It’s not perfect, so what?

In the area of science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and even sports, we typically demand perfection as one exception could disapprove a theory and any flaws, no matter how small, could render something useless or so greatly undermine performance. Does the same apply to the way we live?

There is a suggestion that many things with aesthetic value should not be perfect. As an example, some would argue that high end tailored garments look better with certain minor sewing imperfections as proof that they are handmade. And this brings to another favourite subject of yours truly…cars.

The Jaguar XJ in the picture is 13-years old. Its signature silhouette (an evolution from a late 60’s design) is timeless as the replacing models since 2009 looks completely different. Because of age, there are various malfunctions from time to time. And with most spare parts having to come from the UK, it will take the workshop for perhaps 2 weeks each time to fix something not working properly. Folks at home are complaining and pressing for changing to a new car. And I can understand that if one is treating a car as merely a transportation tool taking you from point A to point B. But is that all?

The aesthetic look aside, this Jag is something yours truly has developed an attachment. The feeling sitting inside, the smell of the interior, the driving position and more than that, what we have gone through over the years. There is history. Is one to ditch one’s good friends because of certain of their old age shortcomings? As the great football manager Arsene Wenger reflected when Arsenal was to leave Highbury and relocating themselves to the much bigger and modern Emirates Stadium in 2006: “It was heartbreaking. The (Highbury) stadium was no longer sufficient. It was like the old house you had lived since childhood, probably too small and no longer fit for the purpose, but one we totally felt at home even though the heating might not function properly as opposed to an ultramodern, practical, even lavish apartment which we always feel a bit of an outsider!”

Anyway, let’s go back to wine and hope you will find some of the following interesting:

2007 Giulio Ferrari Reserva del Fondatore (WA97 at HK$1,080) – Now we are talking!!! If one’s impression about Italian sparkling wines is just Prosseco which tends to be somewhat sweet and of varying quality, you must try this one that is made of predominately the Chardonnay grape varietal. Medium to full bodied, soft and yielding but at the same time intensive. Sounds contradictory? You really have to try it to discover the truth about probably the best of its type from Italy.

2017 Valandraud Blanc (JS95 at HK$620) – Tiny production (less than 200 cases per annum) from the St-Emilion estate famous for its reds, this good dry white is a Sauvignon Blanc/Sauvignon Gris/Semillion blend offering the flavour of fresh lemon, grapefruit, white peach and a hint of chalk. The palate is intense, even racy, ending with a long finish.

2013 Varner Chardonnay Home Block Spring Ridge Vineyard (WA95 at HK$520/bottle) – Medium to full bodied white from San Francisco Bay with flavour of apple, stone fruits, white flowers, brioche and hints of minerality. It is crisp, focused and of great length.

2000 Leoville Barton (RP 95 at HK$1,200/bottle) – A behemon of a Bordeaux red, which nevertheless is coming into its drinking window at last. Under its intense purple colour, the now softened tannin is intermixed with cedar, dense fruit cake, licorice and more. Great wine that will continue to improve for another 30 years, making a mockery of some modern day consumers looking for instant gratification.

2003 Leoville Poyferre (RP96 at HK$1,150/bottle) – Spectacular effort that is exuberant and more forward than most other great Bordeaux reds as it is now at the plateau of maturity. The wine is packed with jammy black fruits, licorice, spice boxes…intense and voluptuously textured.

2018 Louis-Claude Desvignes Morgon Javernieres (WA95 at HK$220/bottle) – This is not your Beaujolais Nouveau but one having aging potential. Could just be the interesting red that is not complicated nor overwhelming to enjoy under the summer heat. The Wine Advocate might be slightly generous with its rating but you certainly can’t argue with the value this wine is offering.

2004 Alonso del Yerro Cuvee Maria (WA96 at HK$430/bottle) – Made of 100% Tempranillo and from a strict selection of the estate’s finest barrels , this Spanish wine is expressive, complex and effortlessly combining intensity with elegance.

2013 Terroir Al Limit L'Arbossar (WA95 at HK$400/bottle) – Fragrant red from Catalonia of Spain out of old vine Carinena grapes, its flavour is red fruit driven, lively, full of flowers and minerals, and the tannins sleek, elegant and very balanced.

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