Keep Cool and Have Another Glass of Wine

Keep Cool and Have Another Glass of Wine
by ©LeDomduVin 2012

Keep Cool 

and 

Have Another Glass of Wine

Hi everyone, 

Just a quick post, as a "Coup de Gueule", as I realized, recently, that, at least, 2 people I know took this logo and used it for their own profiles. Just wanted to say that this logo is mine and has been mine since 2012, and I have been using it as a logo for my Instagram (and occasionally Facebook and Whatsapp and other social networks and media) ever since.  

I did not necessarily put my alias name on it on the first version of it back in 2012, as I did not think it would be necessary. But now, I feel like I have to, (that I'm "obliged to", should I say), add/write my name on all my pictures, illustrations, drawings, photos, and all my other visual creations, otherwise, they get used by whoever feels like using them for their own purpose without even crediting me for it. So annoying.   

Keep Cool and Have Another Glass of Wine
Sauvez des Vignerons Buvez du Vin
by ©LeDomduVin 2020

Keep Cool and Have Another Glass of Wine "Sauvez des Vignerons Buvez du Vin" 

by ©LeDomduVin 2020

This one above, with the banner "Sauvez des Vignerons Buvez du Vin", is also mine and has also been used by some people I know, and again, without even asking me or credit me for it, (which is now very typical of the world we live in, by the way, people don't care anymore), so please if you use it, at least mention logo by #ledomduvin or @leDomduVin or even ©LeDomduvin (or even my name Dominique Noël).  

Thank you for your help and understanding on the matter, 

Cheers! Santé!

LeDomduVin (aka Dominique Noël) 

All right reserved ©LeDomduVin 2021 on all the contents above including, but limited to, posts, texts, writings, quotes, tasting notes, wine descriptions, pictures, photos, drawings, illustrations, visuals, graph, and even music (when and where applicable).

Last night wines Oct 2nd 2021
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Last night wines... 

(October 2nd 2021)

These wines were for a private party in one of our restaurants. 

I briefed the staff about when to open, decant and serve the wines, then was supposed to head back home. Yet, my instinct was telling me to stay and do the wine service to help the team. 

So, I stayed and took care of the wines, and the patrons too. 

What can I say? Even on my days off, like yesterday, I cannot help it. It is part of my DNA. I'm a Sommelier, always have been, always will be. Therefore, how to resist the call of doing what I do best? More especially, when facing such a line up of great wines.... 

Krug Grande Cuvée "169ème Edition" NV
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Krug Grande Cuvée "169ème Edition" Champagne NV  (@krugchampagne)

Surely one the best non-vintage Champagnes I have ever tasted. 

The 169ème Édition is a blend of 146 wines from 11 different years (youngest from 2013 and oldest 2000). Resting around seven years prior release gave this Édition its remarkable expression and elegance.

Olivier Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet 2014
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Olivier Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet Burgundy 2014    (@olivierleflaive)

Cousin of Anne Claude Leflaive. Together they run Domaine Leflaive from 1990 to 1994, when Olivier left to set up his own Negociants business. His Bâtard-Montrachet is one of the best. Pure, mineral, crisp, tense, intense, generous and beautifully crafted, razor sharp equilibrium, rich and complex in a subtle and elegant way. 

Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues Bâtard-Montrachet 1996 
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues Bâtard-Montrachet Burgundy 1996   (@domaineleflaive)

What an incredible wine where mingle minerality, earthy and fruity notes, buttery,  oaky nuances, wrapped in a silky, ample, generous, beautifully expanding mouthfeel towards the seamless finish. 

Chateau Cheval Blanc Saint-Emilion 2001 
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Chateau Cheval Blanc Saint-Emilion Bordeaux 2001  (@chateauchevalblanc_ )

It has evolved beautifully and showed really well. Classic in its own way. I was a bit doubtful as I personally think that 2001 is not a great vintage, (in Bordeaux that is), yet, the right bank managed to do much better than the left bank on that vintage. Overall, 2001 vintage, from the beginning, has always been dry, tannic, even austere, with some wines showing even some vegetal nuances and green edges, due to a certain lack of ripeness for some wines in some of the Bordeaux appellations. 

In my opinion, the first 10 years, most 2001 were quite closed, timid, rather tight and not very expressive.  However, within the last decade, having the chance to taste many of them in numerous occasions, I was pleasantly surprised that some evolved quite nicely, despite a difficult beginning. And Cheval Blanc was one of them, despite its superior taste and quality compared to many others, it was a lesser version of itself, which yet appear to have gained and benefitted from a long rest in the bottle.  

Last night, the tannins were still present, yet much more integrated than I remember from previous tasting of this particular wine. Overall, the wine showed really, not as rich and complex as usual, rather liner (some may say more elegant and subtle), quite integrated and fairly silky (which surprised me a bit), with some earthy and herbal notes mingling with some tertiary aromas.  

As I said: Classic in its own way.   

PS: Nothing surprising coming from a Bordeaux vintage ending in "1", which are usually bad to mediocre in terms of overall quality of the wines.  And, it looks like 2021 may not be an exception either.  I wrote a post on "my Theory of the decades in Bordeaux" and the pattern of the cycle of the vintage's quality that seems to come back nearly every decade the same way.  If interested, read it here.         

Château Calon Ségur Saint-Estèphe 1982 
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Château Calon Ségur Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux 1982 (@chateaucalonsegur)

Still alive and kicking at 39. Wow! I was impressed... as I thought it reached its peak, but not just yet..

Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2013 
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Armand Rousseau Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 2013   (@Domaine_Armand_Rousseau)

What an incredible wine! It was the cherry  on the cake. Probably the best wine of the night. Bright red, juicy cherry, mineral, great acidity, texture and structure, fresh, crisp, racy, refine, superbly defined and elegantly crafted, very precise from beginning to the lengthy finish. Looooved it.  

Last night wines Oct 2nd 2021
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

I always feel very privilege when I get to taste and serve such great wines. I love my job.  

That's all folks! Thank you for reading my post and take good care of yourself and your loved ones, and give each other some love, 'cause that's all we got left....    

Cheers! Santé!

Ledomduvin (aka Dominique Noël)

#ledomduvin @ledomduvin #lesphotosadom #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #wine #vin #vino #wein #wineislife #lifeiswine #lifeinwine 

All right reserved ©LeDomduVin 2021 on all the contents above including, but limited to, posts, texts, writings, quotes, tasting notes, wine descriptions, pictures, photos, drawings, illustrations, visuals, graph and even music (when and where applicable). 

Farewell Bubbles by © LeDomduVin 2021

Farewell bubbles 

In Hong Kong, (and elsewhere too), the tradition encourages the person leaving the company to bring something to eat (and drink if you want) to share with his or her colleagues: "Un pot de départ" (as we say in French).

Bruno and Christiane Olivier Champagne "Signature" Brut
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Cupcakes are often an easy and obvious option for "job-leaving" party and "last day" gathering, and "Twelve Cupcakes" (@twelvecupcakeshk) makes some really good ones. 

So, I bought quite a few to share with those I worked with, some since the very beginning, 9 years ago, some more recently and others just because they worked in the office next door. 😁👍

Bruno and Christiane Olivier Champagne "Signature" Brut
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Recommended by my friend (and Wine Director/Sommelier),  Simpson To (@simpsonto), Bruno and Christiane Olivier Champagne "Signature" Brut was an excellent choice as a farewell Champagne to sip with colleagues and to accompany the cupcakes

Bruno and Christiane Olivier Champagne "Signature" Brut

Clean, crisp,  light, mineral, floral, very well balanced and harmonious, nicely combining fruit, acidity, structure and texture. Probably one of my favorite Champagne in this kind of price range. Loooooooooooved it, and everyone else too. 😁👍🍾🥂

Thanks @simpsonto for the recommendation, and to thanks to those I shared the cupcakes and the Champagne with. 

Kowloon Bay and Hong Kong in the far background view from my office window
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Once the round of  "goodbye to everyone" (maybe not "everyone" actually, as I know there are a few people I have missed, as I didn't see them that day) was finished, I went back to my office to have one last look at this breathtaking view of Kowloon Bay, (and Hong Kong in the far background), while sipping on the rest of the Champagne left at the bottom of the bottle and eating the last cake. 

I'm going to miss that view... 

…and this office too. (*)

Santé! Cheers! And Goodbye Kowloon Bay... 

Dom

(*) I had already a vague idea that my new office would be a cubicle in a shared opened office with no windows... (sigh) 

#cupcakes #champagne #bubbles #leavingmyjob #gathering #colleagues #view #hongkongview #hongkong #viewfrommyoffice #viewfrommyofficewindow #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin

LeDomduVin on a terrace overlooking Hong Kong
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Farewell Lunch too...

(July 30th)

After the lunch with my colleagues (the previous day), my boss, the #2 of the company, who is also one of my mentors, and the one who hired me 9 years ago, treated me to a very nice lunch. 

LeDomduVin on a terrace overlooking Hong Kong
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

I cannot reveal the name of the place, and couldn't take any pictures inside either (as it is forbidden). 

LeDomduVin on a terrace overlooking Hong Kong
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

All I can say it that the place looked refined and chic, smart-casual, the wine list was interesting and the food choices were very appetizing.

LeDomduVin on a terrace overlooking Hong Kong
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

I took the Katz Pastrami sandwich, which I did not have since New-York, 10 years ago, it brought back a lot of sweet memories from the big apple. 

LeDomduVin on a terrace overlooking Hong Kong
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

As you can see on these few pictures (I took that day), the place has a nice terrace with an incredible panoramic view overlooking Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour. 

Some of you might recognize the place (from where I took these pictures), as you might have been there already. For the others, here is a clue, it is a private club, only opened to members and their guests. 

I'm not a member. I was just invited as a guest, (thank you Sean), therefore there is little chance I will go there again, but you never know. 😉 😜 

Santé! Cheers! 

Dom

#farewell #farewelllunch #lunch #lunchwiththeboss #hongkong #hongkongviews #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues after 9 years working for the same company

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues 

After 9 years working for the same company

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

As a tradition in Hong Kong, (and elsewhere in some other countries of the world too), my colleagues invited me to a "farewell" lunch at Le Pan Apicius, the fine dining French restaurant of the company, in the office building, located at Kowloon Bay. The company that I left, on my own decision, after 9 years of good and loyal services.  

The lunch was somewhat unexpected, as I was not sure if my colleagues will do anything for me, needless to say, pay for a farewell lunch for me. I'm saying that as I'm not the most enjoyable nor the most pleasant guy to work with. I'm usually quite loud and obnoxious, strict, tough and direct, as, I usually like to get the job done and cannot deal with all the "BS" that can often comes with it. 

The fact is that I barely have any friends, and I often see, (or even qualify), myself, as being both "anti-social" and  "socially-impaired", as, usually, people have difficulties to cope with me, my character and/or my personality. 

I was even told recently, that my blunt, rough, "in-your-face" honesty and way of speaking to most people (in general), is quite surprising, often annoying, difficult to hear and not necessarily welcome nor accepted by most people. And, as that's how most people I know see me, it must be true so then.   

Consequently, I was not too sure if my colleagues will do anything for me. And frankly, I was the one who invited them first, with the intention to pay for them, (not them to pay for me), just to, at least, say goodbye the right way, despite the fact that I may have been the worst asshole they ever worked with (my reputation usually precedes me, everywhere I go).  

However, they did and the lunch was really enjoyable, fun and relaxed. Maybe they were just polite or, maybe, (and, note that I said "maybe"), maybe I'm not that bad after all. I do not know. I'll let you be the judge of that if we meet one day. And, if that day occurs, do not hesitate to be honest with me, I can take it.  😉

Anyhow, the food was great (Chef Edward Voon and his team are always doing wonders, if you ask me) and the wines, (that we tasted blind), were really interesting. 

Domaine Lapierre "Raisins Gaulois" Beaujolais 2018
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Domaine Lapierre "Raisins Gaulois" Beaujolais 2018 (@domainelapierre)

As we were tasting blind, I had a moment of hesitation, and I first mistaken it for a Pinot Noir on the nose. It was a delight for the taste buds: clean, fresh, zesty, light, crisp, cherry and raspberry notes, with a juicy mouthfeel, well balanced and textured. Definitely my type of summer red wine. Loooooooooooved it. And, at this price, it is even better. It is a steal actually, as you can fill up your cellar without your wallet breaking a sweat. 😉😁👍🍷

Azienda Agricola Cogno Barolo "Cascina Nuova" 2007
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Azienda Agricola Cogno Barolo "Cascina Nuova" 2007 (@elvio_cogno)

I did not know what to think at first, as the color showed a bit of age and the nose was "pruny" (old wrinkled plum) with some very distinct tertiary aromas (leather, saddle wood, underbrush). My olfactory memories brought me straight to Italy, but I wasn't sure where exactly, while one of my colleague was thinking Bordeaux. I knew it was not Bordeaux, it smelled too Mediterranean, and definitely not like home for me (I'm from Bordeaux for those who may have not realised it or did not know). 

So, I was hesitating between Tuscany and Piedmont. As the nose seemed more reminiscent of an old Tuscan wine, I said Tuscany, but of course it was Piedmont. Not at its best condition, yet still interesting and drinkable, but definitely reached its peak (IMO), unless the bottles we drank suffered from some heat at some point, which may have accelerated the evolution of the wine. 

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Thank you Sam for the lunch (he paid for it) and Martin for the company (he ate the food and did the talking). 

Thank you to Le Pan Wine Director/Head Sommelier and friend, Simpson To. Thank you also to Le Pan Restaurant Manager and friend, Fagin Cheung. And last, but not least, thank you to Chef Edward Voon and his team for the food and service of course. 

For those who may not know the whole story about how I ended up at Goldin Wines, 9 years ago, it is all  thanks to Edward, to whom I would be eternally grateful for recognizing me in the middle of the crowd at the airport, on the way to Hainan Island (South China), 2 years after we first met back in Tianjin. 

He recognized me, then we took the plane and went on separate ways. A few weeks later, we bumped into each other, twice, then he brought me up to the office at the 22nd and 23rd floor of the IFC building back then, where I was interviewed by Sean, and the rest is history.  And, here we are, 9 years later, saying goodbye to this lovely adventure, closing this chapter to go to the next.    

Farewell lunch at Le Pan with my colleagues
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Thank you guys for this farewell lunch to celebrate my departure from the company, after 9 years of good and loyal services. Much appreciated.

Dom

(PS: Post originally posted on my Instagram account on July 31st, enhanced for the purpose of this post on my blog, I forgot to post it earlier.)

#ledomduvin @ledomduvin #lesphotosadom #farewell #farewelllunch #wine #vin #vino #wein #food #lepan #lepanrestaurant #lunch 

Nice Line up too.. bottles of the night
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Nice line up too...

(August 14th 2021)

That night again, my wine pairing was a success and a delight for the taste buds of our "patrons" (literally and figuratively, as the big boss was there with his guests too 😉😁🍷). 

There is nothing more satisfying than receiving a "thank you" and/or a praise for the service provided to enhance the dining experience of our customers. 

Nice Line up too.. corks of the night
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

We do it with passion, knowledge and skills, in a pleasant, approachable and funny manner, somewhat theatrical, yet always respectful and without crossing the boundaries, for this moment to remain a lasting memory, and even trigger the need to come back for more. 

The food, the wine, the service, the ambiance, the atmosphere, the manners, the attention to details, the company, the decor, the lighting, the music and so much more, it is the right combination of all of these that makes the dining experience so unique and different each time. 

I love wines and I love my job. 

Here are the wines that I prepared, opened and served that night. 

Louis Roederer and Philippe Starck Brut Nature Rosé 2012
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Louis Roederer and Philippe Starck Brut Nature Rosé 2012  (@louisroederer_)

A delightful Rosé, complex and refined, elegant and playful, a very good champagne to start with. 

Agnès Corbon Chardonnay Grand Cru Millésime 2005
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Agnès Corbon Chardonnay Grand Cru Millésime 2005 (@acorbon) 

A very subtle and mature champagne with lots of elegance and character, refined mouthful, and notes that will please the sophisticated palates. 

Chateau Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2017
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Chateau Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2017 (@cosdestournel) 

Crisp, light on its feet, great acidity, zesty, perfect as a starter wine to wake your appetite. 

Domaine Dauvissat-Camus Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Domaine Dauvissat-Camus Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006 (@vincentdauvissat) 

Rich and complex, very buttery, and showing slight sign of age, but still pretty enjoyable. 

Bachelet-Monnot Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018
by ®LeDomduVin 2021

Bachelet-Monnot Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018 (@alexbachelet)

The star of the night for me. I decanted it. What an incredible wine! Perfectly balanced and harmonious from the moment it touches your lips till the end of the long lasting finish. Wow! Ideal with the Dover Sole.

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2009
by ®LeDomduVin 2021

Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle 2009 (@pauljabouletaine)

I decanted it when the starters were served, as it was a bit close, and needed a kick, it revealed itself right on time for the roasted pigeons. 

Dow's Vintage Port 2000
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Dow's Vintage Port 2000 (@dows_port)

Nice, light, good acidity, not overly sweet, Perfect with Cherry Jubilee

After the wines of the previous night, it was definitely a nice line up too.  

Nice Line up too.. corks of the night (2)
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

That's all folks! 

Santé! Cheers! Be safe and take good care of yourself and your loved ones, give each other some love, 'cause that's all we got! 

Dom

#lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineservice #restaurant

Nice Line up... by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Nice line up...

(Tonight's wines)

My new job consists of a lot of office hours doing many different things, but it also includes me working as a Sommelier  in our various restaurants from time to time. 

Tonight, for example, I was working in one of our flagship restaurants, which also happen to be the most beautiful restaurants I have ever worked in. 

Nice Line up... by ©LeDomduVin 2021

The decor is astonishing and mesmerizing. The ambiance is chic and luxurious, yet cosy, confortable and lay back. It is a great environment to work with. 

Unfortunately photos are forbidden inside, so I will just share with you the bottles I opened for the VIP tables I was in charge of for the wine. 

Dagueneau Pur Sang 2017 by ©LeDomduVin 2021

#dagueneau Pur Sang 2017

My godness, what a great wine! Racy, fresh, crisp, zesty, mineral, citrus and flowers, even herbal notes. Very enticing nose, and incredibly pure and mineral in the palette. Looooooooooove this wine. 

RIP to Didier Dagueneau, who I had the pleasure to meet a few times back in the mid-1990s. And long live his son, Louis Benjamin Dagueneau, who is also crafting fantastic wines. 

Henri Boillot Batard-Montrachet 2014 by ©LeDomduVin 2021

@domaine_henri_boillot  Batard Montrachet 2014

Probably the best wine of tonight (IMO), elegant, racy, complex, rich and layered. Great structure and texture from beginning to end, great balance and acidity, and lovely satisfying long finish. What a treat!

 

Pichon Comtesse 1996 by ©LeDomduVin 2021

@chateaupichoncometesse 1996

As I knew, by recent experience, not to decant it too long in advance, I only decanted it right after the starter were served. It was just right for the main course. Classic old style Bordeaux taste, a touch rustic and rough around the edges, but still quite nice overall. 

Coyeux Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2007 by ©LeDomduVin 2021

@domainedecoyeux Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2007. Very interesting, not too sweet, still had great acidity, good balance overall. Nice. 

Paola Sordo Barolo Rocche di Casteglione 2004 by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Paola Sordo Barolo was a backup and I did not open it. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

(aka Dominique Noel, aka LeDomduVin)

#dagueneau #henriboillot #domainecoyeux #pichoncomtesse #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob

Joyeuse et pétillante Fête Nationale du 14 Juillet

Joyeuse et pétillante Fête Nationale du 14 Juillet
by ©LeDomduVin 2021

Joyeuse et pétillante 

Fête Nationale du 14 Juillet 

à vous toutes et tous en France 

et partout dans le monde.

#fetenationale #fetenationalefrancaise #14juillet #quatorzejuillet #joyeusefete #joyeuse #petillante #champagne #vin #wine #vino #wein #lesmemesadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin  

All rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2021 on all the content of this post above, including but not limited to: pictures, photos, drawings, illustrations, memes, texts, quotes, wines, wine tasting notes, wine descriptions, tables, graphs, etc... 

Sunday Casual white wines by ©ledomduvin 2021

Sunday casual white wines

Last Sunday, some friends came to eat in the afternoon. We started with some beers and charcuterie for the "apéro". Then, we drank these 3 whites, sipping while cooking and eating "crêpes salées" (savoury crêpes or what was supposed to be "galettes") the whole day, from right after we finished the apéro, roughly from around 4 in the afternoon until they left around midnight. It was fun. 

More especially, that we tried first to make the crêpes with "whole-wheat" flour bought by my friend, who thought that it was the same as the one used in Britanny (Bretagne) to make the "galettes", except that galettes in Britanny are made with "buckwheat", not "whole-wheat".  So, we ended up with some kind of a weird liquid with some lumps of grains floating around, resulting in something similar to "oatmeal" in milk for breakfast. Once into the pan, the substance turned into a doughy disaster looking like a bizarre blob.  

After 2 attempts, I told my friend, the consistency is not good, something is wrong. We blamed it on the pan and the flour. I poured the liquid blob into the sink and, this time prepared the crepes concoction with regular white flour and my own recipe (which include rum and beer).  And ended up making:       

• Crêpes with ham, mushrooms, cheese and egg. 
• Crêpes with smoked salmon and mascarpone, lemon. 
• Crêpes with camembert, mushrooms and emmental. 

😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋😋

After the beers for the apéro with the charcuterie, we opened the following wines (in this order) to pair with the crêpes:  

Drouhin Vaudon Petit Chablis 2018 - Burgundy, France (@maisonjosephdrouhin)

Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay

Price: €14-17 (HKD 130 - 157)

Nice, fresh, medium-bodied, great balance and nicely coating the palate, ample and generous without being heavy, with substance and texture, yellow fruits, mineral notes, with a dash of oak treatment to add dimensions and volume, as well as a delectable buttery taste. Lovely. Nicely done and very satisfying.  

******************************

Villa Sparina Gavi - Piedmonte, Italy 2019  (@villasparina)

Grape variety: 100% Cortese

Price: €11-14  (HKD 100-130) (around HKD 160-180 in HK, weird...)

Always a great value for money, I love this wine. Crisp, fresh, elegant, subtle, mineral, zesty, with great acidity adding both intensity and tension to this great little wine. Lots of minerals, and a barely perceivable pinch of saltiness. I love this type of light and racy whites made between the mountains and the sea. So light, vibrant and refreshing. I could drink tons of this wine. 

I used to buy and sell a lot of this specific wine when I was working as a "caviste" in the rich neighbourhood of Brooklyn Heights (NYC). It has been one of my favorite summer whites for nearly 2 decades.    

(But, I must admit that I love mountainous whites from pretty much anywhere around the Alps, Northern Italy, but also Switzerland and France too of course, and Austria. Same around the Pyrenees too). 😋😁

****************************

Chateau Haut Bertinerie Blanc - Blaye, Cotes de Bordeaux, France  2018 (@chateau_bertinerie)

Grape Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc (old vines)

Price: €13-16 (HKD 120-150)

As I am from a little village located between the Côtes de Bourg and Côtes de Blaye, I was eager to taste this wine, as it is from the region where I grew up. And I know the red, but never tried the white before. 

The colour was already light gold, (and much more pronounced than the previous 2 wines, despite the vintage), which is usually a sign of good intensity but could also be a sign that the wine has evolved already (not always a good thing for white Bordeaux, trust me on that). 

Overall, medium to full-bodied, quite rich and generous, layered, nicely made and well balanced. Yet, it appeared slightly heavy for my taste/palate. Especially after drinking two rather dry and light wines, it almost tasted fruity sweet and very ripe (definitely heavier and fuller too). The oak treatment is noticeable, yet integrated, and add dimensions and volume, but also weight. Quite intense and fat. 

It is a personal opinion, but it tasted more like a "wintery" white for me. Surely very comforting when it is cold outside, but definitely too heavy for my palate to really be enjoyed during the summer months, more especially with the heat and humidity here in Hong Kong.   

I must be honest, it was not what I was expecting, yet, it is well made and tasty, and still, it remains a great value for money at this price. Consequently, my advice is: to drink it if you like a heavier style of whites, even during summer, or keep it in your cellar or wine fridge (or wherever you keep your wine) for the Fall and/or Winter, to be paired with white meat and creamy sauce, or a well seasoned roasted chicken.  

That's all folks for today! 

Thank you for reading my post, and until next time, be safe, take good care of yourself and give some love to each other, 'cause that's all we got!

Cheers! Santé!

LeDomduvin (aka Dominique Noel)  

#lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #casual #casualwines #sundaywines #friendsathome #crepes #wine #vin #vino #wein 

All rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2021 on all the content of this post above, including but not limited to: pictures, photos, drawings, illustrations, memes, texts, quotes, wines, wine tasting notes, wine descriptions, tables, graphs, etc... 

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 - Jeroboam (5L)

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

Ripples...

This could be the title of one of my new music tracks (I'm working on), and this first picture (above) could be the perfect cover for this track... 

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

But no, not just yet... 

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

For now, these ripples are pieces of history, the sign of a time that has been and has passed, the result of an artisanal craft that is no longer in favour but still has its adepts and defenders: hand-blown glass. 

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

Yes, these are the ripples on the external surface of an old and extremely rare bottle of wine: Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 (again), but, "Jeroboam" this time (5L). An old lady (as I like to call these old and rare bottles of wine) in need of TLC. Probably one of the last remaining specimen of her kind.   

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

These ripples were created by the defaults, bubbles and asperities resulting from the hand-blown glass process, giving the surface of this particular bottle a certain roughness and unevenness, taking a liquid appearance when on a certain angle under the light. 

Mesmerizing, isn't it? 

Personally, I could look at these ripples for a long while and not get tired of their sight. 

Ripples..... Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 Jeroboam (5L)
by and for ©LeDomduVin 2021

I love taking care of these old and rare ladies. I always feel humbled and privileged in their presence. They are rare gems and treasures to be protected and preserved, and it is my role and duty to do so. Very lucky to be able to work and have access to such great bottles on a daily basis. Real pieces of history. 

A few days ago was that time of the month again, my visit to the private cellar full of rare and fine old ladies. Coming in all shapes and sizes, like this sleeping beauty, a Jeroboam of Lafite 1959 with its original label and capsule, good level and plenty of stories to tell just by looking at its ripples.

Cheers! Santé!

Stay safe and take good care of yourself, family and friends, and give each other some love, 'cause that's all we got!

Dom

LeDomduVin (aka Dominique Noel)

LeDomduVin on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS0hBDcSbkZsN9eEp83Ojlw

PS: If interested to listen to my music, you can find some of my music tracks under my other alias "Domelgabor" on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Music and most of the top music platforms under "Domelgabor" or "Domelgabor Topic" (and even on Instagram and Facebook at @domelgabor and @domelgabor_music)

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHG6K6XS0morwLl6RFOVlrg
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuGicg39lu1-nv4-6mzZEwA
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kWnOjbHr882mE8FjpSFxO
• https://soundcloud.com/domelgabor
• https://music.apple.com/us/album/domed/1556344733
• https://www.instagram.com/domelgabor_music/

Also, some people asked me why I use this filter/color for most of my wine pictures. To answer I will say that I use this filter/color as: 

• It makes the picture look nicer and smoother, 
• It also enhances the light and harmonizes the colors, (which can be dull or dark and/or yellow when shooting in a cellar). 
• This particular filter/color is also my personalized touch and it gives a sepia-like vintage aspect that I love.
• And, to a certain extent, it also protects my pictures from anyone who might intend to use them or do copies, and from counterfeiters to use them as references for the bottle and label colors and fonts and other details.

Dom

@chateaulafiterothschild #chateaulafiterothschild #pauillac #bordeaux #bordeauxclassic #legendarywines #grandcruclasse #jeroboam #france #wine #vin #vino #wein #oldandrareladies #oldandrarevintages #oldandrarebottles #olandrarewines #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin ©LeDomduVin 2021

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