Wrapping Up the Year

As 2021 is into its final few days, we hope that you have not only endured all the challenges but actually come out stronger and be more positive about the future. Vinopolis Hong Kong have been trying hard to provide service and value during the last three and a half years. We know we are far from perfect and it is a process of continuous improvement. Your support and opinions have given us great encouragement and motivation to continue.

On a personal note, I retired in 2018 after spending more than 30 years in the textile/apparel industry to start this small wine operation. There are still so much to learn every day, from wine knowledge, customer service to some of the latest trends. Our grandson has been given a NFT as Christmas gift and who knows what that might worth when he’s grown up. A younger generation bragged about the participation (in some sort of a metaphoric character) of her first metaverse party hosted by the DJ Steve Aoki. I must admit it somewhat trying to understand why that could be enjoyable. I like sports but think of yourself having a tennis game in a virtual setting. Will I be spending energy and sweating? How could that provide the sensation of hitting a ball right at the sweet spot of the racket? May be I will have to participate a metaverse party to find out!!!

In terms of wine and dine, I would list the following as my favourites for the year:

2005 Armand Rousseau Chambertin

2005 Mouton Rothchild

2005 Pape Clement

2012 Hosanna

2007 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red

2011 M. Chapoutier Hermitage de l’Oree Blanc

Octavium

Tempura Jiro

IM Teppanyaki

Xin Rong Ji

Finally, if you have more or less depleted your wine stock over Christmas, please spend a few minutes browsing our wine list. Here are a few highlights of our recent additions:

2009 Philipponnat Blanc de Noir La Remissonne (WA95 at HK$1,100/bottle) – From the Pinot Noir grape varietal, this very good Champagne reveals aromas of yellow orchard fruits, warm bread, hazelnuts, honey and yeast extract. It is full bodied, layered and concentrated, with ample reserves of a fine-boned structure and a long finish.

2019 Yves Cuilleron Condrieu les Chaillets (DC97 at HK$370/bottle) – Rhone white has always been our favourite and this one from Condrieu out of old vines offers beautiful notes of ripe peaches, citrus and hints of cream. As it flows onto the palate, you sense its richness, depth, purity and ending with a big finish…and we haven’t even touched on its great value!!!

2018 Concha y Toro Amelia Chardonnay (WA95 at HK$300/bottle) – This complex Chilean white first hits you as serious and restrained but having a grip on the palate. It gradually comes through as very harmonious and 3-dimentional, with a tasty, salty finish of great persistence. Only 12,000 bottles produced.

2011 Pontet-Canet (JS95 at HK$660/bottle) – Reds from this Bordeaux estate are getting some of the highest acclaims in recent years though sadly, their prices are also escalating sharply. The 2011 vintage is a rare one that is still of good value. It exhibits exuberant notes of red and black fruits, touches of dried mint, mocha, smoked meats and a waft of pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has bags of energy, finishing long and with a provocative lift.

2010 Delas Saint Joseph Cuvee Francois de Tournon (RP96 at HK$420/bottle) – Long the favourite Rhone estate of Robert Parker, this full-bodied red is brilliant, with notes of graphite, pen ink, smoke and subtle oak on top of the dark berries. Only 18,000 bottles ever made.

2015 Courbis Cornas la Sabarotte (WA96 at HK$550/bottle) – This tour de force from Rhone offers incredible notes of black and blue berries, spring flowers, caramelized meats and licorice. Full-bodied but seamless and profound on the palate, it rounds up with a very long and sweet finish.

2016 Bibi Graetz Testamatta (WA96 at HK$650/bottle) – From the Tuscany area of Italy, this red is out of 80-year old Sangiovese vines. There is a seductive wild side of it that comes forth with intensity. Dark fruit, spice, tar and licorice make for a beautiful, elegant bouquet. The mouthfeel is of polished tannins and a tightly knit structure, ending with a lingering finish.

2012 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino (RP96 at HK$570/bottle) – Another good Sangiovese from Tuscany with aromas of wild berry, licorice, cola, blue flowers and spice, all strategically in place and ready to hit you with harmony.

Purchases can be made through the website or by sending us an e-mail or simply WhatsApp 9195-7383.

So much for now and wishing you all the best for the Year 2022!!!