that is refreshing and multi-layered, finishing with loads of mineral sparks.

2010 Bachelet Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru les Folatieres (VN94+ at HK$960/bottle) – This Burgundy white has an ethereal aromas of lemon, lime and white flowers, with hints of peach and a touch of spice. It boosts a wonderfully fine-grained texture and finishes with a real whiplash of fruits and flowers.

2019 Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (WA96 at HK$380/bottle) – Definitively our favourite New Zealand white, this medium to full-bodied wine is complex and compelling. There are scents of lime custard, crème brulee, hazelnut and a hint of mocha, all wonderfully balanced to give a palate that is generous and very enjoyable.

2010 Branon (RP97 at HK$850/bottle) – This Bordeaux estate is fast attaining cult status, with this excellent vintage being an intense and yet elegant wine. On top of fruits, there are mocha, chocolate, roasted expresso and a rich, complex texture. Pity they only made 7,000 bottles of this for the market.

2012 Gazin (RP95 at HK$600/bottle) – Adjacent to Petrus and across the road to Lafleur, Gazin certainly sits on a great property. The 2012 vintage is a medium to full-bodied wine with a glorious nose of black fruits, marmalade and minerals, all in a silky texture with harmonious balance.

2012 Jean Grivot Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru les Beaux Monts (VN94+ at HK$1,650/bottle) – From a popular Burgundy House, this is one with a knockout nose of raspberry, smoke and truffle, lifted by white pepper and floral notes, all from a texture that is layered and seamless. The finish is long, serious, noble and even sentimental.

2012 Bruno Clair Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques (VN95 at HK$2,300/bottle) – There is a palpable sense of explosive energy from this excellent Burgundy red. The abundance of dark red fruits is obvious. Exceptional in its balance and full of nuance, this wine is offering an almost Grand Cru level drinking experience.

2017 Raul Perez La Vizcaina El Rapaolo (WA95 at HK$210/bottle) – Raul Perez was named Winemaker of the Year in 2014 and the Best Winemaker of the World in 2015 by two European food/wine publications. This is a good value proposition from him, a proprietary blend with Mencia as the major grape varietal from Bierzo of Spain. Wines from the area are sometimes referred to as the “Burgundy of Spain” for their medium-bodied texture and elegance.

2010 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (RP96 at HK$950/bottle) – Sold out rather quickly last time, we are re-stocking this full-bodied, rich wine that is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon although sadly, the price is slightly higher than before. It offers notes of lead pencil shavings, crème de cassis, subtle smoke, wet rock on top of fruits.

Thank you for reading. You may also like to browse our website www.vinopolis.com.hk to view the full wine list. Purchases can be made through the website or by sending us an e-mail or simply WhatsApp 9195-7383.