Wine

Dexter71

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Hi ikileo

I have not have my wine dinner yet its in Oct.

As for the Amaren, it came highly recommended from my colleague in HK as she just visited the vineyard and drunk the Graciano. I think she said only 900 bottles done for 2011 vintage.

As for other wine gathering places I have shortlisted two more non-chinese ones.

- Mezza9 at grand hyatt - $25 corkage if you are Club Hyatt member. Food is fantastic there. The sharing platters are awesome. Wine list is super ex and marked up is 200-300% but don't fret if corkage is 25$. Plus you get food discount on Club Hyatt membership.
- Mag's Wine Kitchen - Impressive wine list and corkage free days on Tuesday.
 

ikileo

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hope you guys have been drinking well. Here are 3 that I have enjoyed recently.

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2006 Recaredo Cava Brut de Brut Gran Reserva Brut Nature
One of the top and oldest Cava producers (cava is spanish sparkling wine). Hand carried this back to SG when I visted the estate last year. Super traditional and made with local grapes this had loads of finesse. No added sugar so the taste was really pure and clean. Not available in SG

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2004 Bodegas Muga Rioja Gran Reserva Prado Enea
One of my favourite Rioja producers. This is the 5th time I'm having this wine and over the past few years and it keeps getting better than better, plus it can go on for another 15-20 years. 2004 was a great year for Rioja, if you can find any, just buy them. Made from Spanish red grapes, predominately Tempranillo grapes.


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2010 Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy Moscato d'Asti La Serra
Friend brought back from Italy couple of years back. Typically would consumer Moscato young but even after 6 years from vintage this moscato was still very flavourful and had a great texture. Perfect for desserts and fruits.


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2015 Dönnhoff Riesling Tonschiefer trocken
I mentioned before that 2015 was a great year for German rieslings in general. One of the top German producers and easily the best producer in the Nahe region. Tonschiefer means dry slate so this wine had lots of minerals and finesse with a layer of green apples and pear. Very vibrant and the flavour kept evolving over the dinner. Available at Wein & Vin
 

ikileo

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we had a recent casual wine dinner with the theme: Beaujolais Cru wines, 2013 or older.

Beaujolais is a wine region in France that's just south of Burgundy. The main grape here is called Gamay which makes fresh and bright red wines. For many years Beaujolais has suffered a bad reputation for their very mass market 'Beaujolais Nouveau' wines, which is more of a marketing gimmick.

But in the past 10 years, there has been a big push for what people call 'Beaujolais Cru'; which are high quality Beaujolais wines made from the 10 best sub-regions in Beaujolais. You can see the map below; each with it's own unique style, climate and soil.

beaujolais-map-large.jpg

We tasted across 6 bottles of Beaujolais from 3 different sub-regions (Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent & Fleurie) and from this small sample we can see the 6 wines express the Gamay grape quite differently, even within the same sub-region. But there is a certain common thread among the wines where they all light to medium bodied wines with refreshing acidity. Do not expect a big, ripe and rich fruitiness but instead elegance and freshness.

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From L-to-R
2011 Henry Fessy Moulin-à-Vent ($38, from Taste of Tradition)
2010 Villa Ponciago Fleurie Les Hauts du Py ($55, from 1855 Bottle Shop)
2011 Marcel Lapierre Morgon (TBC)
2013 Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes ($51, from CAVEAU)
2013 Domaine des Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) Moulin-à-Vent ($43, from KOT Selections)
2009 Domaine J. Chamonard Morgon Le Clos de Lys ($48, from KOT Selections)

The wines overall showed well and everyone had their favourites so there was no clear consensus. I would recommend everyone here to try our Beaujolais Cru wines or if you see any in the store; especially if you're looking for something other than rich and ripe red wines that are lighter style that's still tasty.

Potential food pairings include:
Roast Chicken
Pork Chops
Fatty Fish (Salmon + Cod)
Roasted Vegetables
 
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kaichee

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Thanks for the awesome sharing

we had a recent casual wine dinner with the them: Beaujolais Cru wines, 2013 or older.

Beaujolais is a wine region in France that's just south of Burgundy. The main grape here is called Gamay which makes fresh and bright red wines. For many years Beaujolais has suffered a bad reputation for their very mass market 'Beaujolais Nouveau' wines, which is more of a marketing gimmick.

But in the past 10 years, there has been a big push for what people call 'Beaujolais Cru'; which are high quality Beaujolais wines made from the 10 best sub-regions in Beaujolais. You can see the map below; each with it's own unique style, climate and soil.

beaujolais-map-large.jpg

We tasted across 6 bottles of Beaujolais from 3 different sub-regions (Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent & Fleurie) and from this small sample we can see the 6 wines express the Gamay grape quite differently, even within the same sub-region. But there is a certain common thread among the wines where they all light to medium bodied wines with refreshing acidity. Do not expect a big, ripe and rich fruitiness but instead elegance and freshness.

20161007_221523_zpsg8xfpreu.jpg

From L-to-R
2011 Henry Fessy Moulin-à-Vent ($38, from Taste of Tradition)
2010 Villa Ponciago Fleurie Les Hauts du Py ($55, from 1855 Bottle Shop)
2011 Marcel Lapierre Morgon (TBC)
2013 Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes ($51, from CAVEAU)
2013 Domaine des Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) Moulin-à-Vent ($43, from KOT Selections)
2009 Domaine J. Chamonard Morgon Le Clos de Lys ($48, from KOT Selections)

The wines overall showed well and everyone had their favourites so there was no clear consensus. I would recommend everyone here to try our Beaujolais Cru wines or if you see any in the store; especially if you're looking for something other than rich and ripe red wines that are lighter style that's still tasty.

Potential food pairings include:
Roast Chicken
Pork Chops
Fatty Fish (Salmon + Cod)
Roasted Vegetables
 

Dexter71

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Did u have ur dinner alr? How was it?

We had a fabulous dinner at Bedrock with great service and good food although pricing is premium.

As for the wines we had 2013 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay, 2013 Craggy Range Pinot Noir and a 2001 Henschke Mt Edlestone Shiraz. We drank them in this order.

Personally I enjoyed the reds a lot. The chardonnay is under whelming to me as I thought it will be heavy and intense but it was light and finish wasn't strong. I don't recall I had this taste when I was at Cullens cellar door in March. It felt like a Sauvignon Blanc if I can simply explain my experience. Somewhat disappointed. But fret not I have the Leeuvin Art Series Chardonnay patiently resting in chambers right not..LOL

For the Pinot Noir the consensus was all in agreement it was fresh, light and medium body and finishing was average. Nonetheless a good Kiwi Pinot Noir and we would drink this again.

For the Shiraz, this was the star of the night and my mates thought the pricing was mistake as I had bought it for under 100. The wine is tasty, fine tannins and ends with strong and long finish. It is a rich wine no doubt but that is how we love it and expect it. Also we decant it for 1 hr plus as well so I believe that kind of bring out the flavours. Perfect pairing with our lamb rack. This is my 2nd experience on this Mt Eldestone but different vintage. I Just did a quick search and I don't think I can get any vintage for under 100 anymore.

 

ikileo

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We had a fabulous dinner at Bedrock with great service and good food although pricing is premium.

As for the wines we had 2013 Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay, 2013 Craggy Range Pinot Noir and a 2001 Henschke Mt Edlestone Shiraz. We drank them in this order.

Personally I enjoyed the reds a lot. The chardonnay is under whelming to me as I thought it will be heavy and intense but it was light and finish wasn't strong. I don't recall I had this taste when I was at Cullens cellar door in March. It felt like a Sauvignon Blanc if I can simply explain my experience. Somewhat disappointed. But fret not I have the Leeuvin Art Series Chardonnay patiently resting in chambers right not..LOL

For the Pinot Noir the consensus was all in agreement it was fresh, light and medium body and finishing was average. Nonetheless a good Kiwi Pinot Noir and we would drink this again.

For the Shiraz, this was the star of the night and my mates thought the pricing was mistake as I had bought it for under 100. The wine is tasty, fine tannins and ends with strong and long finish. It is a rich wine no doubt but that is how we love it and expect it. Also we decant it for 1 hr plus as well so I believe that kind of bring out the flavours. Perfect pairing with our lamb rack. This is my 2nd experience on this Mt Eldestone but different vintage. I Just did a quick search and I don't think I can get any vintage for under 100 anymore.


looks good. it's not a fair comparison lah haha...the henschke is on a different price tier compared to the rest generally.
 

ikileo

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Drank this at the new wine bar WINE RVLT along Kiliney Road. You can see their stuff on IG and Facebook.

They focus on natural and biodynamic wines in general. The prices are great where nearly all the bottles are under $100. And these are very good producers, not random mass market wines that they mark up high. If you want a different but still a quality wine experience this is a wine bar and restaurant that will do just that without breaking the bank.

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The 'menu wall' at the bar. Changes often.

In the wine world there has been a movement in the recent years where dynamic new winemakers are trying something different with their wines. There will always be the Bordeaux, Napa Valleys and Barolos of the world which set the benchmark for internationally renown and incredible wines.

This movement usually involves some or all of the following which big vineyards generally tend not to do for consistency in the harvest.

- Biodynamic/organic approach where no chemicals are used in the vineyards
- Grapes are fermented as a whole bunch as opposed to destemming
- No filtration of the wine
- Fermentation using wild natural yeasts vs inoculated with cultured yeasts
- Minimal to no sulfur dioxide upon bottles.


You can describe is as a bit of a 'hippie' approach to wine making.

One of these producers that have achieved big acclaim from even wine critics and sommeliers is Ochota Barrels from Adelaide Hills in Australia. I have been looking for them for nearly a year ever since I tasted them in London last year.

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Gewurztraminer is a grape typically grown in Alsace and Germany making very aromatic and textured whites. It was a delicious dry and complex wine with an exotic aroma. Highly recommended!

As described by Wine Front magazine:
Some interesting viticulture was applied to encourage ‘uneven ripening’ in the vineyard – the idea that some berries would be ripe, some higher acidity.

Many instruments in the symphony, maybe. It spends three days on skins. Golden wine, not orange. Basket pressed to old oak, sits on lees, wild ferments, hangs out in the sun out the back of the winery, and away it goes. Texture and acidity and fruitiness.

Pretty much the opposite of what you get schooled in at university about making aromatic whites.
 

Dexter71

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Ochota Wines will be at this weekend Wine Fiesta...I looked for it! Seems like natural wines are more raw and intense.:s13:

On the Henschke, it cost me $99 and the other 2 are also in the same price point. Perhaps I paid too little for the Henschke which is what I believed.
 

ikileo

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Ochota Wines will be at this weekend Wine Fiesta...I looked for it! Seems like natural wines are more raw and intense.:s13:

On the Henschke, it cost me $99 and the other 2 are also in the same price point. Perhaps I paid too little for the Henschke which is what I believed.

'Natural' wines, like any other wines, will depend a lot on the producer. There are those who do it well.

and if the drinker only likes rich dark red wines then perhaps natural style of wines are not for them.

Ochota Barrels is brought in by Straits Wines so they'll be at Wine Fiesta since it's their event. But the bar sells it at the same price haha...and if you order take away from the bar, they give you a $10 discount which makes it cheaper than Straits Wines (oops...)

I don't think I've seen a Craggy Range that expensive before.
 

seianko

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:o adelaide wine produce from the hills has been quite affected by recent storm/cyclone

but yes they are one of the few producers on hill and barrosa that focus on more natural produce.
 

ikileo

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Anyone went to the recent Wine Fiesta or Matter Of Taste events? Any experiences to share?
 

kunzzy

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I went for the Matter Of Taste. the wines were quite lousy in my opinion. Only the chateau neuf du pape wines did slightly better. not worth $100+ to be honest.
 

Dexter71

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Anyone went to the recent Wine Fiesta or Matter Of Taste events? Any experiences to share?

I attended Wine Fiesta on Friday and this was my first time. It was way too packed and humid with the crowds. The loud music also make it slightly annoying to chat with the wine representatives. However wines are reasonably priced but food is expensive especially the $18 for a single popiah. Tables are limited too so most got to stand or sit on steps to eat. On the plus side a few labels I tasted and I liked and I will single out Ministry of Cloud here.

I am not sure what is the crowd like on Sat and Sun but I would not pay $33 or $50 to attend this next year. $10-15 is ok.

For Matter of Taste, I did had a better time and experience in a hotel ballroom environment. Crowds are lesser probably due to price and there are lots of top labels here versus more boutique like labels in Wine Fiesta. There is free flow of nice food i.e. risotto, sliders, pasta, cheese, canapes, desserts
There are significantly more Italian labels here and I enjoyed Masi Amarone, Inama Carmenere Blend and Renata Barolo. In the end what blew me away on the spot was the Chris Ringland Evil Incarnate Shiraz. Extreme intense rich and tasty at 16%+ ABV.

Overall for entrance price of $140 I think it is fairly premium. I got a free entry from an exhibitor there and I would not have attended this at all. I would pay $100 at most if its out of my pocket. LOL
 
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