Wednesday, February 21, 2024

LeDomduVin: New Banner / Profile Picture with Bottle & Glass (the two main protagonists of my illustrations)

 




LeDomduVin Banner - Profile Picture with Bottle & Glass 


by @ledomduvin 2024


Ledomduvin banner/profile picture with Bottle & Glass (the 2 main protagonists of my illustrations for my blog)

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #illustration #lescreationsadom #lesillustrationsadom #wineblog #blog #sommelier #bottle&glass #bottleandglass #lespersonnagesadom #banner #newbanner #visual #profilepicture


Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).


Monday, February 19, 2024

LeDomduVin: Wine sales in decline

 




Wine sales in decline



Global wine consumption has decreased for over a decade and seems to have declined even further these past few years. 

Although sales climbed from 2020 to early 2022 due to the pandemic restrictions and more people staying at home for longer periods of time, the post-COVID era has had trouble returning to the level of consumption pre-COVID.    

Based on the statistics chart below (courtesy of https://www.statista.com/), global wine consumption in 2022 was 232 million hectoliters, a 7.8% decline over the past 15 years from 250 million hectoliters in 2007/2008. 

It might not seem much over 15 years. Yet, the impact was (and still is) significant enough to worry all the players involved, from the vineyard's workers, winemakers, wineries, and cooperatives to the wholesalers, négociants, distributors, retailers, salesmen, hotels, restaurants, bars, bistros, and everything in between.   

Interestingly, global wine consumption remained quite consistent between 2008 and 2017, only oscillating between 244 and 243 million hectoliters during these 8 years (with one exception at 240 in 2014). 

Therefore, the most significant decrease of the past 15 reported years (2007-2022) occurred within the last five years, between 2017 and 2022, from 247 million hectoliters in 2017 to 232 million in 2022, representing a 6.5% decrease in these five years only. This is not worrisome anymore; this is scary.     


World Wine Consumption in Million Hectoliters from 2000 to 2022 (courtesy of Statista 2024)
World Wine Consumption in Million Hectoliters from 2000 to 2022 (courtesy of Statista 2024)




When browsing the internet to do more research and better understand why, I realized there is a lot of contradictory information on the subject. This triggered my curiosity and inspired me to write this post to further develop some of the main reasons and factors from my perspective.   

This is contradictory because some recent articles mention that sales are good, promising a projected growth of 4.35% between 2024 and 2028 (according to https://www.statista.com/ and a few other sources)(*), while most of the other articles (written in 2023 and early 2024) mostly come to the common conclusion that wine sales have been (and still are) in decline, with an estimated 2-9% decline depending on the type of wine and on the country too. 

Another example: According to https://www.globaldata.com/, the wine market was estimated at $346.8 billion in 2022 and is likely to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of more than 8% from 2022 to 2027. 

However, we are in March 2024, and (so far) the numbers over the past year and a half do not show any sign of this projected growth. 2023 was a terrible year for wine sales and consumption, and the beginning of 2024 seems even worse.  

It is difficult to anticipate or project numbers in this unstable, post-COVID era global economy, which is impacted by the consequences of multiple wars, financial turmoil, inflation, economic crisis, geopolitical issues, political unrest, commercial disagreements, etc. 

As if these were not enough, the consequences of climate change are accelerating and becoming more devastating from one year to the next, making the situation even worse. 

In short, the last five years have been extremely challenging on so many levels. Nobody really knows how things will unfold and evolve in the short and long term.    

However, let's be optimistic and look at the situation with a glass "half-full". Hopefully, wine sales and consumption may go back up at some point this year. 

In the meantime, let me offer you my "two cents" on the main reasons for declining wine sales and consumption in recent years. 






Lack of Money 


Undoubtedly, the first reason that comes to mind is the lack of money (as I tried to depict it in my little illustration heading this post). 

Living costs have risen in most countries worldwide in recent years. Inflation, wars, climate change, corrupt politics, higher taxes, inadequate resource management, and other factors have all contributed to this. 

To which we can also add the consequences and disadvantages of globalization (e.g., increased competition, exploitation of labor and resources, imbalanced trade, domestic job loss, elevation of domestic prices, taxation, tariffs, etc...) and the consequences of the recent ongoing wars, such as those in Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Palestine. 

Civil and political unrest and other economic, financial, societal, and geopolitical issues in some countries (including the Western world) have also contributed to this problem. Unavoidably, inflation resulted. The cost of food, utilities, and energy (electricity, gas, oil, coal, etc...) increased, and many are struggling to make ends meet (worse than before for those already struggling). 

Consequently, Wine (and alcohol in general) gradually became a luxury many can no longer afford, even at a low price point. No money means people drinking less and cheaper or even cutting alcohol altogether. 



After "lack of money", another critical factor to consider is how a global event affects people, their habits, and their perspectives on life. Our experiences, beliefs, and values shape our subjective realities and suggest that life has no objective reality. However, the recent pandemic has produced reactions and changes that are "common" to most people, revealing some universal truths about our habits, lives, and even our world. 
    


COVID has had a significant psychological, behavioral, and, more importantly, financial impact on people and businesses. 

In Hong Kong (where I live), between the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 and what we could consider its end in February 2023, many companies delocalized, underwent significant reorganization and restructuring, reduced their staff, cut salaries, and/or went bankrupt, especially within the F&B industry, leading to job loss and unemployment. 

Many expats left HK to return home or to other countries with more potential prospects. Although some are now coming back, the economy is still fragile. HK greatly suffered from these three years of isolation from the rest of the world, during which relying solely on the local economy due to the lack of mainlanders and tourists took a toll on most people and businesses. 

Despite hopes of an economic rebound in the post-COVID era, 2023 was a terrible year for businesses in general and, more particularly, for the F&B industry in HK, significantly impacting wine sales and consumption in restaurants, brasseries, hotels, etc. 

In fact, although many countries have recovered, and some are now back on track with figures similar to or even exceeding those of pre-COVID years, Hong Kong is still secluded and has not recovered yet. HK is still suffering the economic and financial consequences of COVID-19 and these 3 years of isolation. 

Additionally, COVID awakened consciousness and self-importance, changing people's societal behavior and work ethics. Some became less willing to take low-paid positions and ungrateful jobs that require hard work, working long or awkward hours, early morning, late night, or weekends (e.g., waiter, cook, chef, nurse, cleaners, helpers, janitor, sanitation worker, etc..). 

Despite a surge in wine and alcohol sales and consumption during the mid-2020 to late 2022 period due to COVID-related home confinement, restrictions, and people spending more time at and/or working from home, there has been a downside. 

This situation, known as "The Great Lockdown," resulted in a global economic recession, job loss, and unemployment. Consequently, more people had to reprioritize their needs and spending, and gradually, wine was not at the top or even part of their list anymore.

In addition, Hong Kong is suffering from the rapid expansion of its neighboring city. Shenzhen has experienced tremendous growth in the last five years and has become a modern city and a financial and technological hub, attracting many young talents and professionals. Shenzhen is also cheaper than Hong Kong (at the moment) and, therefore, has become a more attractive destination than HK, which has difficulty reclaiming its pre-COVID aura as the "Pearl of the Orient" and "Asia's World City."   


In short, over the past 5 years, the increase in living costs due to the pandemic, the wars, and other global economic, societal, political, and financial factors, combined with an attitude and behavioral change toward working and work ethics, have led to a shortage of employees in various industries such as F&B, retail, agriculture, construction, hospital, and other physical or manual labor jobs. This has resulted in more people being unemployed or earning lower salaries, leading to financial constraints that have forced these people to reassess their priorities and spending habits, thus declining wine sales.  
   

Lack of interest


We can confidently say that "lack of money" and "COVID" have significantly impacted people's habits and consumption, including wine, and played a significant role in declining wine sales in recent years. However, another crucial factor is Social Media and its impact on the image of wine and alcohol in general, creating a "lack of interest." As my teenage kids say, "Drinking has become cringe!"  

Social Media (and streaming services) increased time spent on screens and, hand-in-hand with COVID, also contributed to awakened consciousness and self-importance, changing people's societal behavior and work ethics, especially those between 20 and 40 years old (part Millenials and Gen-Z).  
In today's fast-paced world, we often encounter social media influencers, mostly teenagers or young adults. These influencers make easy money by creating and sharing videos or reels that depict a false or fantasized image of our society and how life should be lived. Unfortunately, such content doesn't encourage people to pursue hard jobs and can lead to unrealistic expectations.

Unlike the rappers and other artists who influenced the '90s, 2000s, and early 2010s by promoting heavy spirits such as cognac and whiskies (among others) and even drinking wine, in their lyrics and videos, most influencers do not drink or promote alcohol nowadays.   

On the contrary, it seems that they promote a healthy life, and although there will always be some people who smoke and drink at an early age at school, most young people (15-25) do not see alcohol or smoking as a "cool" thing to do anymore. It is probably for the best, even if it has played a role in declining wine sales.     

It is a fact that, in general, Millennials and Gen Z have a lack of or low interest in alcohol, mainly for health, generational and behavioral reasons, I believe.   

For example, my son, who is 17, does not drink or smoke. This is great! And I'm pleased about it.  Yet, it is not for the lack of making him try some wine occasionally (e.g., Christmas or birthday).  It would have been difficult not to while having a father who is a Sommelier and a Wine Buyer, working with wine and alcoholic beverages for the past 33 years. 

As I always say, I prefer them to be acquainted with alcohol occasionally, slowly, and gradually during their teenage years (without forcing them or encouraging them to do so) rather than having them wait to reach the age of 18 years old or even 21 years old in the US, and binge and do stupid things because of it.  

Even though it's not something to be proud of, I'm glad my children aren't following my example. I was born in the early 70s and grew up in Bordeaux, France, as a teenager in the 80s. Back then, drinking and smoking were quite common, and my friends and I started at a much younger age.

Nowadays, millennials and Gen Z tend to consume less alcohol compared to preceding generations, such as Boomers and GenX, when they were the same age. Is it because they saw their parents drinking with most meals (an old habit in most Western countries) and are not interested in doing the same? Or, could it also be the result of parents being abusive with their kids due to alcohol, demonstrating alcohol is not a good thing (a recurring problem in most countries, unfortunately, often leading to domestic violence and other problems)? Probably a combination of both. 

However, those who consume alcohol prefer white and/or rosé wines rather than reds and/or are exploring other beverage categories like RTD (ready-to-drink) premixed drinks, cocktails, and craft beer. These convenient options allow them to enjoy alcoholic beverages and premixed and/or pre-made cocktails at home or on the go.

Consequently, wine sales have become increasingly reliant on older drinkers from the previous generations, Boomers and GenX, who have habits of drinking wine as an aperitif and during meals (lunch and/or dinner). Yet, these generations, especially the boomers, are aging fast, and health consciousness prevails over wine consumption, leading to declining wine sales for this population segment. Health is also a concern for the new generations, as it influences their behaviors and consumption habits.   


Health Concerns


For over two decades, alarming scientific reports showing the increasing air, water, and soil pollution due to chemical, industrial, and plastic products (among other things) have made health a primary concern in everyone's mind. 

Men's activities, including overproduction and overconsumption, generated this ever-growing pollution. The consequences can be observed everywhere in our daily lives. Just look at the amount of trash and plastics each of us generates daily, for example.  

Despite being a recurring topic since the 1990s (more like since the 1970s), we have only found minor solutions to tackle this pollution problem, let alone the climate change situation, which is partly caused by pollution. The problem is that the efforts of a minority to make a change are not enough compared to the majority of people and the government's lack of concern and action to address these issues. 

Like for Tabaco a few decades ago (and still ever since), anti-alcohol campaigns at doctor's offices, hospitals, and even taught at schools have emerged and mushroomed everywhere in the past 10 years, raising awareness about the negative aspects and consequences of drinking alcohol, even with moderation. It explains why Millenials and GenZ kids are not as big consumers as the preceding generations.  

As a Sommelier and wine buyer, I have seen wine sales decline and wine consumption decrease in relation to aging Boomers and interested Millenials and Gen Z. Although my grandparents were still drinking a little wine nearly every day until they died, my parents, who are now in their early 70s, are not drinkers. They appreciate wine occasionally and in small quantities, but it is not a necessity for them.   

Although my teenage kids are telling me that some of their friends are vaping, smoking, and drinking, the majority of them are not. Both of my kids don't smoke or drink. Yet, they are constantly invited to birthdays and parties where they could have the possibility to do so, but they don't. They have tasted some wine and beer and, therefore, know about alcohol, but they are not interested. 

When I ask them why, their first reason is that they do not like it and don't appreciate the taste of it. Their second reason is that they want to stay healthy and in control of their body and mind. It may change with time (or not). Time will tell.  

This health concern among the older and younger generations significantly contributed to declining wine sales in recent years. Even the people of my generation (45-65) are slowly reducing their wine consumption (and alcohol in general).      


This is a vast subject, and I could write more and further develop this already lengthy post. Yet, I will just conclude by resuming the above: lack of money, change of priorities, lack of interest, change of habits in a post-COVID era, financial issues, and growing health concerns in an ever-polluted world (among other things) all contribute to the diminishing of wine sales and consumption (alcohol in general) to favor a life where humans must prioritize their needs and health first.   


These were my two cents on why wine sales have declined in recent years and will probably continue to do so (for the reasons cited above) if we continue to walk the path we have been on these last few decades.   

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #lesillustrationsadom #lescreationsadom #sales #winesales #mytwocents #opinion #view #perspective #sommelier #winebuyer #world #wineworld #wineindustry 


Sources: 




Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).



Thursday, February 15, 2024

LeDomduVin: Still within the Top 150 of the "Best Wine Blogs" list on Feedspot! THANK YOU for your continuous support!

 




Still within the Top 150 of the "Best Wine Blogs" list on Feedspot! THANK YOU for your continuous support!  



At the start of each year since 2019, I check Feedspot's 100 Best Wine Blogs list to see where my blog ranks. And, thanks to you and your continuous support, I'm still there, at number #107. That is great! And it is because of you, my followers and readers. So, THANK YOU! Much appreciated.  

Some of you may say: Why is it so great? You're not even in the Top 100.  
And I'll say: Yes, you're right, but I'm still on the list and, once again, not so far from the Top 100. This encourages me to work even harder and better to reach that goal. 

You must realize that the "Feedspot's 100 Best Wine Blogs" list includes 1952 Wine Blogs representing the best wine blogs on the web (out of thousands of other Wine Blogs), ranked based on traffic(*), social media followers, and freshness. 

Therefore, being on the list is already greatly satisfying, and achieving the Top 100 would be amazing, yet reaching number #107 is excellent for me.  

"Excellent," as my wine blog is just a hobby. I only write when I have time and when the inspiration comes. I don't impose any quotas on myself or anything else. I have always been independent and always will be, so I can write about anything and everything I want whenever I want. 

Moreover, I have always shared my knowledge and passion for wine (on my blog and social media pages) without a profit motive or interest in brands or producers. I don't get any money or free goods from it. Although it would be nice, I'm not making a dime with it. I'm not an influencer, either. I just love writing and want to do it freely without anyone looking over my shoulder. 

Consequently, being on this list is a great reward. I am humbled and feel privileged about it, as so many wine blogs are better than mine. And yet, here I'm at number #107. Thank you.  

This number constantly oscillates throughout the year, so I look at it only once (or twice) yearly. Usually, every end of January or early February, to be consistent. I have been in the Top 100 several times in the past few years. Therefore, it is doable, and I will work harder to reach it again.  

  • 2019 - Number #92
  • 2020 - Number #85 
  • 2021 - Number #132
  • 2022 - Number #124
  • 2023 - Number #97
  • 2024 - Number #107

Thank you all for making this goal possible and achievable. Your likes, comments, and feedback motivate me to continue writing and sharing my passion and knowledge for wine, as I have been doing on this wine blog for the past 16 years.  

You are the reason why this blog still exists and continues to thrive, and I cannot thank you enough for that. And thank you to Feedspot, too.  

Share the passion, share the knowledge, share the love, share the wine! 

Cheers! Santé! Et Merci! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @feedspot #feedspot #wine #vin #vino #wein #blog #wineblog #feedspotbestwineblogs #bestwineblogs #share #sharing #passion #knowledge #thankyou #merci

(*) Just to give an idea, in terms of traffic on my blog, here are a few numbers: 
  • 16 years of existence
  • Total of 1575170 views (as of 15.02.2024 at 5.44pm HK time)
  • average of 98448 views per year
  • average of 8204 views per month
  • average of 269 views per day

The above are the averages over the past 16 years. However, traffic has dramatically increased in the last 3-4 years.  

To give you a better idea, here are the stats for today (15.02.2024 at 5.44pm) courtesy of www.blogger.com  

 


Thank you for all these views! Much appreciated.  

Dom 


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #wineblog #thankyou #knowledge #merci #feedspotbestwineblogs @feedspot #feedspot #blog #bestwineblogs #share #sharing #passion




Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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, February 14, 2024

LeDomduVin: Happy Valentine's Day






HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY



Celebrate it with some wine! 
There is only love inside a bottle of wine! Share it with those you love! 
Share the love! Share the wine! 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #happyvalentine #valentinesday #happyvalentinesday #saintvalentin #wine #vin #vino #wein #lesdessinsadom #lescreationsadom #lesdrawingsadom #lesillustrationsadom  #sharesomelove #sharesomewine #loveinside #insidelove #sharethelove #love #lovewine #wineyearly




Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).

Friday, February 9, 2024

LeDomduVin: 龙年快乐 - Happy New Year of the Dragon 2024



龙年快乐 - Happy New Year of the Dragon 



May the Year of the Dragon be filled with confidence, strength, and courage. I wish you all prosperity and joy.  May you and your whole family be filled with happiness in the Year of the Dragon. Happy Chinese New Year 2024. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #happynewyear #newyear #chinesenewyear #chinesenewyear2024 #yearofthedragon #yearofthewooddragon #yearofthedragon2024 #bestwishes #wishes #lescreationsadom #lesimagesadom #wine #vin #vino #wein #happyyearofthedragon



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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, February 7, 2024

LeDomduVin: THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!




THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!



10000+ views in the last 7 days on www.ledomduvin.com 

Exceeding 10000 views in 7 days doesn't happen very often, and I wanted to "thank you" as it is because of all of you. I am very grateful for your help and support with my blog and all my pages on the various Social media platforms. Thank you !!! 😁👍🍷🙏❤️

Your "views", "likes" and "comments" are the reasons why I kept this blog going for the past 16 years and continued to write and post. So, thank you very much for all your support and appreciation. They really encourage and motivate me to continue writing and posting. 

Cheers! Santé! I raise my glass to you all and thank you again for making www.ledomduvin.com such a successful blog. 

Your friend and humble servant, 😌 🙏🙏🙏

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #thankyou #10000 #tenthousand #tenthousandviews #wine #vin #vino #wein #wineblog #blog  #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #wineyearly #ilovemyjob


Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).

LeDomduVin: Back to Earth




Back to Earth



I titled this post "Back to Earth" because when it comes to wine, I'm usually in the stratosphere with the "top-notch" and "expensive" wines. 

Yet, for once (yes, it happens occasionally), I recently served some more "down-to-earth" and "accessible" wines for a private dinner.

It felt good to be back on regular ground. 




Henriot Brut Millésimé 2008


Henriot Champagnes are brilliant champagnes and excellent "value for money". Their "Blanc-de-Blancs" is one of my favorite casual champagnes. And their vintage ones offer as much as some of their peers for 3 or 4 times less the price. Especially when from a great vintage, like 2008. 

Established in 1808, Champagne Henriot is one of the rare independent Champagne houses that has remained in the same family throughout its history. The 2008 vintage celebrates its 200th anniversary. 

A blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, Henriot 2008 is a delightful champagne, fresh and crisp, and at the same time, rich, dense, and "gourmand," with lovely stone fruits, white flowers, and mineral aromas, great acidity, structure and texture, and a long lingering finish. Really enjoyable and a steal at that price! 





Humbert Frères Charmes Chambertin 2018


I have opened quite a few bottles of this wine in recent months. This is one of the cheapest Charmes Chambertin around, and while it may not be as complex as some of the best producers, it still offers plenty. 

The nose offers subtle aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherries, and floral notes combined with earthy, smoky nuances. The palate is relatively light in weight and texture yet well-balanced and vibrant due to great acidity, enough fruit ripeness, and a good grip of integrated tannins to give you something to chew on. Loved it.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @champagnehenriot #henriot #henriotchampagne #champagne #domainehumbert #domainehumbertfreres #charmeschambertin #burgundy #wine #vin #vino #wein #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #tastingnotes #wineyearly #ilovemyjob



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).

Monday, February 5, 2024

LeDomduVin: Perrot-Minot and Palmer served over the weekend





Perrot-Minot and Palmer served over the weekend







Perrot-Minot Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru "La Richemone" Vignes Centenaires Cuvée Ultra 2018


Christophe Perrot-Minot is a talented winemaker, and all his wines are excellent. He really deserves the praise he has received over the past two decades. My favorite is the "La Richemone" Vignes Centenaires Cuvée Ultra.

Just over a year ago, I secured a little more than 12 bottles of the very sought-after vintage 2018, which is quite impressive knowing that only 2531 bottles were produced, and it is highly coveted by connoisseurs.

The reason why is that Christophe owns about 1.9 hectares of “La Richemone,” but only 0.9 hectares of his oldest vines, planted in 1902, go into the “Cuvée Ultra.” Basically, less than 10 barrels were produced in 2018. And the resulting wine is gorgeous.

Intense color for a pinot noir. The attractive nose presents incentive aromas of fresh and ripe dark and red berries and cherries, mingling with mineral, floral, spicy, and earthy notes. The palate combines freshness and brightness with complexity and richness. A little subdued at first, it gained weight and intensity after about 1 hour and a half of opening in the bottle (no decanting). Fermented with 60% whole bunches and aged in 20% new wood, it is balanced and focused, with racy acidity, and structured with fine-grained tannins, framing and elevating the fruit from beginning to end. A delicious wine! Love it.






Chateau Palmer Margaux 2009


I am a big fan of Palmer wines and consistently recommend and serve them whenever possible. The 2009 vintage is an exceptional wine that combines richness, complexity, ripeness, weight, and balance. It has a heavily textured and structured profile, with a dark, ripe, dense, generous, and ample character that is larger than your usual Palmer wine. It is concentrated and has tannins that need some time to mellow down. Even after 2 hours of decantation, it still had a fiery profile, with a lot of strength and attitude. Although it is drinkable and enjoyable now, it is still very young and will benefit from a few more years of aging in the cellar. It is a surprisingly big wine that packs a punch for a Margaux. Love it! 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom



@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domaineperrotminot #perrotminot #larichemone #nuitssaintgeorges #burgundy @chateaupalmer #chateaupalmer #margaux #bordeaux #wine #vin #vino #wein #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #tastingnotes #ilovemyjob



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).

LeDomduVin: Karaoke Night!




Karaoke night! 



I titled this post "Karaoke Night" as I served these wines during a private dinner where the host and the guests sang Karaoke songs between each dish, from videos displaying lyrics on 3 big screens on the surrounding walls. It was a relaxed and casual night. A Karaoke Night!   






Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Extra-Brut 2012

Beyond its pale golden color and attractive aromas of yellow fruits, stone fruits, and toasted brioche, it is rich, dense, intense, complex, ample, and layered, with an excellent balance and a long, satisfying finish. What a beautiful Champagne!






Bernard Bonin Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2019

Pale goldenish color. It boasts aromas of lemon zest, apple, and stone fruits mingling with chamomile, gingerbread, buttery toasted oak, and mineral notes. Medium-bodied, Fresh, zesty, complex, and elegant, with excellent structure and good tension on the palate. Focus from the attack to the long and crisp finish. Love it. 






Palmer Margaux 2016

A blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot, Palmer 2016 is a great combination of power, richness, complexity, freshness, balance, and elegance. Deep, inky color in the glass. The nose displays fresh, fragrant, concentrated blackberries, earth, and flower aromas. Beyond its fresh and juicy attack, the palate expands and gains in density, intensity, richness, and complexity, balanced by excellent acidity and framed with present, chewy, yet integrated tannins. The finish is youthful and very long, demonstrating aging potential. Although probably too young, Palmer 2016 is incredibly approachable and drinkable now. A sophisticated and classy wine. 






Bernard Dugat-Py Charmes Chambertin 1996

This bottle was a gift to the host from one of the guests, and although I was very tempted to open it, I did not, so I can't tell you about it. Next time, maybe.😊👍🍷



Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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Thursday, February 1, 2024

LeDomduVin: 3 to Party




3 to party


The other night, I opened 3 bottles of these 3 beautiful wines for a private party. What a blast! 






Krug Vintage 2000

Krug 2000 is a rich and complex vintage champagne that mimics the uniqueness of the last year of the millennium. Nicknamed "Stormy Indulgence," it is dense and intense. Beyond its attractive pale golden color and fine bubbles, it boasts aromatics of yellow and stone fruits, mingling lightly toasted brioche, mineral stones, and sea breeze notes. The palate is gorgeous, rich, complex, layered, and lengthy. What a beauty! 





Louis Latour Batard Montrachet 2016

This wine exemplifies the exceptional aging potential of high-quality white burgundy, particularly those bearing the name "Montrachet". At 7 years old, this Bâtard-Montrachet from Louis Latour was at the perfect age for consumption. Its pale gold color is a sign of age, and yet, it possesses a youthful nose, boasting complex aromas of stone fruits and hints of vanilla mixed with smoky and toasty notes. The palate is medium to full-bodied, rich, and well-balanced, with hints of buttery, mineral, herbal and brioche nuances. The finish is refreshing, with a pleasant hint of saltiness and chalky minerality. Love it. 





Ponsot Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes 2019

Ponsot is a staple in my book, and this “Clos de le Rocche VV 2019” has been recurring in my choice of wine for different events over the past 10 months. Some may argue that it is too young and must be waited for a few years. And yet, it is such a good wine, and it has been so approachable these past months that I could not resist serving it again. Light in color, yet intense and dense in the nose and palate. The nose offers bright, freshly crushed wild red cherry aromas with floral, mineral, and earthy notes. Medium-bodied, the palate is vibrant, vivid, fresh, elegant, and refined, with a long, delightful finish. Love it. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom



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Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).


LeDomduVin: Ornellaia 2019 Tasting Lunch




Ornellaia 2019 Tasting Lunch


On Monday, I was invited to the "Ornellaia lunch" at CIAK in the Kitchen, where I joined Kerry Wines team Stephen (@st4phen7) and Steven, and a dozen Sommeliers and other people from the F&B world and wine business. 





Casual atmosphere for a casual, relaxed lunch with some great wines and good bistro food. 




Ornellaia "Le Volte" 2019

A delightful surprise! It was pleasant, bold, forward, silky, and juicy, offering good red and dark fruits, excellent balance, texture, and structure. Very open and easy to drink. A steal at this price. Highly recommended. 




Ornellaia "Le Serre Nuove" 2019

It is in the same vein as "Le Volte," yet more complex and sophisticated, layered and generous, richer and much longer on the palate, with great acidity and a good grip of tannins contributing respectively to freshness, texture, and structure. There again, it was delightful. Still young, yet incredibly satisfying still! 




Ornellaia "Ornellaia" 2019

On the nose, it boasts rich and complex aromas of blackberries and fresh floral and herbal notes. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is smooth and silky, polished and refined, balanced and long with firm yet agreeable chewy tannins. The finish is an excellent example of how Ornellaia combines strength, elegance, complexity, and aging potential. Loved it. 
 



DVO Napa Valley 2018

DVO is a collaboration between Dalla Valle and Ornellaia. Although it combines the best of both worlds, it shows more of California than Tuscany. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc aged for 22 months in 75% New Oak, and only 400 cases made, it is one of these garage wines, sought-after and expensive. Yet, it is a beautiful, fleshy, ripe, generous, ample, and voluptuous wine. Loved it. 



Thank you to @kerrywines_hk, Stephen, and Steven for inviting me. Enjoyable lunch, good company, and lovely wines. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @ornellaiawinery #ornellaia @dvowine #dvowine #wine #vin #vino #wein #tuscany #italy #napavalley #california #winelunch #winetasting #wineyearly #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob


Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2024, 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).