2012 is going to get to a bright start for wine collectors in Hong Kong with Zachys first auction of the year on the 7th January selling off some highly collectable Bordeaux and Rhone wines among others.

Dr Joseph S Weinstock‘s enviable collection will be unlocked especially with 700 lots on offer including three bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin Chateau Beaucastel 1990 (est. HK$9,500-14,000) and three bottles of Cote Rotie La Mouline Guigal 1985 (est. HK$16,000-26,000).

The day time auction is expected to draw in bidders in person as well as an international following of online bidders.

Françoise Bedel is one of the stars of the Champagne biodynamic movement. Based in Crouttes-sur-marne (Champagne’s most famous region), this grower champagne producer is an important figure in the region and has the goal of making well-balanced, high quality and harmonious wines. Using traditional methods only, the wines rely heavily on Pinot Meunier, which is quite rare compared to the outside world.

In the release of her champagne, Entre Ciel et Terre (between Earth and Sky/天與地) is a perfect example made entirely of Meunier – a rarity in the champagne world which is dominated by blends or single varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The characteristics of Meunier give the wine more refreshing acidity, brightness and fruitiness than normal champagne blends. This wine is made exclusively in enameled steel tanks and from the majority of the 2002’s harvest with a low dosage of 6.50g/l.

The nose is fresh and reminiscent of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia). After agitation, it reveals very delicate aromas of floral-flavoured honey and spice bread. On the palate, it is a champagne giving way to rich and generous floral notes, enhanced by a touch of liquorice. This finish is exuberant with a freshness accentuated by citrus aromas (lemon and grapefruit). It goes exceptionally well with seafood or fish in a sour sauce.

Where to buy?

L’imperatrice Fine Wines, 7/F Yellow Building, 8 On Wo Lane, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: 2850 5544

2011 has been a great year for auction house Zachys. They celebrated their most successful record breaking year with an evening auction and evening dinner at The Mandarin Oriental on Friday 18 November and a full auction session on Saturday 19 November.

Selling 100% of their Collector’s Cellar lots, the Hong Kong auctions totaled HK$22,762,150 in sales with highlights being the competitively bid upon Burgundy wines, including twelve bottles Romanee Conti Domaine de la Romanee Conti 1993 which almost doubled their estimated price, selling at HK$976,000.

The dinner was standing room only, as bidders took full advantage of the BYO no corkage charged policy and liberally enjoyed wines from all corners of the world. This was a lively finish to what has been quite a year for Zachys.

Thier next auction in Hong Kong will be their pre-Chinese New Year auction on 7 January 2012 at the Mandarin Oriental.

According to Master of Wine Jancis Robinson; “Anne Gros is one of the most respected, and most fortunate, wine producers in the world. As an only child, she inherited all of her father François’s three hectares of prime Côte d’Or vineyard land around Vosne- Romanée, at the age of 22.

Anne GROS is now famous for her Richebourg Grand Cru, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru that she turned 100% bio-dynamic many years ago. She is probably the most respected female winemaker of Burgundy with Lalou Bize Leroy.

This burgundian lady, together with Jean Paul Tollot, has combined their over 20 years of expertise and experience in Burgundy making and has established an entirely new domaine in France’s most challenging wine region, the Languedoc, the Minervois, in pursuit of another ecologically respectable house.

About the region: Minervois in Languedoc, south of France, is home to Cazelles which is known for the diversity of its soil, made of limestone, clay and sandstone; the discovery of 4 main cepages (Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault); and the quality and wide age range of its vines grown in the privileged environment at the foot of the Black Mountain at an altitude of 220 metres (identical to Vosne-Romanée).

A unique architectural structure was cleverly created to grow, receive, make and care for these fine terroir wines which have been designed with great attention to detail, respecting the energies, the grapes and the people of the region. The first vintage of Anne Gros wines is 2008 and they are lovingly aged for one year in Burgundy barrels, and then blended and bottled in this authentic Burgundian bottle with the instantly recognizable Orangy label…

Top picks :

Anne GROS, Minervois, Les Carrétals

An utterly unique, 100% Carignan wine from a perfect 2-acre, chalky plot completely dedicated to ancient vines now 99 years old. The terroir here is also very Burgundian, littered with white rocks and rich in chalk.

Anne GROS, Minervois, Les Fontanilles

Elegant with silky fruit and peppery spark all rolled into one. This small, walled vineyard is surrounded by wild garrigue and pine, the aromatic soul of the south of France, and the wine’s perfume is infused with these heady scents. A blend of Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache.

Anne GROS, Minervois, La Ciaude

This is Anne’s “great terroir” wine, one that benefits from a unique vein of limestone à la Burgundy. La Ciaude is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, of which the Carignan vines are 104 years old. Mineral energy combines effortlessly with an extraordinary rich and layered feel. This wine has volume, depth and a fantastic concentration without sacrificing balance. Vines face south and as such get the full power of the sun, adding to the wine’s saturated, sultry personality.

Official Importer in Hong Kong

• L’Imperatrice Fine Wines

The brightest new star to emerge from the Grower Champagne movement is Olivier Collin, in the small village of Congy, south of the Cote des Blancs.

Inspired by Jacques Selosse after working with him in 2001, he described it as “one of those encounters that changes your life”. Spurred into action, in 2003 he reacquired 4.5 Ha of family vineyards that had been rented out for years to Pommery.

As for the style and the rule of winemaking, Collin insists on developing his wines in a natural and non-interventionist way. All fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, which can take a remarkably long time to complete: six to eight months is not at all unusual for Olivier Collin, and even when tasting vins clairs in June or July, they are typically still in the middle of their alcoholic fermentations.

Both the fermentation and malolactic are carried out in three- to six-year old barriques, and the wine is neither fined nor filtered before bottling, which takes place in the fall after the harvest.

Only one wine is produced by Ulysse Collin – a Blanc de Blanc (Chardonnay) which comes from a small 1.2 hectare parcel called “Les Perrières”, (producing around 5000 bottles a year).

The 2006 (second vintage) Extra Brut is complete and intensely vinous, finishing with long, flowery length and a brisk, flinty sense of chalkiness, emphasizing the expression of terroir over fruit flavor.

Recently, a 2006 Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir) cuvee has been released to very selected high end restaurants. The next release of this wine will be in 2012 with the 2008 vintage,(500bts cuvee only).

Where to buy?

• L’IMPERATRICE Limited, 7/F Yellow Building, 8 On Wo Lane, Central, Hong Kong. Tel: 2850 5544

Jebsen Fine Wines recommends buying big name wines like Ch. Mouton Rothschild, Ch. Pontet-Canet, Ch. Lynch Bages, Ch. Montrose, Ch. Pichon Baron, Ch. Lascombes or wines that represent excellent value for money such as Ch. Cantemerle, Goulet (by Cos d’Estournel), Les Dames de Montrose,  Ch. d’Armailhac and Fleur Cardinale.

2010 has also won good reviews from wine critics such as Tim Atkin MW saying; “Overall, this is a vintage for claret and white Bordeaux lovers, more classic than 2009, with the potential to age for longer in bottle. Even if you bought lots of 2009s, make room for some 2010s in your cellar.”

All but a few top wines have now been released and, for the most part, in very small quantities compared to previous vintages. This means that prices are going up and that the most sought-after wines are selling out quickly, so don’t wait too long to contact Jebsen in order to secure your favorites.

How to buy:

To buy –  Place your orders by contacting the Jebsen Fine Wine team directly by phone or email. More details can always be found at www.jebsenfinewines.com

For enquiry on buying en primeur, please contact:

• Fine Wine Manager:  Marco Vazquez at tel. 2926 2269 marcovazquez@jebsen.com
• Assistant Fine Wine Manager: Vanessa Chui at tel. 3180 3424 vanessachui@jebsen.com
• Fine Wine Consultant: Victor Rabot at tel. 2926 2312 / victorrabot@jebsen.com

Here’s something a little different from the usual Winebuzz.hk stories. As most of you already know, HOFEX, the big food and wine exhibition is happening in a week’s time so we suggest that you take a look at the exhibitor’s list and plan your visit.

If you are in the business of selling wine, one seminar we think you should attend is the Parma Ham Story held at the Event Marketplace (Hall 3B-E).  Why Parma ham?  Parma Ham or Prosciutto di Parma is an excellent food to serve with wine, an absolutely natural product with only one other ingredient, sea salt from the Mediterranean.

A seminar to boost your wine sales.

Here’s something a little different from the usual Winebuzz.hk stories. As most of you already know, HOFEX, the big food and wine exhibition is happening in 2 weeks time so we suggest that you take a look at the exhibitor’s list and plan the booths to visit.

If you are in the business of selling wine, one of the seminars we think you should attend is the Parma Ham Story seminar held at the Event Marketplace (Hall 3B-E).  Why are we talking about ham?  Parma Ham or Prosciutto di parma is an excellent food to serve with wine, an absolutely natural product with ingredient consisting of sea salt from the Mediterranean.

Not only is it delicious, a good companion for various wines, it is GOOD for you. Parma ham contains high percentages of Oleic acid, Linoleic acid and Stearic acid which helps in preventing the hardening and clogging of arteries.

Anyway, here is the opportunity for you to learn all you can about the Parma ham from the source; Mr. Paolo Tramelli, Oversea Marketing Manager of Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma or Consortium of Parma Ham, will be on hand as guest presenter for the seminars sponsored by Pleasure Elite Limited, a Hong Kong importer (Hall 1E-242). The Consortium is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the production of all genuine Parma ham to ensure their qualities adhere to the standard set forth.

Seats are limited because of space constraints, so book your seat ahead of time.

Details below.

• Session 1: 11 May, Wednesday,11.30am -12.30pm
• Session 2: 14 May, Saturday, 11.30am- 12.30pm
• Venue: Event Marketplace (Hall 3B-E), please see map below.
• Sign-up here to book your seats.
• For more information, call Pleasure Elite Limited at 3583 3560 or visit their website www.pleasure-elite.com or during HOFEX at Booth 1E-242

Source: Courtesy of the Consortium of Parma Ham

Not only is it delicious, a great food pairing for any kind of wine, it is actually good for you. (contains a high percentage of Oleic acid, Linoleic acid and Stearic acid which prevents the hardening and clogging of arteries).

If you are already looking into adding this scrumptious and highly addictive food to your menu, find a quality supplier or just thinking about it, make sure you attend the Parma Ham Story seminar put together by the Consortium of Parma Ham and brought to you by Pleasure Elite, a company that is dedicated in bringing in some of the best quality Italian produce into the market.

Seats are limited because of space constrains, so book your seat ahead of time.

Details below.

• Session 1: 11 May, Wednesday,11.30am -12.30pm
• Session 2: 14 May, Saturday, 11.30am- 12.30pm
• Venue: Event Marketplace (Hall 3B-E)
• Sign-up here to book your seats.
• For more information, call Pleasure Elite at 3583 3560 or visit their website www.pleasure-elite.com

Morgan & Joubert represents a collective of family-owned French Estates. They are bringing in family estate wines directly from vineyards in France. Labels they are representing are from vineyards and winery that make wine based on the principles of terroir and traditional family wine making techniques like Domaine La Croix des Loges Anjou, Domaine Chauveau Pouillé Fumé, Clos Cadillac, Domaine Guizard and Domaine St Germain.

To introduce these quality wines to wine lovers in Hong Kong, Morgan & Joubert is organizing a series of wine dinners from 24 March onwards at various fine dining establishments in Hong Kong.

Come and discover these wines with Morgan & Joubert over dinner with other fellow wine lovers. To RSVP for any of these events, please call 8199 9423 or email wine-diner@h1-solution.com. Mention Winebuzz.hk and get 5% off for booking of any of the following dinners.

Rana Raj Wine Dinner

About the dinner -Eat and drink like an ancient Indian King at “Rana Raj”. Free flow wine buffet. 

Wines to taste:

Whites – Domiane La Croix des Loges Anjou, Domaine Chauveau Pouillé Fumé Reds-Domaine Guizard, Coteau du Languedoc, Château Grand Pierre, Première Côtes de Blaye, Domaine St Germain, Côtes du Rhône

• Cost: HK$408 per person
• Date: 24 March 2011
• Venue: Rana Raj, G/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central

Opus Grill – Splendor of Beef

About the dinner – Experience the splendors of beef at Opus Grill, where the chef has prepared some incredible beef dishes including the special beef sorbet.  We have arrange the wine pairing especially for this dinner, vintage wine from Chateau Margaux as well as some of the best family-owned estates wines from France (Morritz – exclusive Alsace wine; Guizard – since 1580, the oldest vineyards from France)

Wines to taste:

Whites – Domiane La croix des Loges Anjou, Domaine Moritz vin d’Alsace, Domaine Chauveau Pouillé Fumé
Reds- Domaine Druon : Bandol, Clos Cadiallac, Domaine St. Germain: Côtes du Rhône

Fine wines – Château Haut Brion, Château Margaux

• Cost: HK$1280
• Date: 13 April 2011
• Venue: 7/F KLF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.

OVOlogue – Art in the Plate

About the dinner- Join us for a gastronomic and artistic experience at OVOlogue. The Chef of Ovologue has especially designed for this occasion, a series of creative dishes. Choose from their “a la carte” dishes to pair with our wines.

Wines to taste:

Whites – Domiane La Croix des Loges Anjou, Domaine Moritz vin d’Alsace,  Domaine Chauveau Pouillé Fumé
Reds-Domaine Guizard, Coteau du Languedoc, Château Grand Pierre, Première Côtes de Blaye, Domaine St Germain, Côtes du Rhône

• Cost: HK$788 per person
• Date: 20 April 2011
• Venue: G/F, 60 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Verve -  A la Carte Wine Pairing Dinner

About the dinner- Explore Verve’s wide selection of dishes and pair the dishes with different wines from our selection.

Wines to taste:

Whites – Domiane La Croix des Loges Anjou,  Domaine Chauveau Pouillé Fumé

Reds-Domaine Guizard, Coteau du Languedoc, Château Grand Pierre, Première Côtes de Blaye, Domaine St Germain, Côtes du Rhône

• Cost: HK$508
• Date:28 April 2011
• Venue: G/F 36 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong.

Golden Gate Wine is hosting a wine dinner at the Hong Kong Country Club this Thursday, March 24th. Come join us for a five course dinner and participate in this Burgundy Wine Challenge. Are American Pinot Noir as good as Burgundy wine? Well, the only way to know is to taste them yourself.

During the night, you will blind taste 4 premium Pinots, 2 from Burgundy, 1 from Oregon and 1 from California. Leave your prejudices behind, and let your taste buds be the judge!

See below for dinner menu.

How much?

HK$980 + 10%

Details

• Date: Thursday, March 24th, 2011
• Time: 7.30pm
• Venue: Bayview Room 1, Hong Kong Country Club, 188 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong.
• To RSVP, call 2891-8181 or tracy@goldengatewine.com

Dinner Menu

FIRST COURSE

Pave of Foie Gras, Roasted Beetroot and Foie Gras Espuma with Toasted Pain d’épice

in Champagne vinegar and Quince vinaigrette

Schramsberg Brut Rosé Méthode Champenoise, California 2007

Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial NV

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

SECOND COURSE

Seared Sashimi Grade Scallop 
with Sauce Verte and Golden Tomatoes

Domaine Serene Clos du Soleil Vineyard Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2008
Puligny Montrachet Louis Latour, Burgundy 2007

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

THIRD COURSE

Oxtail Broth with Pearl Barley, Grilled Sourdough

Calera Ryan Vineyard, Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir, California 2006

Louis Jadot, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy 2007

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

MAIN COURSE

Chorizo Crust Rack of Lamb 
with Fricassee of Beans, Tomato Salsa and Breaded Artichokes, Ibérico Ham Infused Lamb Jus

Elk Cove Vineyards Pinot Noir, Mt. Richmond, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2008

David Duband Chambolle Musigny, Burgundy 2006

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

DESSERT

Cold Boskoop Tatin 
with Cinnamon Marshmallow and Caramel Maple Syrup 
WillaKenzie Late Harvest Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2006

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

Coffee/Tea

Petit Fours

Golden Gate Wine is dedicated to introducing California, Oregon and Washington fine wines to Hong Kong and the region.

The food and wine environment in Hong Kong is sophisticated and exciting, but Golden Gate Wine felt it was time to boost the choice of American wines, and those from California in particular. Golden Gate Wine has introduced a wide selection, from 100 brands and 410 handcrafted wines, that reflect the fine quality and variety found today at small and medium sized wineries on the West Coast. Many consistently win high ratings and critical acclaim from trade publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, The Wine Advocate and Decanter.

Golden Gate Wine offers a Fine Wine Club and a Daily Wine Club, direct delivery to corporate and private clients, supplies major hotels, restaurants and clubs, and organizes a wide variety of wine tasting events.

Here is a listing of the Top 10 brands that Golden Gate Wine carries:

• Far Niente – CNBC best premium brand , a benchmark producer of Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Cain – Top notch wines from Napa, long history for making world class Bordeaux blends.
• Hedges – Trophy winner of Best Bordeaux style wine under HKD300 at the Asian biggest wine competition – HK International Wine & Spirit Competition 2010.
• Domaine Serene –Beat Domaine Romanee Conti in several blind tastings and the renowned wine critic Robert Parker names Domaine Serene one of the two outstanding producers of Oregon Pinot Noir.
• Merry Edwards – their Sauvignon Blanc is the highest scoring Sauvignon Blanc ever!
• Calera – No. 1 Japanese cult wines – the hero Sommelier Satake declared Calera Jensen to be the best Pinot Noir.
• Schramsberg – In 1972, Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs was served at the “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, between President Richard Nixon and Premier Chou En-lai. Schramsberg wines have been served by every subsequent presidential administration.
• J Lohr – Awarded as the 2010 Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
• Rubicon – Owned by the famous Movie Director Francis Ford Coppola. He is Napa’s most famous vintner.
• Hahn – One of the best selling California wines in HK, reflecting authentic California taste.

Find out more at their website: www.goldengatewine.com

Join Golden Gate Wine on Facebook

Contact Details:

• 1006 Tai Yau Building, 181 Johnston Road, Wanchai
• Telephone : (852) 2891 8181
• Email: sales@goldengatewine.com