Rain, rain and more rain…

Blame it on global warming perhaps, so many places in the world have been hard hit by such heavy downpours that few have witnessed in years we can remember. Deluges can damage plantations, roads, houses, resulting in losses of lives and properties. Our great sympathy to those being affected and also our deep gratitude to those who are working tirelessly to rescue people, to ensure minimal flooding and roads can be opened and so on.

In a completely different context, rain-filled settings can have significance in cinema by creating a more emotionally absorbing background or invoking suspense. Who could forget:

“Singing in the Rain” in which Gene Kelly had the iconic dance sequence after walking the beautiful Debbie Reynolds to her door and kissing her under the umbrella

“Seven Samurai” with the signature scene of the showdown between the ronin and the bandits under soaking rain in a muddy village

“Jurassic Park” when the pouring rain just made the first introduction of the T. Rex all the more frightening and memorable

And then the songs we baby-boomers all remember so fondly:

Rhythm of the rain – The Cascades

Have you ever seen the rain – Creedence Water Revival

Raindrops keep falling on my head – B. J. Thomas

Rainy days and Mondays – Carpenters

Fire and rain – James Taylor

As Hong Kong comes to terms with the fourth “black rain” storm in eight days, it is not a bad idea to uncork a bottle, read a book or just spending time with family. And perhaps checking out some of the newly added items on our wine list:

2018 Delamotte Vintage Blanc de Blancs (WS95 at HK$580/bottle) – Like a prima ballerina, this elegant Champagne shows effortless precision and grace. The lacy mousse carries a layered range of creamed apple, yellow plum, pickled ginger and lemon curd flavours, aligned with more subtle hints of rich vanilla-infused pastry cream and brioche. Long and creamy, with a succulent quality to the well-cut acidity and a mineral-driven finish of smoke, chalk and oyster shell.

2020 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey St-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly (WA93 at HK$1,250/bottle) – Our efforts to discover good Burgundies without the crazy prices have led to this beautiful, lively and good named white. Wafting from the glass with scents of pear, citrus oil, clear honey, white flowers and wet stones, the palate is medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with bright acids and a long, saline finish.

2022 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay (JS95 at HK$220/bottle) – Re-stocking by popular requests, this white from an excellent New Zealand producer is nutty and svelte, with white peach, pastry, apricot kernel, brine and even a hint of malt biscuit through the finish. The wine has breadth and girth to it. It may not be the most complex but there is definitely a good texture. With its great value, and all things being equal, it's an exciting Chardonnay. 

2009 Branaire-Ducru (RP96 at HK$620/bottle) – Another well-loved wine that we are re-stocking, this Bordeaux red has a medium to deep garnet colour and reveals compelling notions of warm cassis, licorice, baked plums with hints of sautéed herbs and pencil lead. Youthful and medium to full-bodied, it has a generous core of black fruits with a firm and grainy structure and bags of freshness, finishing long with great purity. 

2018 Domaine de Chevalier (WA95+ at HK$500/bottle) – A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, this Bordeaux red is deep garnet-purple, pouncing out of the glass with energetic scents of crushed blackcurrants, fresh, juicy blackberries and ripe plums, with suggestions of crushed rocks, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with muscular black fruits, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and mineral laced.

2018 Clos L’Eglise (WA95 at HK$650/bottle) –   From Pomerol of Bordeaux, this is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple coloured, it comes bounding out of the glass with energetic scents of cherries, fresh black plums and lavender, plus underlying nuances of crushed rocks, woodsmoke and black truffles. The full-bodied palate is packed with perfumed black fruit, supported by ripe, velvety tannins and tons of freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. 

2012 Palmer (RP96 at HK$1,900/bottle) – One of the vintage’s superstars, this remarkable wine for the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux is opaque purple, with a gorgeous nose of blueberry, blackberry fruit, licorice, incense and graphite. The wine has a multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like richness, stunningly well-integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol, a finish of close to 45 seconds and a full-bodied mouthfeel.

2019 Pintia 375 ml (WE95 at HK$260/half) – A sibling of the legendary Vega Sicilia, this Spanish red has not only depth and concentration, but also a sense of poise and finesse. Fine-grained tannins and velvety texture carry flavours of creamed black cherry, crème de cassis fruit, with accents of tar, mocha and licorice. The firm finish is long and well-spiced. 

2013 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis (WA96 at HK$700/bottle) – A tremendous effort by this good Italian producer, the wine shows a beautifully exuberant but elegant bouquet with the ethereal and undertone fruit and spice aromas you get with Nebbiolo. Never overdone, it does show silky persistence and a long finish that comes from the noble nature of the tannins and the wine's textural finesse. Yet, it is playfully deceiving in a way because behind that polished grace, it delivers impressive depth and power. 

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.