What is Luxury?

Declaration is hereby made in that this is not an original idea but one inspired by a friend and got further reinforced when yours truly fell sick in a hospital last week.

When one thinks of “luxury”, what immediately comes to mind are expensive, rare, exclusive and unattainable stuffs, like the Fincantieri yachts, Ferrari cars, Patek watches, Hermes crocodile bags, a stay at the Villa d’Este and so on. The irony though is that what we need most, such as air and water, are free, or almost free. More often than not, luxury are actually those little things we do not know how to value when we have them, but would miss so much once they are gone or no longer possible. Think of health, a walk with your better half on the beach, a hug with your kids, a meal (and yes…a few drinks too) with friends and really, the privilege of living and being loved. Not to say money totally unimportant, we do suggest you savouring all these other moments rather than merely looking for wealth. And let’s start doing that by planning a really good re-union dinner with family over the Mid-Autumn Festival!!!

And on that note, we want to suggest you some wines to enhance the occasion:

NV Jerome Prevost les Beguines Extra Brut La Closerie LC17 (WA95 at HK$1,300) – If you like Jacques Selosse but cannot find it, this may be the alternative at a fraction of the cost. Jerome Prevost inherited the vineyard but learned wine making at Jacques Selosse. La Closerie is out of grapes from a single vineyard, the LC17 a full bodied, concentrated, incisive offering with giant aroma of honeycomb, walnut, confit lemon, spice and warm bread.

2008 Pol Roger Blanc de Blancs Brut (WA95 at HK$850/bottle) – Brilliant offering from this reputable house, the wine gives a nose of yellow fruits and discreet chalk as its persistent bubbles keep coming. The palate is of purity, power, intensity and stimulation.

2009 Rieussec (RP98 at $360/bottle) – With the pedigree of ownership by Ch. Lafite Rothschild and 2009 being the highest rated Rieussec ever by the Wine Advocate, this full bodied, decadent Sauternes with the flavour of baked apple, pear and hints of peach blossom and bee wax, and at a price perhaps 15-20% of the d’Yquem, this is really a no brainer for those who like sweet wines.

2010 Domaine de Chevalier (RP95 at HK$700/bottle) – Opulent, silky Bordeaux red from an excellent vintage, with notes of red and black fruits and touches of menthol and chocolate, finishing long and with energy.

2012 La Fleur-Petrus (WA96 at HK$1,500/bottle) – Bordeaux red by the team of JP Moueix who owns Petrus, Hosanna, Trotanoy and Dominus, this is medium bodied and with an understated elegance. The bouquet is that of red cherry, raspberry, fresh mint and a hint of black truffle, all in harmony with great finesse and a very long finish.

2009 Comte Armand Pommard Clos des Epeneaux Monopole (VN94 at HK$1,350/bottle) – This Burgundy red is flat-out beautiful and with great harmony. Layers of racy, exotic fruit caress the palate as the wine opens up in the glass. Already exuberant now, it will deliver tons of pleasure for many years.

2012 Confuron-Cotetidot Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Suchots (VN94+ at HK$990/bottle) – Another Burgundy red with good body and almost liqueur-like ripeness, it offers the aromas and flavours of black raspberry, coffee and dark chocolate. Rich, layered and deep, this is one with near Grand Cru quality.

2017 Domaine du Roucas de St. Pierre (WA95 at HK$230/bottle) – Full bodied, powerful red from Southern Rhone and yet this is one with balance and offering a delicate aroma of rose petals, herbal tea on top if raspberries and stone fruits, all ending with a very long finish.

2010 Benjamin Romeo La Vina de Andres Romeo (WA95 at HK$700/bottle) – This Spanish Rioja has a very intense, opulent and complex bouquet of dark cherry, minerals and rose petals. The palate is medium-bodied with structured tannins, giving the wine tension and poise.

Thank you for reading. You may also like to browse our website www.vinopolis.com.hk to view the full wine list. Purchases can be made through the website or by sending us an e-mail or simply WhatsApp 9195-7383. Wishing you all the best for the Mid-Autumn Festival.