What is a car?

More serious objective in life aside, it may not be bad to indulge in something. Call that interest, hobby, distraction or perhaps just work-life balance. On that note, a lot of guys turn their attention to cars. But what is a car?

I am one of the 2,405 Porsche 964 RS made between 1991 and 1992 as a successor to the legendary limited production racing RS model debuted in 1971/72. The Weissach engineers made me partly in aluminum, gave me more power, a lighter flywheel, stronger brakes, stiffer suspensions, a lower ride height, a thinner windscreen, a stripped out interior devoid of air-con, the stereo system, power windows, the back seat and all features of comfort to shed me by some 150 kg. Credit to their ingenious marketing too, anybody to buy me actually had to pay more to get less!!!

What is it like driving me? First and foremost, it all depends on you to get the best out of me. There is no built-in intelligence nor active self-correcting safety mechanism which are common with modern day vehicles. The speed is there for the taking. But unless you are on a racing track or well-maintained highways, the ride can be bumpy as I try communicating everything to you about the road surface, to the extent it could actually be quite nerve-racking. Without much sound insulation, you will notice the air-cooled engine noise a lot more, great for those who enjoy that but not for those who want a decent conversation with the passenger. To keep the rev. of the engine at a certain level to give the optimum torque, there will be more shifting of gears and manual works. With windows rolled down, one would naturally feel more of the heat and dusts. All in all, driving me could be quite a draining exercise. Your pulse will rise so in that sense there is blood. Without the air-con, you will almost certainly sweat. But for sure there won’t be tears as you will be wearing that big grin from the moment you enter the cockpit till you come out of it.

Am I special? It is almost 30 years since my inception and the World has since had a lot more faster cars with tremendous overall ability. But I dare say I am still the one that will get you so involved in that totally “engaged” driving experience like few others. So if car is your passion, see if you could lay your hands on a 964RS!!!

Back to wine…what is better than having a cool white as Summer has arrived? And just to highlight some of what we have added lately:

2010 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia ‘Vina Gravonia’ Blanco (WA95) at $220/bottle – Stunning white from Rioja with notes of lemon curd, dried yellow flowers, saffron and spices, it has energy, a good balance...and such value!

2009 Malartic Lagraviere Blanc (WA95) at $470/bottle – Sold out multiple times, we are re-stocking this popular aromatically complex Bordeaux white which we can now also offer at a better price.

2012 Chapoutier Ermitage Le Meal Blanc (WA97) at HK$1,000/bottle – We like Rhone whites for their complexity and value. This one is near the top of the range, a full-bodied, vibrant wine that has everything…aroma, intensity and a long finish.

2014 Ramey Chardonnay Platt Vineyard (WA95) at $420/bottle – Think of this Sonoma white as a rich Chassagne-Montrachet with oyster shells, lemon and other citrus notes woven into an intense, almost saline finish.

2012 Morlet La Proportion Doree (WA98) at $620/bottle – Also from Sonoma, this is a blend of Semillon/Sauvignon that reveals exquisite perfume, a stunningly full-bodied and multi-dimensional mouthfeel.

2017 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay (WA95) at $300/bottle – From New Zealand, this is a medium-bodied wine marked with zesty grapefruit and lime, showing energy, thrust and vitality.

We encourage you to browse our website www.vinopolis.com.hk to read our newsletters and view our wine list. If you want to buy anything, send us an e-mail or WhatsApp to 9195-7383. Mean time, wishing you all the best. And stay cool…