It is Me Again😊

A few months have elapsed since I met you guys last time. I am happy to learn new things and have had a few first time experiences. Using the chopsticks is not easy. But that surely will help me enjoying food as I join mum and dad in their gastronomic adventure. I must admit though using one’s fingers might actually be more handy for fries and the egg tart. I also did my first tram journey, my first karaoke session and won my first sports medal. For once, mum allowed me to shop the supermarket and that was fun as I could pick my favourite candies and snacks. I also had my first experience with the cell phone which is a wonderful tool except I don’t like grandpa spending too much time on it while we are having dinner together!!!

Talking about first time experiences, it is always our philosophy to explore when it comes to wine. Even when French wines more than most are having a bigger following in Hong Kong, there is actually a strong bias towards Bordeaux. But one should never overlook other regions that could be unique as much as very interesting. And we will focus on Burgundy this time. Burgundy whites are made from the Chardonnay grape varietal only while the reds are all out of Pinot Noir. They are typically elegant, fragrant and can be very complex, with good aging potential too. The not so good thing is that wine production by each domaine tends to be very small and the good ones can be very expensive and hard to find. We have recently gathered a selection of reasonably priced white and red Burgundies. Some do not quite make 95 points (our usual benchmark) as we want to strike a balance between ratings and prices.

See if you might want to try some of the following:

2014 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot Clos du Prieure Monopole Blanc (WS93 at HK$780/bottle) – This white offers effusive aromas of smoke, mineral and spice, complemented by lemon and green apple flavours. There is excellent length in the finish too. Only 330 cases produced.

2018 Henri Boillot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchere Monopole (WA95 at HK$1,500/bottle) – Brilliant Burgundy white, medium to full-bodied, deep and multi-dimensional with terrific concentration boosting complex aromas of pear, citrus, hazelnut, dried flowers and smoke. Long and mineral finish.

2013 Robert Chevillon NSG 1er Cru les Pruliers (WA92-94 at HK$600/bottle) – A truly great valued Burgundy red with one of the most sophisticated bouquet among all vintages of this wine, one that is almost crystalline in purity and with mineral-infused red and black fruits intermingling. The palate is harmonious with well judged acidity and a tense, rocky, structured finish that lingers long in the mouth.

2015 Bouchard Le Corton Grand Cru (WS95 at HK$1,050/bottle) – Popular Burgundy domaine producing this red with spice and smoke aromas and flavours framed with wild cherry and berry fruit. Lots of intensity here, even to the tannins, which may need a little time to be absorbed. The finish is very long, with the aftertaste evoking a hint of chalk.

2014 Domaine Tawse Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru (WA94 at HK$1,300/bottle) – There is clearly plenty of fruit tightly coiled up in this wine. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannin and a fine line of acidity, albeit slightly rough around the edges. Drinkable now, but the firm backbone on the finish and density of fruit do suggest it having an excellent longer term prospect too.

2015 Chantal Remy Latricieres-Chambertin Grand Cru (WA93-95 at HK$1,350/bottle) – A favourite of the owner among all his various productions for the vintage, this red has a light, harmonious red cherry, strawberry and bergamot-scented bouquet that is perhaps not the most intense but certainly with focus. The palate is marked by very fine tannin with great tension and not shortchanging fruits and precision on its long finish.

2010 Domaine Michel Magnien Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru (WA92-94 at HK$1,380/bottle) – This beautiful wine sweeps across your palate with layers of expressive dark red berries, licorice, tobacco and mint. It is very sensual, silky and is seeking elegance and finesse above all things else.

2013 Ghislaine-Barthod Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru les Veroilles (WA92-94 at HK$1,650/bottle) – From the domaine’s 60-year old vines, its bouquet has a mineral core wrapped by red fruits. The palate is medium bodied with fine, tensile tannins. There is a sorbet-like freshness, a sense of energy and biting orange rind notes on the finish. Bon vin!!!

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.