LeDomduVin: 3 is always the ideal number of bottles and choices when it comes to wine.

Why? 

For the number of bottles, during most dinners or events with 3-4 or more people, estimate about half a bottle per person as a general rule of thumb. So, for 3-4 people, 2 bottles might not be enough; 4 bottles are usually recommended for a backup. Hence, three bottles are ideal for regular drinkers drinking with moderation.      

For the choices, it is quite obvious that with 3-4 people or more, diversity is a must, as not everyone likes the same thing. Hence, offering 3 types of wine, like the ones in the photo above (champagne, white, and red), is by far the most ideal choice to please everyone. And these 3 wines were, in fact, really pleasing 

If you incorporate French traditions and culture into this, it is polite to offer your guests champagne as an aperitif with some "amuse-bouches" to awaken their taste buds, then serve white wine with the appetizers and starters, followed by red wine with the main course. 

Jacques Selosse Initial Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut Champagne NV

I have opened several bottles of Selosse’s “Initial” over the years and have always been very pleased with this champagne. Some might say the price is a bit high, but you should keep in mind that, besides being Selosse’s entry-level cuvée and a non-vintage—making up more than half of his annual production, with about 33,000 bottles out of roughly 55,000 to 60,000 made each year—it remains quite limited compared to most small independent and especially large Champagne Houses. 

Additionally, Initial is usually a blend of three successive vintages, aged on lees (both the first and second alcoholic fermentations) for at least six years before disgorgement. This justifies the price and the wait, don’t you think? And, if “Initial” were a person, it would be a “he,” as I find it more masculine than “V.O.” (which I would consider more feminine), and to describe him, I would say he is a smiling, pleasant, curvy, cheerful, relaxed, chic, and cosmopolitan gentleman.

Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Pucelles" 2019

Here's another classic in my collection, as I have dubbed myself the “unofficial” ambassador of Domaine Leflaive, especially “Les Pucelles,” since my first taste in 1997. It’s a refined wine with prominent mineral notes and a touch of ripeness in its youthful fruit—ripe yet still fresh. The nose reveals apples, pears, and other ripe yellow fruits, all elegant and well-balanced, with beautiful minerality from start to finish. I appreciate it greatly, though I wish it had a bit more acidity to boost its freshness. It’s a very harmonious, full-bodied, and voluptuous wine, with a long-lasting finish. Overall, I love it, but a little more acidity would have completed it. Nice!

Maison Joseph Drouhin Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2020

I had not tasted this wine in this vintage before, and I must say, I was really impressed. The nose is beautiful, boasting fresh aromas of red cherries, ripe wild cherries, a little spice, mingling with floral, herbal, earthy, and mineral notes. The palate is very silky, extremely well-balanced, elegant and refined, very feminine (for my palate), very delicate yet complex, rich in a very subtle way, harmonious, with lots of cherries, from the attack to the lingering finish, presenting a light touch of earthiness in the end (touch herbaceous?) but not in a bad way. What a great wine! Kudos to Véronique Boss-Drouhin. My grandfather used to say that: “A wine often resembles its maker!” Well, here is a perfect example: refined, delicate, precise, seductive, and feminine.   

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Limited Edition Wines - Jacques Selosse - Marc Colin - Laurent Ponsot

 

Limited Edition Wines

Jacques Selosse - Marc Colin - Laurent Ponsot

Jacques Selosse Exquise Champagne Sec (RP04) NV

Usually made with the same blend, “Exquise” is Selosse’s slightly sweeter version of “Initial.” While most Selosse wines are extra-brut, this cuvée is a rare exception: a rich, sweet-style Blanc de Blancs crafted from Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, mainly Avize, Cramant, and Oger. The higher sugar dosage of 22-24 g/l provides a creamier texture and a subtly sweeter finish. 

On the nose, Jacques Selosse's "Exquise" offers delicate aromas of brioche, honey, apple, and pastry. The palate is very aromatic, fresh, rich, and juicy, yet balanced by high acidity and mineral notes, with ripe peach, pear, and toasted nuances. The elevated, sweet dosage is balanced by the house’s slightly oxidative style, creating a complex Champagne that’s recommended with desserts but also suitable as an aperitif (as was the case that day). Lovely!

Production ranges from 1,000 to 3,600 bottles per year, making this limited Champagne highly sought after.

Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru Burgundy 2017

Domaine Marc Colin was founded in the 1970s and expanded during the 1980s and 1990s by Marc and his wife, Michele. Their four children followed their example. Pierre-Yves took his part of the family vineyards to start his own wineries in the early 2000s, while Damien, Joseph, and Caroline now run the Domaine, managing around 12 hectares across 26 appellations. From their cellar in St. Aubin, Damien produces a superb selection of wines that are both pure and expressive. The work in the vineyards and cellar is kept as simple as possible, with careful attention to detail. 

Based on the excellent, high-quality vintage for white Burgundy, the 2017 Domaine Marc Colin et Fils Montrachet Grand Cru is a rare and highly sought-after wine that offers breathtaking elegance, intense minerality, and concentration, with notes of white peach, hazelnut, and honey. Although enjoyable now, it will benefit from a few more years in the cellar to reach peak maturity. Beautiful wine!

This Montrachet is made from a 0.06 ha parcel of 75+-year-old vines on the Chassagne side. Only 275 liters were produced—which is roughly the equivalent of less than 2 Burgundy barrels, or about 366 bottles—and it was aged in 50% new wood. 

Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru An Zero Burgundy 2015

Laurent Ponsot was born into a winegrowing family in Morey-St.-Denis in the 1950s. He grew up working alongside his father, Jean-Marie Ponsot, at the family’s Domaine Ponsot, among barrels, vats, and vines. For a while in his 20s, Laurent lived in Paris and built a successful travel agency there. In 1981, Laurent returned to Domaine Ponsot, where he became the fourth generation of his family to serve as winemaker. After 36 years, Laurent left the family Domaine in February 2017 to pursue a new wine venture. He is joined in this new effort, simply called Laurent Ponsot, by his son Clément. Above all, Laurent Ponsot remains a vine grower and continues to farm a core set of Burgundian appellations.

The 2015 vintage was his first to produce this wine, which is why the “An Zero”, meaning “Year Zero”, appears on the labels of his 2015 vintage wines, signifying the inaugural release of his new negociant business, Laurent Ponsot SAS, after he left the family estate, Domaine Ponsot. While 2015 was the initial release ("An Zero"), Ponsot considers 2016 to be the first "bona fide" vintage for his new project, with wines named after trees (reds) or flowers (whites), for example, the “An Zero” cuvee has been renamed as “Cuvee du Saule”. Laurent Ponsot focuses on high-quality, sustainably farmed Burgundy wines with zero new oak, low sulphur, and innovative, "connected" packaging designed to ensure authenticity and temperature control.

Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin “An Zero” 2015 is a beautifully crafted wine, boasting a spicy, elegant, and fresh nose with aromas of ripe red and dark cherries, cassis, plum, violet, and subtle earthy notes. The palate is medium-bodied, with flavors of dark cherries and blueberries. It is well-structured and of good length, with supple tannins and balanced acidity, though a somewhat austere heartiness persists on the finish. Some may describe it as refined elegance, but I would have preferred a bit more substance and minerality to enhance it. Overall, this is a very good wine, though a bit dry and austere for my taste; it might benefit from a few more years of aging. 

Only a few barrels are produced, making this wine's availability very scarce.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Champagne Charlier Père et Fils Carte Noire Brut NV

Charlier et Fils "Carte Noire" 

Champagne Brut NV

Tasted it for the first time recently, thanks to Monica and Jean from "Cuvée Champagne" (@cuvee_champagne). 

I really enjoyed this champagne, especially for the price (average at HKD 410, roughly 45 euros). It offers great value for money. 

A blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay making up 20% each. 

The nose features delicate aromas of yellow fruit and stone fruits, complemented by spicy and brioche notes. 

The palate is medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, easygoing, harmonious, and well-balanced between fruit and acidity. It is also well-rounded, with a toasty character from aging for at least 8 months in large oak barrels (known as "Foudres de chêne"). The finish is gentle and pleasing. Nicely done! 

 

Technical points: the reserve wines used in the blend are stored in barrels for 2 to 3 years. After oak aging, the bottles are kept in the cellar for nearly 3 years, roughly twice the legal requirement, before disgorgement. 

I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. This champagne is a "quaffer". 

Thank you, Monica and Jean, for bringing this champagne to the office. It's a nice discovery. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Dinner at Chouchou Restaurant - Hong Kong

DINNER AT CHOUCHOU RESTAURANT - HONG KONG

Very nice dinner at the pre-opening night of Chouchou restaurant (@chouchou.hkg), a new modern French restaurant in the J Residence building in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. 

In very good company with Daan (@daanbeirnaert1), enjoying the succulent food from Chef extraordinaire Cedric Tsia (@cedric.tsia) and great service from his team, led by Remi Brunet (@remibrnt) and Clement Jacquel (@clement.hongkong) (all above in the picture above).  

Chouchou officially opened on January 26th, but Daan received an invitation to the pre-opening night on January 23rd. He invited me to come along. It was a delightful experience from start to finish. 

Pesto Butter and Sourdough Bread

Amongst the many dishes on the menu, we chose: 

1. Crab rolls (simple but very nice)

2. Croque Monsieur (highly recommended)

3. Œufs Mayonnaise (a classic not to be missed)

4. Feuilleté aux Champignons (really nice)

5. Tournedos Rossini (perfectly cooked, a delight) 

6. Chocolate Tart (very elegant taste)

Accompanied by a wine from China that was really good. After all, why not? We are in Hong Kong. 

2018 Puchang Vineyard Beichun, Puchang Red, Xinjiang, China

2018 Puchang Vineyard Beichun, Puchang Red, Xinjiang, China

A cocktail for Daan and a Maury (@mas_amiel) for me with the dessert. 

 

Mas Amiel Maury Vintage 2023

Languedoc-Roussillon, France (@mas_amiel)

served by Anna, Chouchou's Sommelier 

We had the pleasure of bumping into Victor Petiot (@victorpetiot - Director of Caprice & Wine at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts) who generously offered us a few glasses of Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne 2015 in magnum (@domaine.nicolas_rossignol). Excellent choice. 

Domaine Nicolas Rossignol Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2015 (Magnum)

Left to right: Ledomduvin (me, Dominique Noel), Victor Petiot, and Daan Beirnaert

It was a very pleasurable experience, great company, food, wine, and service. Definitely a night to remember. Great space too, good vibes and good music. What else to ask for? 

Thank you for inviting me to come along, Daan Beirnaert

Thank you to Daan for the invitation. Thank you to Cedric and his chefs for the excellent food. Thank you to Remi, Clément, and their team for the excellent service. And thank you to Victor for his generosity and friendliness.

We will definitely be back. 

From left to right: Clement Jacquel, Remi Brunet, Victor Petiot, Cedric Tsia, 

me (Dominique Noël), and my colleague and friend Daan Beirnaert

Cheers! Santé! And again, thank you all for this lovely evening. 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #dinner #friends @chouchou.hkg #chouchou #restaurant #newrestaurant #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine #lovefood

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LeDomduVin: Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012

Champagne Jacquesson Dizy Corne Bautray Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs 2012

Crafted from a single 1-ha vineyard in the “lieu-dit” of “Corne Bautray” within the commune of Dizy (Vallée de la Marne), planted exclusively with old Chardonnay vines (planted in 1960) and ranked as “Premier Cru,” Dizy Corne Bautray 2012 is an exceptional Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

An appealing nose with scents of hazelnuts, apricots, peach pits, walnuts, lemons, and pie crust. Crisp and tangy flavors complemented by a smooth, expansive mousse. Fresh, well-balanced, and structured. Finishes with saline notes, long-lasting and mineral.

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @champagnejacquesson_officiel #jacquesson #jacquessonchampagne #champagne #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #tastingnotes #ilovemyjob #lovewine

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LeDomduVin: Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2006

Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac 2006

Pontet-Canet is one of my favorite Pauillac wines. I have been buying this wine for 34 years and have never been disappointed. I visited the chateau numerous times in the 2000s, and it was always a pleasure to taste their wines during the En Primeur campaigns. 

It is a classic in my book and surely one of the best values in the Haut-Médoc and Pauillac appellations. 

Why? Because it is a Fifth Growth that tastes like and can easily compete with the Third and Second growths (even First), in terms of quality and consistency, and comes at a fifth of the price of a First growth. 

Moreover, Chateau Pontet-Canet is a powerful, pure, and terroir-driven wine crafted using biodynamic viticulture (horse-drawn plowing and minimal intervention) and innovative winemaking (concrete amphorae and partial destemming). So, what's not to like? 

Opened recently, the 2006 Pontet-Canet was a delight! Extremely dense and dark in the glass (as always). The nose offered beautiful aromas of red and dark berries mingling with floral and earthy notes, tertiary hints, and oaky nuances. The palate is rich, complex, generous, and voluptuous, with a velvety texture enhanced by enough freshness to keep it balanced, round, earthy, and present yet integrated tannins make up for a great structure. The finish is long, chewy, and earthy. What a lovely wine! 

Even if I did not do that that day, it would probably have benefited from being decanted about 45 minutes before serving. Despite its age, it remains youthful, so you can wait a few more years for it to reach its full potential. 

Kudos to the Tesseron Family! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Jeaunaux Robin "Éclats de Meulière" Champagne Brut Nature NV

Jeaunaux Robin "Éclats de Meulière" Champagne Brut Nature NV

A blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay, this Artisan Vigneron champagne is a delight for your taste buds: light, easygoing, crisp, fresh, dry, and not pretending to be anything other than a clean, zesty, well-crafted champagne.

Perfect as an apéritif with some oysters, fishy bites, and appetizers. 

Some of you may find it lacks body, weight, or complexity, yet at this price (around 46 euros), this Champagne is a steal, offering plenty of juice, balance, texture, and substance in a subtle, elegant way. 

A friendly and enjoyable champagne!

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Back in the days!

BACK IN THE DAYS

December has been busy, and I just realized I have not posted on my blog since last November. While searching my phone for the latest pictures of the wines I served at recent private and corporate dinners, I came across these 2 photos (from November 2015) that reminded me of how many good bottles I used to select, prepare, open, taste, and serve in my previous job.  

My old boss was a drinker, a connoisseur, a collector, and an investor. I worked for him for 9 years, during which I opened some of the greatest bottles in the world. These bottles were mainly white and red Grands Crus from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with Champagne often served as an aperitif; white paired with the first and second appetizers, and followed by sweet wines for dessert.    

You might think that it is pretty common for most Sommeliers to open bottles like these regularly, and I agree. Except that I wasn't opening this many bottles occasionally; I was opening them 4 or 5 times a week. My old boss used to throw parties for 10-20 people a few times a week, and not only did he know his wines, but he also liked to drink them and share them with his management team and his friends.  

It was a blast for a wine enthusiast, a sommelier, and a wine buyer like me. I surely opened, tasted, and served some of the best wines in my career during these 9 years working for him.  

With Chris Lee, Maître D' extraordinaire, with whom I used to work, in 2015.

These pictures are just one example among many of these wine dinners. And as you can see, the featured wines need no introduction. The labels speak for themselves.  

 

From left to right (even you can't see the vintages, I think I remember most of them as they were mainly from the 1990s)

• Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 1993
• Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac 1995
• Château Leoville-Las-Cases Saint-Julien 1990
• Château Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estèphe 1990
• Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 1990
• Château Margaux Margaux 1995
• Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan / Graves 1990
• Château Latour Pauillac 2000
• Château Haut-Brion Pessac-Léognan / Graves 1978 or 79
• SLOAN Rutherford Napa Valley 2000 or 2003 

These were the days, 4 or 5 times a week, between 8 and 12 bottles per dinner.  A sommelier's paradise!

These were pre-COVID years, meaning before 2020, when the world was still drinking and knew how and what to drink. What has happened since has left me bewildered. The world changed; views on drinking wine (and alcohol in general) shifted, and consumer habits changed. 

Suddenly, drinking wine became "cringe," especially among the newest generations, Millennials and Gen Z. 

Geopolitical and political uncertainties have created doubt about future political, economic, and social conditions, affecting everything from supply chains to financial markets. The addition of health concerns and financial struggles, due to inflation, cost of living, conflicts, political tensions, policy shifts, terrorism, taxes, tariffs, and trade wars around the world, have shifted people's priorities. And wine is no longer one of them.  

Wine has long been considered a luxury, and this perception has been reinforced in the last two decades as fine wine has become a significant financial investment and status symbol. The market for high-end wines had experienced substantial growth, outperforming other traditional luxury assets such as art and jewelry in investment returns. 

But those days are gone. Over the past 2-3 years, top-tier wines have experienced a significant price decline. The price decline for top-tier wine brands is driven primarily by a post-pandemic market correction, global economic pressures, and oversupply of certain vintages, especially in Bordeaux. 

Global economic instability is undoubtedly the main factor. Ongoing economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising interest rates have reduced the spending power of many luxury buyers, prompting them to cut back on discretionary purchases. The global economic climate has shifted consumer behavior, with many opting for less expensive bottles or focusing on value-driven purchases.

The second factor is the market correction after the pandemic boom. The fine wine market experienced an unprecedented boom between 2020 and 2022, with prices surging amid low interest rates and high demand due to increased at-home consumption. The current price decrease is primarily seen as a natural correction, bringing prices back to pre-2022 levels.

The third and most significant factor hurting the wine industry is oversupply and inventory management. Several regions, particularly Bordeaux, are facing oversupply, with negociants and retailers struggling with high inventories of unsold wines spanning several vintages, partly driven by price surges in the late 2010s and early 2020s and by shifts in consumer habits. This has forced some producers and merchants to offer discounts or price new releases below comparable older vintages, devaluing existing stock and putting downward pressure on overall prices.

This brings us to the fourth factor, the shift in consumer habits and demands. A growing trend among wealthy wine buyers is to buy wine for immediate consumption rather than long-term investment, which reduces the perceived value of young, unaged wines. Buyers are increasingly interested in older, critically acclaimed "back vintages" that offer better value and are ready to drink now, rather than speculating on new releases, especially with Bordeaux, where vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016 can still be found at lower prices than 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. 

It is also a generational shift. Younger consumers tend to drink less alcohol overall. While they may spend more per bottle (a "premiumization" trend), they are less swayed by traditional origin stories and more interested in sustainable and organic options, as well as a wider variety of global wines beyond traditional powerhouses like Bordeaux. Also, because of taste differences and the image of red wine as now old-fashioned, younger consumers have turned to white and rosé wines and beers, which are usually far less expensive than red wine.  

Recent geopolitical tensions and trade wars also play a significant role in the decline in wine consumption and prices. The economic slowdown in China, once a significant growth market for top-tier wines (especially before Xi Jinping's anti-corruption law in 2013), has significantly reduced demand for European wines. 

The combination of these factors has weakened the wine industry worldwide and, in turn, all the people who work directly and indirectly within it. The past 2-3 years have been tremendously challenging, with wine sales and consumption declining and prices falling as the market tried to reinvigorate itself.  

But the real questions are: 

• How do you sell wine in a chaotic world that is increasingly less interested in it?
• How do you sell wine when people are already struggling to make ends meet? 
• How do you sell wine when people no longer enjoy it over a meal or at a gathering? 
• How do you sell wine when it is no longer on their grocery list? 
• How do you sell wine to younger generations that view it as part of older habits and no longer relate to it?     

This list is non-exhaustive, of course, and there are so many more questions to ask. However, I will let you ponder these questions; if you have a solution, feel free to share it in the comments. 

In the meantime, I'm really hoping for better days ahead. For a grandson of a winemaker, a wine enthusiast, a sommelier, and a wine buyer like me, with a 34-year career in the wine industry, the present we are living in has nothing to do with the days in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and early 2010s, when wine was thriving and the world seemed to be a better place. I'm not necessarily one of those who say it was better before, but I have to admit I would love to be back in those days!     

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #vin #wine #vino #wein #backinthedays #winedecline #wineconsumption #bordeaux #burgundy #winesales #wineworld #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #lovewine #winejanuary #ilovemyjob 

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LeDomduVin: When wine friends meet (part 1)

Wilson Kwok, Francois Estager, Minnie Wong, Benoit Prévot, Dominique Noel & Martin Brady

When wine friends meet (part 1)

UGCB - Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux - Hong Kong 2025 - Nov 21st at The Regent Hotel HK (@hongkongregent) 

The UGCB is always a really good occasion to meet and catch up with friends you haven't seen for a while. It was good to see you and spend a moment with you guys! 

😁👍🍷🍷🍷

Left to right in the first picture: 

Wilson Kwok - Wine lover and promoter (and much more)

(@travelkwokovin) 

François Estager - Château La Cabanne 

(@chateaulacabanne) 

Minnie Wong - Easiness Wine

(@wminniem) (@easinesswine) 

Benoît Prévot - Château Le Bon Pasteur

(@chateaulebonpasteur) 

Dominique Noël (Myself)

(@ledomduvin)

Martin Brady - Acker Wines

(@martin_brady67)

Martin Brady, Dominique Noel & Minnie Wong

Wilson Kwok, Minnie Wong, Dominique Noel & Martin Brady

Benoit Prévot, Minnie Wong & Dominique Noel

Voilà! It was a very nice event, and the 2022 Bordeaux vintage is really good, too. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #UGCB #uniondesgrandscrusdebordeaux #hongkong #hk #2025 #regenthotelhk #friends #winefriends #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine 

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LeDomduVin: UGCB - Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux - Hong Kong 2025 - Vintage 2022 Tasting

UGCB - Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux - Hong Kong 2025 - Nov 21st. at The Regent Hotel HK (@hongkongregent), Vintage 2022 Tasting. 

Here are a few "Coup de Cœur" from the UGCB HK 2025 (@ugcbwines). 

I particularly enjoyed these wines. Of course, I also enjoyed many others, but didn't necessarily took a picture, as it was packed and also talked a lot, so not enough time to taste them all and to visit everyone. 

It was good to see so many people attending this tasting. It is reassuring and a proof that wine is still alive and kicking, and that people continue to drink and appreciate wine. There is still some hope. 😁👍🍷🍷🍷

Left to right: 

Benoît Prévot - Château Le Bon Pasteur

(@chateaulebonpasteur) 

François Estager - Château La Cabanne 

(@chateaulacabanne) 

Lauren Laudrin - Château Petit Village & Beauregard 

(@chateaupetitvillage)

Elise de Bailliencourt - Château Gazin 

(@chateaugazin)

Qin Jiang - Château Haut-Bailly 

(@chateauhautbailly) 

Marc Perrin - Château Carbonnieux

(@chateaucarbonnieux)

Adrien Bernard - Domaine de Chevalier 

(@domainedechevalier) 

(je n'ai pas demandé son nom😅) - Château La Lagune 

(@chateaulalaguneofficiel)

Marion Millaire - Château Cantemerle

(@chateau_cantemerle)

Erwan Le Brozec - Château Beychevelle

(@beychevelle1855)

Matthieu Bordes - Château Lagrange

(@chateaulagrange)

Fiona Rim.... - Châteaux Léoville Barton & Langoa Barton

(@bartonwine)

Voilà! It was a lovely event and the vintage 2022 is really good, too. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #UGCB #uniondesgrandscrusdebordeaux #hongkong #hk #2025 #regenthotelhk #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine 

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2025, on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, drawings, illustrations, collages, visuals, logos, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, graphs, tables, lyrics and even music and video (when and where applicable).

LeDomduVin: Nice little tasting of some of the wines of JC Garnier (Auxey-Duresses, Burgundy)

Dominique Noël (LeDomduVin) & Vincent Garnier of JC Garnier Père et Fils

Nice little tasting of some of the wines of JC Garnier (Auxey-Duresses, Burgundy)

A pleasant surprise! Nice little tasting of some of the wines of @jc_garnierperefils, with Vincent Garnier (5th generation) and Tony Wong, his importer/distributor here, in HK, at WVinery (@wvinery_official).

Vincent Garnier of JC Garnier Père et Fils, Dominique Noël (LeDomduVin) & Tony Wong of WVinery

We tasted the red first, which is relatively uncommon, especially compared to Bordeaux wines, where whites are usually tasted before the reds. Very Burgundian! Loved it. And I loved the wines, too. 

Tony Wong of WVinery & Vincent Garnier of JC Garnier Père et Fils 

We tasted: 

Bourgogne rouge Côtes d'Auxerre 2023

Nice, light, sharp, and refreshing, with notes of wild red cherries and strawberries. Perfect as an aperitif! 

Auxey-Duresses Rouge Cuvée d'Antan 2023

Very attractive nose of dark fruits, black cherries, blackberries, mingling with floral notes, and smoky nuances. Medium-bodied, yet dense and generous, with an outstanding balance and a juicy finish. Loved it!

Pommard Les Petits Noizons 2023

A bit subdued on the nose, with dark fruits, earthy notes, and more pronounced minerality. The palate is complex and layered delicately and elegantly. It is very approachable now, but it would deserve a few more years to develop its full potential. 

Saint-Bris Mont Embrasé 2023

Beautiful, easy-going wine! A Sauvignon Blanc with the attributes of a Chardonnay. Touch grassy and zesty with good acidity and minerality. Lovely! 

Auxey-Duresses Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2023

On the nose and on the palate, this wine could easily be mistaken for a Meursault in a blind tasting. A lot of minerality, combined with a gentle touch of butteriness. Nicely done! 

Vincent Garnier of JC Garnier Père et Fils 

As discussed with Vincent Garnier, all these wines shared a few commonalities. And what I loved about them is that they were clean and focused, with no angularities, from beginning to end. 

It was a pleasant surprise and discovery, too, as I had never tasted the wines of JC Garnier before. 

Thank you to the Gentry Club Team for organizing the tasting and inviting me to taste these wines. Thank you to Vincent and his family for their wines and to Tony for helping bring them to Hong Kong. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein @jc_garnierperefils #jcgarnierpereetfils #burgundy #burgundywine #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2025, 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).