Perspective of time?

Call that nostalgia, some of you may know by now that yours truly have a soft spot for old things. Particularly for many old cars, that comes first as an admiration of their designs, and in some cases because of their engineering excellence and make quality. There is the feeling that things are not produced the same now, certainly not in the same manner. It brings out the debate as to whether cost/efficiency or craftmanship/durability are more important attributes of things and what might be the respective economic and aesthetic implications.

For old cars at least, somehow it generates even more admiration when encountering one on the street or at a certain parking lot than in an automobile museum because of the thought that the car is actually kept by an enthusiast rather than an institution. And it doesn’t have to be majestic brands like Rolls Royce or Bugatti. You almost expect those to be well kept. The sight of a 40-year-old “ordinary” car maintained in pristine condition just seems more of a feat. It is almost unimaginable if one pushes the time horizon backward: think of owning the same aged car in the 70’s…that would mean one manufactured before the Second World War, certainly not something yours truly could fathom as a youngster at the time!!!

On that note, hope you like some of what have been discovered by yours truly more recently (see pictures above).

Going back to wine for a minute, we would like to recommend a few out of our inventory:

NV Krug Grande Cuvee 169th Edition (WA96 at HK$1,500/bottle) – Champagne house with undisputed reputation offering this one based on the 2013 vintage and complemented by some 40% reserve wines dating back to 2000, it is medium to full-bodied with notes of citrus, dry apricot, marmalade, buttered toast and warm biscuits. Deep, incisive and with a long, sapid finish, this is a classical well balanced Champagne.

2016 Hartford Court Far Coast Chardonnay (WA96 at HK$650/bottle) – Medium to full-bodied California white that is maturing nicely and offering vibrant notes of citrus, apple, mandarin peel, browned toast and crushed rocks.

2016 Malescot St-Exupery (WA95 at HK$500) – This young Bordeaux red is already approachable as it sings of cassis, fragrant earth, tobacco and lilacs with a compelling waft of mocha. Medium to full-bodied and strutting loads of expressive fruits, it is framed by ripe, grainy tannins and with freshness, finishing with great length and depth.

2009 Pontet-Canet (RP100 at HK$1,650/bottle) – There is probably never a better time than now to own a bottle or two of this “perfect” Bordeaux red when today’s price in HK$ is actually some 15% lower than when the wine was released 12 years ago. Deep garnet in colour, the wine slips sensuously from the glass with opulent scents of crème de cassis, baked plums, Black Forest cake, spice, menthol and tea. Rich, muscular and at the same time velvety, it is decadent in the mouth and finishes long and strongly.

2009 Laforge (RP96 at HK$580/bottle) – A Bordeaux red that is a Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend and the highest rated vintage ever from this small estate. Boosting notes of licorice, camphor, black truffle, blackberry and blueberry, this wine has massive concentration yet at the same time displaying elegance and harmony. Only 2,000 cases produced.

2016 Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino (WA95+ at HK$390/bottle) – A good valued and lovely Sangiovese from the Tuscany region of Italy, there are bright fruit tones, wild cherry, toasted nuts and blue flowers. The mouthfeel is silky but with intensity. Less than 3,000 cases produced.

2018 Eyrie Vineyards Sisters Pinot Noir (VN95 at HK$400/bottle) – From Oregon of NW USA, this red has a complex bouquet evoking ripe red fruits, incense, flower and exotic spice. There is outstanding clarity and a mineral cut on the gently tannic finish, which lingers on with superb tenacity.

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.