Tuesday, November 28, 2023

LeDomduVin: Pomerol Trio




Pomerol Trio



These 3 wines tasted great at the UGCB HK 2023. They represent the diversity of the "terroirs" of Pomerol. Each has their own character and personality while still uniquely expressing Pomerol.

Pomerol is Bordeaux's smallest Appellation, with about 150 producers and approximately 750 hectares of vineyards, and yet it is probably one of the most prestigious, especially on the Right Bank.

Receiving its AOC status in 1936 as part of the first wave of AOC established by the INAO ("Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité," previously called "Institut National des Appellations d'Origine"), the Appellation rose to fame in the second half of the twentieth century, with a handful of wines led by "Petrus".

Although Pomerol wines may command high prices in the wine market, there is no official classification for them, unlike the classified growths of Bordeaux.

The wines of Pomerol are produced predominately from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, planted on sandy clay marl layered with gravel for most of the Pomerol plateau.

Within the Pomerol region, a small area of about 20 hectares is known as the "bouttonière" ("buttonhole"). This area is unique because it contains blue clay (called "molasse") that sits on a band of sand rich in iron deposits known as "crasse de fer" or "machefer".



UGCB Pomerol Map with Petrus added





Petrus vineyards cover over half of the hectares of this unique soil, imparting complexity and depth to its wine. However, other châteaux such as La Conseillante, L'Évangile, Lafleur, @chateaugazin, Trotanoy, Clinet, Le Gay, Haut Ferrand, and Vieux Château Certan also have small portions of their vineyards benefiting from this soil.

There is another boutonniere of blue clay without iron deposits located northwest of Petrus. Vineyards planted on this second boutonniere include Chateau L'Eglise-Clinet, Clos L'Eglise, @chateaulacabanne, Nenin, and Trotanoy.

Although @chateaulebonpasteur is planted on clay gravel, gravel, and sand, its quality is undeniable and often matches its neighboring "blue clay" peers.

Drink Pomerol!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #pomerol #bordeaux #sommelier #lacabanne #lebonpasteur #gazin #sommlife #redwine




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LeDomduVin: Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux - UGCB Hong Kong 2023



Minnie Wong - Benoit Prevot - Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) - Francois Estager


Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux

UGCB Hong Kong 2023



Last Friday, I went to the Union des Grands Crus tasting at the Rosewood Hotel to taste the 2020 vintage Bordeaux. 

It was great to see them back in Hong Kong after a few years of intermittence. It had been too long. 

I didn’t taste as much as I wanted, as I arrived late, talked for too long with some people, and did not have the chance to go around the room and see all the people I wanted to see. 

However, it was great to catch up with the few I spent some time with, including 

Minnie Wong (@winetolove.hk)
Benoit Prevot (@chateaulebonpasteur)
Francois Estager (@chateaulacabanne)
Mickaël Obert (@chateaugazin)
Martin Brady (@martin_brady67 / @ackerwines)
Chester Chow (@chowchester)




Benoit Prevot - Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) - Francois Estager




Benoit Prevot - Dominique Noel (LeDomduVin) - Francois Estager




Martin Brady (@martin_brady67 / @ackerwines)




Chester Chow (@chowchester)




Francois Estager (@chateaulacabanne)




Benoit Prevot (@chateaulebonpasteur)





Mickaël Obert (@chateaugazin)




Minnie Wong (@winetolove.hk)



The wines tasted great, especially the Pomerol 😜😄👍🍷🍷🍷

Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #UGCB #ugcb #uniondesgrandscrusdebordeaux #tasting #backinhongkong #hongkong #pomerol #bordeaux #winetasting @rosewoodhongkong #rosewood



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Thursday, November 23, 2023

LeDomduVin: O.V.N.I: Objet Vineux Non Identifié - Les Horées Bourgogne Aligoté "En Coulezain" 2021




O.V.N.I: Objet Vineux Non Identifié - 

Les Horées Bourgogne Aligoté 

"En Coulezain" 2021



The good thing about wine is that there is always something new to discover, taste, and learn about.

This is an expensive "Bourgogne Aligoté" from a producer I had never heard of before (yes, that happens!). So, I researched it, and this is what I have found.

Catharina Sadde, one of Burgundy's rising stars, crafted this wine.

Before settling in Burgundy, Catharina studied at Geisenheim, one of Germany's most renowned wine schools. She started her career as a chef in several Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany before embarking on her wine adventure.

In France, she completed her training and gained skills and experience with some of the most illustrious producers of Burgundy, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Comte Armand, Cecile Tremblay, Marquis d’Angerville... (now that's impressive).

After completing her training, this talented winemaker, with an inspiring résumé, created "Les Horées" in 2018, accompanied by her husband, Guilhem. "Les Horées" refers to the Greek celebrations that honor the seasons.

Catharina's first vintage 2019 put her on the radar of burgundy lovers. The tiny Domaine has 1.3 ha of vineyards in Pommard, Volnay, and Beaune, planted with Chardonnay, Aligoté, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. She also makes some cuvées from purchased grapes.

Following Biodynamic principles, everything in the vineyard is done by hand with great care, including horse plowing and no addition of sulfur. In the cellar, vinification without added sulfites, only natural yeasts in both barrels and stainless-steel tanks. Inclusion of the whole cluster for the Reds. A small amount of sulfur is added before bottling.





This "Bourgogne Aligoté - En Coulezain" is mainly crafted from 30 years old vines in Volnay (representing about 4 barrels) and a small amount of very old vines (about 100 years) in Pommard, owned by Catharina. Tiny production.

Winemaking involves 1/3 de-stemmed grapes and 2/3 whole clusters pressed in a basket press. Skin-contact for the de-stemmed grapes for 5 days in 50-liter crates, while the whole clusters are directly pressed. Fermentation initiated using indigenous yeast, and no sulphur added until after malolactic fermentation. Aged for six months in 350-liter old oak barrels.

Now you know as much as I do! I can't wait to see if it is worth the hype and the price (around 250-300 Euros)!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @les_horees #leshorees #vin #wine #vino #wein #bourgognealigote #burgundy #ovni #objetvineuxnonidentifie #sommelier #sommlife


Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Mise en place - Château Palmer Margaux 2016




Mise en place - Château Palmer Margaux 2016



Mise en place of my next 2016 vintage Bordeaux: Château Palmer Margaux

Bordeaux 2016 is a great vintage, and after buying and tasting a few of these Bordeaux 2016 recently (see previous posts), I decided to embark on a mission to purchase and taste as many as I can (for work).

My most recent purchase is Chateau Palmer 2016. "Mise en place" for an upcoming dinner next week. 

As usual, I'll write my description as soon as I taste it and share it with you all.

Can't wait to taste this beauty. Wine-Searcher Average score is 97/100pts. That sounds really promising!

I love Chateau Palmer. I have been buying, tasting, and selling it for the past 3 decades and have never been disappointed. It is one of the most consistent, agreeable, and reliable Bordeaux wines (IMO).

Moreover, it is sentimental between Palmer and me for many reasons.

First, back in 2002, for a few months, I worked as a Maître-D'Hotel / Sommelier for a catering business, doing occasional dinners and events at the Chateau where I served food and wine to the guests.

Second, because this is where I first met Bernard de Laage de Meux, who worked there for 15 years. He was a friend, an adviser, a leader, and a mentor to me. He was also my boss for a few years here in Hong Kong. May he rest in peace.

Third, in the 2000s, I was doing the "En Primeur" tasting, traveling from the US to Bordeaux with a few colleagues, and Palmer was always on our list of Chateaux to visit and taste.

Fourth, as a Bordeaux native, I'm well acquainted with the name and the wine, as it has always been one of the locomotives of Bordeaux and one of the most prestigious wines of its appellation and the Medoc altogether. 

Indirectly, I could say that Chateau Palmer has seen me grow from a simple waiter and commis sommelier (in the late 90s) to the skilled and accomplished Head Sommelier, Senior Wine manager, and Wine Buyer I have become.

Thank you for your wines, Chateau Palmer, and for all the great moments and memories it reminds me of each time I open, serve, and taste a bottle.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @chateaupalmer #chateaupalmer #vin #wine #vino #wein #bordeaux #margaux #sommelier #sommlife



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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Ledomduvin: Sommelier in action





 Sommelier in action



Opening bottles for tonight’s event with 500 people.




Cheers! Santé!

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #event #bigevent #openingbottles #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob #dominiquenoel


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Monday, November 20, 2023

LeDomduVin: Chateau Calon Ségur 2016





Chateau Calon Ségur Saint Estephe 2016



Although too young, the vintage 2016 in Bordeaux is a beauty and drinks delightfully now for those who cannot wait. 

Yet, some are still tight and deserve a few more years (or even decades) to reach their opening window. That was the case for Chateau L'Evangile 2016, which I opened recently (see previous post). It is a superb wine but way too young to be opened now. 

Others are already opened and ready to drink, like Chateau Figeac 2016, which I also opened recently. Wow! What a wine! I loved it! It could be a phase, as it could close again for a few more years. Who knows? Yet, for now, it tasted amazing. 

And some are in-between, like this Chateau Calon Segur 2016. 

Though shy and subdued on the nose, it still timidly revealed red and black berries and ripe plum aromas with earthy and floral notes mingling with coffee, chocolate, and oaky nuances.

The palate is also quite shy, medium to full-bodied. Elegant and well-crafted, it is balanced with ripe fruit, an earthy grainy texture, integrated yet present tannins, and enough acidity to keep it fresh. Overall, it has a very good structure, nicely expanding with dense ripe black fruits, earth, and minerals toward the finish. Nice overall!

I liked it a lot, as it was enjoyable. Yet, it is in a transition period now. Not fully expressing itself and not fully harmonized and integrated either. It is hesitant to reveal its full potential just yet while still giving hints of how "grand" it will be at a later stage in the years to come. 

That said, I found it true that Saint-Estephe wines usually take longer to integrate, loosen their tight tannins and earthy soil-oriented grainy texture, and open compared to their neighboring appellations cousins. 

Give it some time in the cellar; it should reward you plenty once it has reached its opening tasting window. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @chateaucalonsegur #calonsegur #wine #vin #vino #wein #saintestephe #bordeaux #redwine #lesphotosadom #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob




Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Sommelier (portait)





LeDomduVin: Sommelier 



By @ledomduvin 2023

#ledomduvin #dominiquenoel  #lesphotosadom #portrait #sommelier #wine #vin #vino #wein #sommelierlife #sommlife #ilovemyjob



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Mise en place




Mise en place



Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2012
Philippe Colin Chevalier-Montrachet 2019
Anne Gros Echezeaux 2019
Ponsot Clos de la Roche VV 2019
Palmer 2009

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #lesphotosadom #miseenplace #champagne #burgundy #bordeaux #wine #vin #vino #wein  @champagne_philipponnat #philipponnat #philippecolin @domaineannegros #annegros @domaineponsot #domaineponsot @chateaupalmer #palmer

Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Highlights of Ginsberg + Chan tasting





Highlights of the tasting at @ginsbergchan



It was really a lovely tasting with some really delicious wines. But I can not post all of them, so here is a selection of the ones I liked the most. Pictures only, as I didn't take any notes. 



Thank you, @kenman_wine, for the invite, much appreciated. 😁👍🍷

Nice to catch up with Kelvin Yeung

No picture, but it was nice to meet @claire.nesbitt_, whom I have followed on Instagram for a while. An inspiration for drive, passion, and determination for sports and wine. 😄👍🍷

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #champagne #burgundy #corsica #lesphotosadom #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob #ginsbergandchan



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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, November 13, 2023

LeDomduVin: Chateau Figeac Saint-Emilion 2016




Chateau Figeac Saint Émilion 2016



Wow! Now that’s my kind of wine! Combining elegance and sophistication with complexity and character, perfect balance, harmony, integration, great freshness, juiciness, silky texture, beautiful structure from beginning to end, and offering plenty of freshly crushed red fruits and berries mingling earthy, mineral and integrated oaky notes. The lingering seamless finish is a statement of how good this wine is. Looooved it. 

It is a bit sentimental between Figeac and me as Figeac was the godfather chateau of my Sommelier Certification year in 1997. I have always loved Figeac ever since. Yet, I must admit it has been a really long time since I’ve tasted a Figeac this great! Highly recommended! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @chateau_figeac #figeac #wine #vin #vino #wein #saintemilion #bordeaux #redwine #lesphotosadom #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob


Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Chateau L'Evangile Pomerol 2016




Chateau l’Evangile Pomerol 2016


Beyond its dark, opaque robe, it displayed aromas of dark fruits and berries mingling with earthy, smoky, peppery and oak nuances. The palate is also very dark, a bit tight right now, offering great concentration and density, packed with the same flavours as on the nose. This is a solid wine, strongly built, rich and opulent, intense, bold, layered, with great structure and texture, enough acidity to balance the ripe dark fruits and the firm grip of tannins. The lingering finish presents a lot of dark matter combined with earthiness, pepperiness, spiciness and tar smokiness. 

Although it mellowed down after being decanted for one hour before serving, it was still tight. Only half of the bottle was consumed. I served the rest of the bottle the day after, and it was much more approachable, proof of its youth and tremendous potential to age for decades to come. I enjoyed it very much, yet it is too young, in my opinion, and deserves to be cellared for a few more years to loosen a bit and offer an even better experience. Despite being a bit too young for now, this is a magnificent wine! 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @chateaulevangile #levangile #wine #vin #vino #wein #pomerol #bordeaux #redwine #lesphotosadom #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob  



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Friday, November 10, 2023

Ledomduvin: Champagne anyone? Jacques Selosse and Dom Perignon





Champagne anyone? 

Jacques Selosse and Dom Perignon 



Now, it is not every day one gets to taste Jacques Selosse. Especially the cuvee "V.O.", and for good reasons, the price reflects the high quality and tiny production. 

Jacques Selosse only produces 3600 bottles of Version Originale ("V.O.") for the whole world. It is very sought-after and hard to find as the allocations per buyer are small, just a few bottles only if you can get them. 

Official suppliers and distributors usually sell out almost immediately; hence, finding some bottles on the grey market at unreasonable prices is unsurprising. 




Jacques Selosse V.O. 'Version Originale' Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut NV (Disgorged 2019)

Disgorged in 2019, this "Version Originale" displayed rich and enticing golden apples and pears perfumes mingling with floral and mineral notes. The palate resembled more of a wine than a champagne as the bubbles faded rather quickly, diminishing the usual effervescence. Soft, silky, complex, dense, sophisticated, graceful and luxurious, expanding gently until the long, lingering finish. What a treat! Definitely living up to the hype! Loved it!





Jacques Selosse "Initial" Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut NV (disgorged 2021)

"Initial" is the more "accessible" Cuvee of Jacques Selosse. Yet, although less complicated to find, he only produces 33000 bottles of it, which is also scarce. I would have loved to taste it side by side with its sibling to compare them, especially because the "Initial" was disgorged in 2021, so the comparison would have been interesting. But, the host decided not to open it, unfortunately.  Too bad! Oh well, there will be a next time. 





Dom Perignon Brut Vintage 2013

Dom Perignon 2013 has been one of our House Champagnes for the past few months, so I have served it several times lately. It tasted the same as a few days ago. Fresh, crisp, elegant, and racy, it is lighter, less rich and less textured than the 2012 (IMO), yet lovely density and structure with refreshing acidity, boasting floral and mineral aromas and flavours with yellow fruits and yeasty nuances. Perfect as an aperitif and with light appetizers. 


I loooooove Champagne!

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @domainejacquesselosse #jacqueselosse @domperignonofficial #domperignon #champagne #bubbly #bubbles #versionoriginale #initial #rarechampagne #tastingnotes  #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #tastingnotes



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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: Do you Movember? I do



Do you Movember? I do


Over the last 6-7 years, every November, I have let my moustache grow. The moustache does not suit me, so I grow a goatee, which suits me better. 

And this year, again, I am doing it to support the cause. 





If you are not familiar with the concept, “Movember” (November + Moustache) is a foundation which came up with the idea of encouraging men around the world to grow a moustache (for the whole month of November) to raise awareness and funds for men's health - specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.







As there is a history of cancer in my family, I do it in memory of those who passed away and those who are currently suffering from it. 

It is a good cause worth supporting. 

Dom

Here is the link if you want to donate


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin @movember #movember #moustache #goatee #november #cancer #selfie #lesphotosadom



Unless stated otherwise, all rights reserved ©LeDomduVin 2023, 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, November 8, 2023

LeDomduVin: Nice lineup again





Nice lineup again




The other day, I opened these bottles for a private dinner. They showed really nicely. 





Dom Perignon 2013

Fresh, crisp, elegant, racy, it is lighter, less rich and less textured than the 2012 (IMO), yet nice density and structure with refreshing acidity, boasting floral and mineral aromas and flavours with yellow fruits and yeasty nuances. Perfect as an aperitif and with light appetizers. 









Bachelet-Monnot Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts 2019

Over the last 2 years, I have learned to greatly appreciate this producer. I'm very fond of their wines, which combine elegance and finesse in a refined, complex and detailed way, combining fruit and mineral aromas with floral scent and lightly oaky, buttery notes. They are never too extracted, overripe, rich, or buttery, a sign of skilled craftsmanship. And this Puligny Les Referts is a good example of it. It was delightful. Decanting is recommended. 






Château Pichon Baron Pauillac 2010

Pichon Baron is one of my favourite Pauillac wines since I discovered it more in-depth through multiple visits during the En Primeur in the early 2000s. I have even slept at the Chateaux a few times. Over the last 20 years, like many people, I have witnessed its rise from a discreet and underrated wine to the proud and luxurious wine it has become. The 2010 has been drinking beautifully over the past few years, yet has the potential to develop further for many years. Ripe, concentrated, rich, complex, ample, generous, displaying lots of ripe dark cherries and berries with earthy and oaky nuances, it is well balanced, with enough acidity to keep it fresh and a good grip of integrated, yet present, ripe tannins. The long finish immediately calls for another glass. It showed even better after about 1 hour of decanting as the tannins and earthiness mellowed down. Loved it. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom


@ledomduvin #ledomduvin #wine #vin #vino #wein #lesphotosadom @domperignonofficial #domperignon @alexbachelet #bacheletmonnot @pichonbaron #pichonbaron #champagne #burgundy #bordeaux #tastingnotes #sommelier #sommlife #sommelierlife #ilovemyjob


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