Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Grand Vin de Château Latour 1949

Château Latour 1949 by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949
by ©LeDomduVin 2020



Grand Vin de Château Latour 1949


While visiting the cellar I stumbled across many empty bottles of old and rare wines, consumed within the last few years, that I kept for Wine Quality Control purposes. 



Château Latour 1949 (2) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (2)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020


I like to keep the labels or even the bottles with the labels of these old ladies that I eventually use or refer to when in doubt during a wine inspection. 


Château Latour 1949 (3) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (3)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020


They are like pieces of history, (even if empty), and I treat them as such. With sometimes, the taste of these old ladies still in mind, as I have been lucky enough to (at least) taste these great wines... more than once for some of them. 


Château Latour 1949 (4) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (4)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020


Château Latour 1949 is a stunning wine from a  rare and historic vintage. It has been rated very highly by the critics (e.g. 100 points by Robert Parker Jr., 98 points by Neal Martin) and as per www.cellartracker.com reaches the average of 94.4 points in 41 community wine reviews. 


Château Latour 1949 (5) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (5)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020



It is so good, that Neal Martin rated it 98 points twice. 

First in his journal:

"Tasted blind at the chateau, my God, this is just one ethereal Latour that has the audacity to steal the limelight from the ’61. Given its age, it still looks youthful with a thin tawny rim. The bouquet is gradually mutating into a Burgundy with just heavenly precision, a veneer of red fruit over minerals and a hint of seaweed. The palate is medium-bodied with the balance of tightrope walker halfway across the Niagara Falls. It is just so sublime, not powerful and extraordinarily intense with amazing poise on the finish. Warning: this wine can bring tears to the eyes. Tasted June 2011." (05/2012) 98 points 

And the second time, more recently, for www.vinous.com 

The 1949 Latour has the best aromatics compared to the 1945 and 1947: stylish, classy, beautifully defined, regal and just very Pauillac: vestiges of black fruit intermingling with graphite, cedar and subtle tertiary scents. It is the epitome of postwar Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, wonderful acidity, shimmering black fruit laced with graphite and smoke that fan out in statesmanlike fashion towards the irresistible finish. This is one of the best bottles of the 1949 that I have tasted: cool and sophisticated as Noel Coward in a smoking jacket. Tasted at the Latour dinner in Hong Kong (NM) » (7/2018)



Château Latour 1949 (6) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (6)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020



I had the chance to taste it a few times in the last 8 years, more especially this particular bottle on the pictures in this post, and couldn't agree more with Neal Martin. More especially, as it was a magnum, not a regular bottles, which is even better as the bigger the volume the less fast the wine aged in the bottle. 

Tasted a few years ago, prior and after decanting it and prior to serving it for dinner, back in 2017 (if i remember well). From memory, my personal tasting notes were:


Chateau Latour, 1er Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France (Magnum - 1.5L)
Recommended retail price 75,000 to 90,000 HKD (or 8,260 to 9,920 Euros)

"Fairly youthful, light to medium intensity, garnet-brownish colour, with dark orange brick hue (little sediments), for 1949. Elegant, refined, subtle at first, yet quite complex and aromatic nose after a minute in the glass. Lovely bouquet where mingle secondary and hints of tertiary scents, yet, here again, rather youthful for 1949, (slower ageing in magnum format surely helped), an enticing mix of red and blackberries, figs, graphite, pencil shave, cedar and leather with a note of minerality. The palate is medium-bodied, harmonious and perfectly balanced, expanding nicely and gently from attack to finish with flavors reminiscent of those on the nose all along until the fairly long and juicy finish. What a blast, and still so youthful, it could easily go on for another 10+ years and remain as good. Such a great and memorable wine" - Dominique Noël (2017)



Château Latour 1949 (7) by ©LeDomduVin 2020
Château Latour 1949 (7)
by ©LeDomduVin 2020



#latour #chateaulatour @chateau__latour #pauillac #bordeaux #bordeauxclassic #grandcruclasse #france #oldandrareladies #oldandrarewines #oldandrarevintages #wine #vin #vino #wein #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #lesphotosadom @ Hong Kong


All the above including pictures, tasting notes and texts ©LeDomduVin 2020 

Thursday, September 24, 2020

LeDomduVin: Hug Therapy


"Il Retorno" (The return) or "Abbraccio" (The hug) by Bruno Bruni, 1980
"Il Retorno" (The return) or "Abbraccio" (The hug)
by Bruno Bruni, 1980



Hug Therapy


Hugs are good for both physical and mental health. A few seconds are enough to bring well-being and comfort.  After 20 seconds, they have a therapeutic effect on body and mind.

The hormone produced during a long and sincere hug, called "oxytocin", helps to relax, to feel safe and to allay our anxiety and our fears.

The more tender, affectionate and caring the hug, the stronger the sensations and feelings experienced will be, both physically and psychologically.



"Il Retorno" (The return) or "Abbraccio" (The hug) 
by Bruno Bruni, 1980



Sculpture: "Il Retorno" (The return) or "Abbraccio" (The hug) by Bruno Bruni, 1980

All my thoughts and hugs go to my family and friends in France and in the US (and everywhere else in the world), I love you all. 

Take good care of yourself and your loved ones and be safe. And give each other love and hugs because you're all you've got. 

Thank you, 

LeDomduVin (a.k.a. Dominique Noël) 

#hug #hugtime #hugtherapy #wellbeing #comfort #friendship #hugsomeone #needahug #sculpture #art #moment #life #people #ilretorno #abbraccio #brunobruni #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #ineedahug @ Hong Kong

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2020, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon Jardin Secret 2018

Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (1) 
©LeDomduVin 2020



Caroline Frey -  "Les Grains Blancs de Mon Jardin Secret" 
Vin Blanc du Valais (Suisse) 2018 


Jolie surprise, le 16 Juillet dernier, mon envie de goûter le vin blanc de Caroline Frey, produit en tout petite quantité dans son minuscule vignoble du Valais, en Suisse, s'est enfin concretisée. 


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (2) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Merci à @damienfle (Damien Fleury), importateur de Vins Suisses de haute qualité ici sur Hong Kong, d'être venu présenter ce très joli vin à @simpsonto (Directeur des vins du Restaurant "Le Pan") et moi même. Belle rencontre aussi avec Damien. 


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (3) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Dégusté à température ambiante, car il n'etait pas prévu d'ouvrir la bouteille que j'achetais pour moi même, en fait, mais que j'ai voulu partager sur l'instant. Le vin s'est quand même très bien goûté (c'est un signe de qualité généralement).


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (4) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Assemblage de Johannisberg (Sylvaner) et Fendant (Chasselas) (pas sur du % ?) 
348 bouteilles et 18 magnums produit en 2018 seulement. 


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (5) 
©LeDomduVin 2020



Notes de dégustations

Caroline Frey -  "Les Grains Blancs de Mon Jardin Secret" 
Vin Blanc du Valais (Suisse) 2018 

Couleur jaune pâle, l'aspect est très clair et minéral, limpide.

Un nez très expressif, voir puissant, sur des notes boisées et grillées, maltées, briochées (vieilli en fût de chêne, combien de temps?), suivi d'arômes de fruits jaunes (pêche, pomme), des nuances noisettées (amande, entre grillée et fraîche) et une minéralité (qui m'évoque l'eau de rivière de montagne coulant sur des rochers). Un nez très aromatique en somme. 



Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (6) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


La bouche est assez ample sur l'attaque, plutôt sur des saveurs beurrées, boisées, mais se revèle bien plus attrayante et légère par sa texture en milieu et fin de bouche avec une belle acidité et une jolie mineralité, qui vient rafraichir le palais et donner du mordant. Un bouche bien équilibrée et harmonieuse, homogène aussi, avec une finale persistante. Vraiment un super vin, bien fait et très agréable, assez boisé. 

Beaucoup de precision, une caracteristique habituelle des vins de Caroline Frey (Château La Lagune, Haut-Médoc, et Jaboulet Hermitage "La Chapelle" en sont les deux autres bels exemples). 

En fait je dirais, très impressionnant, même à température ambiante. J'adore les vins de montagne et celui-ci en est une très belle exprssion et un très bon exemple. 


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (8) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Merci Caroline Frey pour votre vin, j'adore. 
(bouteille 199/348). Je suis un des rares privilégiés qui aura pu le goûter. 

Merci et à la prochaine fois, en attendant, soyez prudents et prenez soin de vous. 

LeDomduVin (a.k.a. Dominique Noël)


Caroline Frey - Les Grains Blancs de Mon jardin Secret 2018 (9) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


@caroline__frey @damienfle @simpsonto @ledomduvin #vinblanc #blanc #vindesuisse #suisse #lesgrainsblancsdemonjardinsecret #lesgrainsblancs #carolinefrey #valais #switzerland #johannisberg #sylvaner  #fendant #chasselas #wine #vin #vino #wein #ledomduvin


NB: Une fois n'est pas coutume, comme on dit, j'écris d'habitude en Anglais (plus facile pour un blog orienté sur le vin et donc avec des lecteurs du monde entier), mais j'avais ecris l'original en Français sur mon compte Instagram @ledomduvin , donc je l'ai laissé en Français aussi pour ce post sur mon blog. 

©LeDomduVin 2020

Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines

Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (1) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines


The company just added a new brand to our growing portfolio of wines. "Tarrawatta" is the name. The wines are produced from vineyards we bought a few years ago, located in Eden Valley (Barossa, South Australia). 

Tarrawatta wines include a Grenache, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Shiraz and a high-end blend called "Godswalk". The first vintage was produced in 2018. 


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (2) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


We did a tasting last week with the wine team, including the Sommeliers of our various restaurants. 


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (3) Tasting with the team
©LeDomduVin 2020


Already enjoyable for some despite their youth,  and very approachable both by taste and prices. 

Here are my tasting notes:


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (3) Grenache 
©LeDomduVin 2020
 

Tarrawatta Eden Valley Ambervale Grenache 2018  

Recommended market price about 50 Australian dollars (roughly between 280-300 HKD retail)

Nice, fruity, ripe, plummy nose, with dark ripe fruit and earthy notes. 
Medium to full-bodied, fruity, palate, exhibiting nuances of mocha, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, spice. The fruit seems a slight touch over-ripped for my palate (yet nothing bad or unagreeable with, and, in fact, quite usual with some Southern Australia wines). Not bad, a bit rustic on the tannins, earthy finish. Nice overall, fairly complex, yet a touch rough right now. Give it another 6 to 8 months to round up a bit and open up. 


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (4) Grenache 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Technical details:

Produced from 2 patches of vines planted on red loam soils. Aged for 20 months in new French oak (500l barrels) Grainy tatins. Taste very similar to a Chateauneuf du Pape. Cellaring: 2 to 6 years, up to 10 max. 



Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (5) Shiraz 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Ambervale Shiraz 2018 

Recommended market price about 50 Australian dollars (roughly between 280-300 HKD retail)

Gentle nose with aromas of chocolate milk, (typical of the Shiraz grape), more mineral, mint, floral notes (lavender) and ripe red cherry fruit. Light to medium-bodied, with an enticing mix of flavours like pepper, milk chocolate, earth, spices and purple flowers. Taste much lighter than the grenache, yet seems more complex, with a richer, broader spectrum of aromas and flavours. The finish is quite nice, with a slight hint of green bitterness (some green pepper and black pepper), present, yet fairly integrated tannins.  


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (6) Shiraz 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Technical details: 

Produced from old vines located on block 1 and 6. Mostly new oak. Same as the Grenache, aged for about 18-20 months in French oak barrels. Cellaring: about 10 to 15 years. 


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (7) Cabernet Sauvignon 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Ambervale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Recommended market price about 50 Australian dollars (roughly between 280-300 HKD retail)

Soft nose, quite discreet, a bit sweet, with aromas of mint, mineral, red and dark fruits, plum, figs and peppermint. Nice, forward, a frank attack, expanding nicely in the mid-palate. Medium to full-bodied, quite ample. Touch of dry, slightly green tannins, yet fairly well integrated, on the finish. Nicely done overall. Too young now, but definitely promising.  


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (8) Cabernet Sauvignon 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Technical details:

Produced from grapes from 2 blocks. This Eden Valley wine really expresses the differences that exist compared to its counterparts of Barossa valley. Eden Valley higher altitude resulting in wetter, cooler climate and daytime temperatures by 2-3°C cooler than Barossa, a wine made with a grape variety like Cabernet Sauvignon will usually be lighter and fresher in Eden Valley. A mix of oak and cooperage (metissage) 300 litres barrels.


Tarrawatta Eden Valley Wines (8) Godswalk 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Tarrawatta "Godswalk" Eden Valley 2018 

Recommended market price 250 Australian dollars (roughly between 1390-1450 HKD retail)

Complex and layered spicy, peppery, minty, earthy aromas mingling with ripe red cherry, chocolate, mocha notes. The palate is quite rich and opulent, medium to full-bodied, yet fairly elegant and already very approachable despite being quite young. Definitely, a step up in quality and depth compared to the 3 previous ones above, this high-end blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon shows a complexity that could easily rival with some of the most notorious wines from this area. 



Technical details 

A blend made from 6 different patches, resulting on 70% Shiraz (mostly from block 1 planted with old vines) and 30% Cab Sauv (from block 13, the highest block, bringing balance and freshness). Aged in brand new metissage 300 litres barrels for the cab, and classic barrels from Tonnellerie Seguin Moreau, Sirugue and Baron in 300 litres and 225 litres. Cellaring: 10 to 15 years, up to 20 years max. 



A very interesting tasting and promising wines for a new brand. Chapeau! Yet, it makes sense that these wines taste great, as the winemaker is no other than the famous and talented Craig Isbel (previously winemaker at Torbreck 2002-2017 and owner at Izway wines, follow him at @izway_wines). 


Till next time, thank you, take good care of yourself and be safe, and drink responsibly. 

LeDomduVin (a.k.a. Dominique Noël)


#tarrawatta @tarrawatta #edenvalley #shiraz #cabernetsauvignon #grenache #blend #southernaustralia #australia #barossavalley #wine #vin #vino #wein #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin #ledom @ledomduvin #winetasting #tasting #newwine #newbrand


©LeDomduVin 2020


Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Sake from Kinokawa Brewery

Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (1) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (1)
©LeDomduVin 2020



Sake from Kinokawa Brewery


Yesterday, I tried 2 Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery, located in the Nagasaki Province (or Prefecture), Southern part of Japan.


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (2)
©LeDomduVin 2020


The 1st one, (the one with the face on it), was the "Daiginjo Nagasaki Bugyo" meaning "Nagasaki's Romance" in the "Daiginjo" style. 


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (3)
©LeDomduVin 2020


Daiginjo Nagasaki Bugyo has been selected as the first-class in-flight sake for JAL (Japan Airline) domestic flights. The brand Nagasaki Bugyo was named by the late Shinichi Ichikawa, a scriptwriter from Isahaya City. This Daiginjo sake is filled with the romance of Nagasaki.

Brewed with carefully selected sake rice, primarily "Yamada Nishiki" (short grain Japanese rice used in high-quality Sake), at a 50% polishing rate, it was brewed to be enjoyed before or during a meal. It presents moderate, fruity (lychee) ginjo aromas, a medium-bodied palate and an elegant sweetness. Soft and rounded, very pleasant and enjoyable, even on its own. Loved it. 


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (4)
©LeDomduVin 2020


The 2nd one was the "Junmai Daiginjo Chojiya - The highest peak of Junmaishu"

Awarded best Sake in the Ginjo section back in 2017, this sake is made with the best sake rice "Yamada Nishiki", polished at 40% rate, into a small round shape like a jewel. As a high-quality Ginjo style, it was made only in limited quantity and it is highly recommended to the Sake connoisseurs (like me 😁). 


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (5)
©LeDomduVin 2020


The aromas reminded me of roots (like ginger) and flowers, much less fruit than the previous one, but more complex and intense on both the nose and the palate. Where the previous one was friendly and playful, this one is much more serious and deep. Definitely needs food to go with it. The vendor was suggesting oysters, which I fully agree. 

Till next time, thank you, take good care of yourself, be safe and drink responsibly. 

Ledomduvin (a.k.a. Dominique Noël)


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (6)
©LeDomduVin 2020


#sake #kinokawa @kinokawa.sake #saketasting #japan #japanesewine #japanesesake #nagasaki #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin #hongkong @ledomduvin #lesnotesadom #tastingnotes #lestastingnotesadom #tasting  @ Hong Kong


Sake from the Kinokawa Brewery (6)
©LeDomduVin 2020


More info on their website at www.Kinokawa.co.jp

©LeDomduVin 2020

Four Headed Buddha Shrine in Hong Kong


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (1)
©LeDomduVin 2020



Thailand Four Headed Buddha Shrine in Hong Kong 



Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (2) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (2) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Probably the only one four-headed Buddha temple (or shrine) in Hong Kong (that I know of) can be found right at the foot of our headquarters office building in Kowloon Bay. 


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (3) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (3) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


The shrine houses a four-headed statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, very popular in Thailand. 


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (4) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (4) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


Facing the shrine's entrance, the front face represents career and life. Continuing clockwise, the second is symbolic of relationship and family, the third is for wealth, and the last for wisdom and health.


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (5) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (5) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


According to beliefs and traditions, what is said to the 1st head must be repeated exactly the same (same words and same way) to the other 3 heads, for your prayers to be heard and granted.


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (6) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (6) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


It might seem strange to you to find such shrine at the bottom of a financial building. 


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (7) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (7) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


However, it makes sense to a certain extent when you know that our Chairman has worshipped and prayed the four-headed Buddha most of his adult life. 


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (8) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (8) 
©LeDomduVin 2020


It is a ritual, in the company I work for, to go pray to the four-headed Buddha during various annual ceremonies throughout the year. 


Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (9) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (9) 
©LeDomduVin 2020



Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (10) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (10) 
©LeDomduVin 2020



Four-Headed Buddha Shrine (11) ©LeDomduVin 2020
Four-Headed Buddha Shrine in Kowloon Bay (11) 
©LeDomduVin 2020



Thank you, take good care of yourself and your loved ones and be safe. 

Ledomduvin (a.k.a. Dominique Noël)

#buddha #fourheadedbuddha #thailandbuddha #brahma #shrine #temple #buddhism #hongkong #lesphotosadom #ledomduvin @ledomduvin #ledom (Goldin Financial Global Centre) @hongkong

©LeDomduVin 2020