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

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine @chateau_pontetcanet #pontetcanet #pauillac #bordeaux #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine 

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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

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein @champagnejeaunauxrobin #jeaunauxrobin #champagne #tasting #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob 

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2026, 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: 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 

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: 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).

LeDomduVin: Grower Champagnes casual tasting at the office with Cuvée Champagne

Grower Champagnes casual tasting at the office

Grower Champagnes casual tasting at the office with Monica from Cuvée Champagne (@cuvee_champagne). Go to their website for more info, here.   

We tasted: 

Champagne Roland Champion Secret d'Aramis

@champagnerolandchampion

Champagne Benoît Beaufort Rosé Grand Cru 

Champagne Benoît Beaufort Tradition Grand Cru 

@champagne_benoit_beaufort 

Champagne Lancelot et Fils Le Fer de Lance Réserve 

@champagne_lancelot_fils 

Champagne Charlot-Tanneux Les Meuniers de Moussy Millésimé Extra Brut 2019

@champcharlottanneux

I liked Benoît Beaufort Rosé for its freshness, balance, and friendliness. Very easy drinking. 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay. Nicely done! 

I particularly enjoyed the Charlot-Tanneux for its complexity, richness, structure, texture, and yeasty notes. 

A small production of 3087 bottles made from 100% Pinot Meunier, which is uncommon and, thus, makes it even more worth tasting. Lovely! 

Thank you to Monica and the team at the office who organized this casual tasting. It was a good occasion to meet and bond with the team. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #champagne #tasting #champagnetasting #organic #biodynamic #organicchampagne #biodynamicchampagne #demetercertified #champagnerolandchampion #champagnebenoitbeaufort  #champagnelancelotetfils #champagnecharlottanneux #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #lovewine #lovechampagne

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).

LeDomduVin: Asia Wine Ratings - Hong Kong 2025

Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) and Sid Patel - CEO and Founder 

at the Beverage Trade Network and the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show

@chinacompetion and @asiaratings

Asia Wine Ratings - Hong Kong 2025

Thank you to @sidpatelbtn and his team at @asiaratings and @okateankita for the tasting today. Like yesterday, it was fun and eye-opening, well organized, and more relaxed as we had fewer wines to taste. Kudos to you all! Loved it! Thank you for the opportunity and for allowing me to participate. 

Grant Smith (@grannysmithslingsthebooze) 

Managing Director at Bespoke Fine Wine Co., Ltd.

Wine importer based in Thailand

Benjamin Hasko MS MW (@benjaminhaskoms)

dual-qualified Master of Wine and Master Sommelier, 

one of only a handful globally to hold both titles

Wine importer based in Singapore.

It was a pleasure to meet Grant Smith (@grannysmithslingsthebooze) and Benjamin Hasko MS MW (@benjaminhaskoms), with whom I shared the table and did the tasting with. Thanks to you both. 😁👍🍷

Thank you, 

Santé! Cheers! 

Dom 

Last picture courtesy of @asiaratings

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #competition #winecompetition @asiaratings #asiaratings #winetasting #sommelier #sommeliers #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine #wineinlife #lifeinwine @beveragetradenetwork #beveragetradenetwork

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).

LeDomduVin: China Wine Competition - Hong Kong 2025

Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) and Sid Patel - CEO and Founder 

at the Beverage Trade Network and the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show

@chinacompetion and @asiaratings

China Wine Competition - Hong Kong 2025

Thank you to @sidpatelbtn and his team at @chinacompetitions and @okateankita for the tasting today. It was fun, eye-opening, and well-organized. Kudos to you all! Loved it! Thank you for the opportunity and for allowing me to participate. 

Kenny Tsui (@kenny__0810)  Sommelier at Epure 

GOURMET DINING GROUP LIMITED Hong Kong

Dirk Chen (@smartdirk)

Director of Wine at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

It was a pleasure to meet Kenny Tsui (@kenny__0810) and Dirk Chen (@smartdirk), with whom I shared the table and did the tasting. Thanks to you both. 😁👍🍷

Dominique Noel (LedomduVin) Private and corporate Sommelier and Wine Buyer

Senior Manager - Wine Management

Glasses sponsored by LUCARIS - Crystal of Modern Asia

Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) and Sid Patel - CEO and Founder 

at the Beverage Trade Network and the International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show

@chinacompetion and @asiaratings

Thank you again to Sid and his team at the China Wine Competition for the opportunity to participate as a judge.  Much appreciated.   

Santé! Cheers! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #tasting #competition #chinawinecompetition #winecompetition @chinacompetitions #winetasting #sommelier #sommeliers #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine #wineinlife #lifeinwine @beveragetradenetwork #beveragetradenetwork

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).