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

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LeDomduVin: Grower Champagnes casual tasting at the office

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: What's a great wine! (Illustration addition to my 2018 post)

What's a great wine?

We can argue on the subject for hours, but first and foremost, a great wine is a wine YOU love.

A wine that is satisfying to you for its aspect, robe, color, intensity, aromas, bouquet, freshness, ripeness, richness, depth, complexity, balance, harmony, structure, texture, layers, taste, aftertaste, sensations, from the attack to the finish, and whatever else you can think of that is pleasing to you in it. 

A wine so exciting and delicious to your palate that it makes you shiver, or pause, or reflect, or smile right after the first sip. A wine from which the first glass immediately calls for another one. A wine you will never forget for that blissful moment. A wine triggering only one reaction from you: "Wow! What a great wine!"

Wine tasting is so subjective and can be influenced by so many factors that you can only count on yourself to really define what a great wine is for you. 

You might be the only one in the room who loves this wine, yet who cares, as long as you are satisfied with it. And don't let anyone or anything influence your own taste and judgment!!!

[...] (*)

I just made this illustration as a header for a blog post I wrote in 2018 with the same title, which was missing one. 

All these names/words are slang and old popular French synonyms for "bad wine" from various regions, eras, and uses. 

I thought it would be funny to see my two protagonists, Bordeaux and Burgundy, insulting each other with these old-fashioned French words. 😁👍🍷 

(*) If interested, you can read the full post here. 

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #whatsagreatwine #questcequungrandvin #greatwine #grandvin #definition #pointofview #perspective #subjective #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #lovewine #wineyearly #tasting #winetasting

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: A Sommelier Portrait (by Roger Lee)

LeDomduVin: A Sommelier Portrait 

by Roger Lee (@rogerleestudios)

In late October 2025, I attended the WEMP event "The Children Ball," where I assisted the Rosewood Hotel team in serving the wines at the head table of the event. 

WEMP is Hong Kong's first non-profit organization dedicated to the mental well-being of underprivileged children and families. WEMP usually partners with another foundation or organization to co-host the Children's Ball, a fundraising gala that raises money to support both organizations.

This year, the Rafa Nadal Foundation and the WEMP Foundation joined forces to support the holistic well-being of children through a charity gala in Hong Kong, held at the Rosewood Hotel. 

As I arrived early, I walked the venue and, while visiting one of the private salons, met Mr. Roger Lee, the official photographer who photographed that night's event personalities and celebrities, including the co-host of the night, the Spanish former professional and numerous-time number one tennis player, Mr. Rafael Nadal, and his family and guests.    

Roger and I had a very nice talk, and since I don't often meet professional photographers like him, I asked if he wouldn't mind taking a few pictures of me with my phone (as it is not every day I dress in a full black suit). 

He accepted and professionally guided me on how to pose for the camera while he was snapping a few shots. 

These are some of the pictures he took. Roger did an excellent job, as I'm not very photogenic and don't really know how to pose. 😅😅😅

Thank you, Roger, much appreciated. I love these pictures. 

Roger is also a skilled video producer, so consider reaching out to him for professional photography and video services. 

Later on that day, inspired by Roger, I wrote a song about photographers, which I published under my other alias "DOMELGABOR". It is called "THROUGH THE LENS (A PHOTOGRAPHER'S STORY)" by @domelgabor 2025 (Available on YouTube, see below video, but also on Spotify, Apple Music and most music platforms) (*)  

 

As for Rafael Nadal, I was very impressed, as he is very charismatic and genuine (and taller than I thought, too). I had the pleasure of filling up his glass of wine during the night. I also took some great pictures of him, especially some where he has the greatest smile I have ever seen on his face (in reality and on TV). Unfortunately, I am not at liberty to disclose these pictures, so I will keep them for myself.      

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #portrait @rogerleestudios #rogerlee #rogerleestudios #photo #photographer #lens #picture #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine #wineinlife #hongkong

(*) For those who may not know, I do create and write lyrics and songs under my other alias, Domelgabor. Primarily experimental background electronic music, but also featuring EDM, House Music, as well as songwriting styles, pop, rock, soft rock, ballads, country, and storytelling. If interested, please check out my songs, under DOMELGABOR, on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. Thank you for listening. 

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: Wine and Dine Festival Hong Kong 2025

Wine and Dine Festival Hong Kong 2025

After today's tasting at @asiaratings, I went to the Wine and Dine Festival (@wineanddinefestivalhk) later that evening. It was packed. Great ambiance and atmosphere. It's always a pleasure to come back every year. It's also a good occasion to catch up with some friends, sommeliers, importers, distributors, and other people from the wine industry. 

Yohann Jousselin MS (@yohannjousselinms), 

Head of Fine Wines at Kerry Wines (@kerrywines_hk)

Yohann Jousselin MS (@yohannjousselinms), 

Head of Fine Wines at Kerry Wines (@kerrywines_hk)

Marco Ma (@marco.ma825), 

at House of Connoisseur (@house.of.connoisseur)

Marco Ma (@marco.ma825), 

at House of Connoisseur (@house.of.connoisseur)

I visited a few booths, tasted a few wines, and chatted with a few people I know, including Yohann Jousselin MS (@yohannjousselinms), Head of Fine Wines at Kerry Wines (@kerrywines_hk), and my friend, Marco Ma (@marco.ma825), at House of Connoisseur (@house.of.connoisseur). Thank you both for your generosity. It was good to see you. 

I did not stay long. However, the W&D Festival runs for 4 days through Sunday, October 26th. So I might go back if I have the chance. I encourage you to go. It's fun and convivial. Good food and good wine, what else? 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom, 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein @wineanddinefestivalhk #wineanddinefestivalhk #winefestival #winetasting #foodtasting #sommelier #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob #wineyearly #lovewine #wineinlife #lifeinwine

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).