Once Upon A Time…

The fig tree, which is believed to be at least 70 years old, at King’s College collapsed amidst heavy rain and gusts in May. The average Hong Kong citizens would hardly notice that but to us old boys of the College, it was very sad news as the tree had been such a symbolic statue way beyond being just another plant. Even our school magazine was named after it.

Treading down memory lane, it brought out the curiosity to find out what might be the current being of the schools yours truly attended at the earliest of age. So a trip was made last week to a few villages in the Yuen Long area. The house that was our home in the 1950’s was still there and in surprisingly good shape. My first school that merely had some 20 students is no longer in existence but perhaps it was at the site which is now a communal reading room? The other school where I spent a few months has been redeveloped more recently and turned into a kindergarten with an “international” curriculum. Similar to so many places in the New Territories, that neighbourhood has changed to beyond recognition when compared with what it was 65 years ago. Like it or not, no one can push back the clock. But the trip certainly brought out some very good memories…

Anyway, back to wines and some of our latest additions:

NV Andre Clouet Un Jour de 1911 disgorged 2021 (WA96 at HK$580/bottle) – A great champagne that combines ripeness, intensity, complexity and finesse with elegance on both the nose and palate…and a persistent finish too.

2020 Verget Pouilly-Fuisse les Combes VV (VN95 at HK$330/bottle) – We are re-stocking this very good Burgundy white that is pleasant, refreshing and at such value that is hard to find anywhere.

2018 des Comtes Lafon Meursault Clos de la Barre (VN93 at HK$1,900/bottle) – Great name Burgundy white that is fresh, well balanced and offers the aromas of peach, apple, orange peel, hazelnut and well- integrated oak, culminating to a lingering and slightly spicy finish.

2012 d’Issan (RP95 at HK$530/bottle) – A great success for this Bordeaux estate, the medium to full bodied wine has an inky purple colour and a stunning nose of spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite.

2012 La Fleur-Petrus (WA96 at HK$1,650/bottle) – Our favourite Pomerol (Bordeaux) estate producing this medium to full bodied red with a mint-fresh bouquet, vigorous and vivid, with red cherry, raspberry, stone, black truffle and leather, all in great harmony. A balanced palate with sweet tannin and a long finish makes it an unforgettable experience.

2016 Castello di Ama Classico Chianti Gran Selezione San Lorenzo (WA95 at HK$370/bottle) – From Tuscany (Italy) and out of the Sangiovese grape varietal, this red has pretty tones of blackberry, cassis, rosemary essence, licorice and a touch of medicinal herb. The palate shows fibre, richness and lasting structure with good quality tannins.

2017 Tua Rita Giusto di Notri 25th Anniversary (WA96 at HK$460/bottle) – A special label to mark 25 years of production of this cuvee which is Cabernet Sauvignon blended with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and what a gorgeous wine from this Tuscany estate! The bouquet is stunning, with dark fruits at its core and hints of lime, chalk and minerality. It is approachable now but will develop for another 20 years.

2017 Tenuta di Trinoro Campo di Tenaglia (WA95 at HK$550/bottle) – From Tuscany of Italy, this is made of 100% Cabernet Franc. Once you have adjusted to its power, you begin to sense the depth and complexity. There are thick loads of black fruits, exotic spice and tobacco. The tannin is not hard, making it more accessible and a perfect wine to go with a grilled meat. Only 1,600 bottles were produced.

2016 Torbreck the Factor (WA97 at $700/bottle) – Full bodied Shiraz from this famous South Australia winery, it shows hints of cedar, pencil shavings and toasted coconut layered over the ripe blackberries and spice. The finish is long and with an energetic drive.

2012 Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (RP100 at HK$4,300/bottle) – A perfect wine from this legendary Napa producer, it is an amazingly deep, rich, blueberry, blackberry and mulberry scented wine with skyscraper-like texture, remarkable intensity, and the oak completely concealed by the lavish fruits. It is a blockbuster with no hard edges that comes across like a flawlessly constructed haute couture dress…amazing!!!

Thank you for reading and hope you will find some of the above interesting. 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.