This is a consolidated set of Tasting Notes for last night's HKWS AGM Wine Dinner.
Laurent Perrier Alexandra Rose 2001 is not in the video, as it was served as a starter Champagne.
Laurent Perrier Alexandra Rosé 2001
The 2001 Alexandra Rosé from Laurent-Perrier showed an intense salmon hue with a pinkish grapefruit tone in the glass. Bottle variation was evident: some retained youthful energy and gentle bubble persistence, while others were nearly still. Aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, and subtle rose petal mingled with a touch of minerality. The palate balanced red fruit and citrus with fresh acidity and a smooth texture, accented by understated brioche and spice. A big Champagne, the finish lingered with fruit and mineral. At around 12% alcohol, this Champagne—primarily Pinot Noir with some Chardonnay, vinified in stainless steel—offers finesse and complexity, though its delicacy and price may limit appeal. Critics generally rate it in the mid-90s, with bottles ranging from HK$2,340 to HK$3,510.
Weingut Emmerich Knoll Ried Kreutles Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2015
The 2015 Federspiel from Emmerich Knoll’s Ried Kreutles vineyard in Wachau appeared clear and pale in the glass. The nose was subtle, showing white pepper, green apple, and mineral notes. On the palate, stone fruit and citrus were supported by medium body and lively acidity, with a faint herbal nuance adding interest. At 12.5% ABV and matured in neutral large casks, the wine was balanced and energetic, though lighter than the Smaragd tier. With typical prices of HK$234–351 and critical scores in the low 90s, it is recognised for clarity and value.
Le Méal Hermitage Blanc 2010 from Chapoutier
It tastes superb. Le Méal Hermitage Blanc 2010 from Chapoutier is a distinguished white wine from the Northern Rhône, crafted entirely from Viognier grapes grown on the sun-drenched slopes of Hermitage. In the glass, it shows a brilliant yellow-gold hue. The nose is powerful, highly aromatic, offering layers of ripe apricot, peach, honey, white flowers, and a subtle touch of almond and spice from ageing in French oak. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with concentrated stone fruit, hints of citrus, and a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity. The wine typically has an ABV of around 14.5%. Its strengths lie in its opulence, aromatic complexity, and ageing potential, though its richness may be overwhelming for those who prefer a lighter style. Critics score it between 95 and 98 points, and bottles in Hong Kong retail for approximately HK$2,500–3,500. At the tasting, Le Méal Blanc impressed with its depth, vibrancy, and potential for further development. It is very good.
Ganevat Grusse en Brillat 2018
Ganevat’s Grusse en Brillat 2018, a Jura white, showed a golden hue. The nose combines toasted nuts, bruised apple, and a saline edge. Oxidative ageing in old barrels contributed savoury complexity, while the Chardonnay and Savagnin lent brightness and freshness. Oranges and hazelnuts appeared on the palate, finishing with mineral clarity. At about 13% ABV, the wine’s distinctive oxidative style may not appeal to everyone, but the fruit character remains strong. Critic scores are in the mid-90s, and bottles typically cost HK$936–1,404.
Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Vergers Bernard Moreau 2020
The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Vergers' from Bernard Moreau appeared medium gold in the glass. The nose revealed ripe citrus, white peach, and subtle florals, complemented by very classy oak and a hint of hazelnut. The palate was medium-bodied, displaying concentration and a well-judged balance of fruit and acidity, underpinned by a mineral streak typical of Chassagne. The finish was clean and lingering. At about 13% ABV, made from 100% Chardonnay and aged in French oak, with some new barrels, the wine impressed with its precision, freshness, and potential. Critics rate it in the low to mid-90s, with bottles retailing at HK$1,500–2,300. At the tasting, it stood out for clarity and minerality and was a highlight among the whites.
The funky 2008 Les Blanchots from Domaine Billaud-Simon is a Premier Cru Chablis with an intense gold colour and a nose of citrus and oyster shell, evolving in complexity. The palate features high acidity, flinty minerality, and a subtle creaminess from old oak. With age, the wine has developed further nuance. At about 13% ABV and made from Chardonnay, it is valued for purity and aging potential, though it can be austere when young. Critic scores are in the mid-90s, and bottles are priced at HK$780–1,170. The wine’s structure and complexity became more apparent over the course of the evening.
Marchesi Antinori Pian delle Vigne “Vigna Ferrovia” Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2010. The 2010 'Vigna Ferrovia' Brunello Riserva from Antinori showed a deep ruby colour, with aromas of black cherry, violet, leather, and tobacco. The palate was full-bodied, offering Sangiovese fruit, spice, earth, and balsamic notes, supported by ripe tannins. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks, the wine has an ABV of 14.5% and is structured for long-term ageing, though the tannins can be firm when young. Critics score it highly, and bottles are priced at HK$1,950–2,730. This vintage would benefit from additional cellaring, as the wine was somewhat reserved during the evening.
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2012
The 2012 Monte Bello from Ridge Vineyards, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, offered aromas of cassis, graphite, and American oak. The palate revealed blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedar, and spice, with firm tannins indicating strong ageing potential. At 13.2% ABV and matured in both new and used American oak, the wine is frequently rated in the high 90s by critics, with bottles priced at HK$1,950–2,730. Its structure and depth were particularly impressive at the tasting.
Gaja Darmagi Langhe 1996
Gaja’s 1996 Darmagi from Piedmont is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The nose offered blackcurrant, mint, and subtle smokiness from French barrique ageing. On the palate, the wine was mature and supple, with Cabernet’s structure complemented by the complexity of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. At 14% ABV, the wine showed savoury elegance and remarkable integration. Critics score it in the mid-90s, and bottles fetch HK$2,730–3,900 at auction. The wine was showing especially well during the tasting.
Dominique Laurent Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru 2000
Dominique Laurent’s 2000 Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru, a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, opened with aromas of dark cherry, plum, and forest floor, enriched by new French oak. The palate was full-bodied, featuring ripe fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. At about 13% ABV, the wine is noted for its density and aging potential, though oak can sometimes overshadow terroir. Critics rate it in the mid-90s, and bottles are HK$3,120–4,680. This bottle stood out for its balance and presence at the tasting.
Hermitage La Chapelle Jaboulet 1985
The 1985 La Chapelle from Jaboulet is a mature Northern Rhône Syrah with a deep garnet colour. The bouquet offered dried violets, black olives, leather, and smoky meat. The palate balanced baked plum, pepper, and savoury notes, with structure from ageing in large French oak casks. At about 13% ABV, some bottle variation was evident due to age. Critics often rate it in the high 90s, with bottles priced above HK$3,900. This wine stood out as one of the top reds of the evening, showing remarkable depth and longevity.
Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Cabernet 1980
The 1980 Cabernet Sauvignon from Joseph Phelps, a mature Napa Valley wine, presented aromas of cedar, dried blackberry, and eucalyptus. The palate revealed tobacco, earth, and fading fruit—hallmarks of aged Cabernet. At about 13% ABV and aged in both American and French oak, the wine’s fragility and bottle variation were apparent, yet this bottle showed excellent condition and strong fruit. Critics score it in the low 90s, and bottles sell at auction for HK$2,340–4,680.
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012
The 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château de Beaucastel displayed a deep ruby colour. The nose brought black raspberry, smoked herbs, and garrigue. The palate combined red and dark fruit, pepper, and savoury spice, all supported by richness and balance. Aged in large foudres and at 14.5% ABV, the wine benefits from additional cellaring to soften tannins. Critics score it in the mid-90s, and bottles are HK$702–936. At the tasting, it showed full expression and impressive ageing potential.
Domaine Huet Vouvray “Le Mont” Première Trie Moelleux 1989
The 1989 “Le Mont” Première Trie from Domaine Huet is a golden-hued sweet Chenin Blanc from Vouvray. Aromas of honey, quince, lanolin, and mineral led into a palate that balanced sweetness with vibrant acidity, showing apricot, marmalade, and spice. Aged in old barrels and at 12% ABV, the wine is noted for intensity and longevity, though the sweetness may not suit all palates. Critics score it highly, and bottles are HK$1,170–2,340. The wine was particularly well-balanced and persistent at the tasting.
D’Oliveiras Reserva Malvazia 1907, Madeira
The 1907 Reserva Malvazia from D’Oliveiras, a deep mahogany Madeira, offered aromas of caramel, fig, walnut, and old wood. The palate was concentrated, with 20% ABV and high acidity supporting flavours of toffee, spice, and dried fruit. Decades of canteiro ageing contributed to remarkable preservation. The oxidative style and high price may not suit all preferences, but critics often score it near 100, and bottles are HK$15,600–31,200. The wine’s age alone was extraordinary, and its resilience after so many years was notable at the tasting.
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All prices and scores are approximated by AI.
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The 2017 Château Gloria from Saint-Julien is a reliable representation of its appellation. Founded by Henri Martin in the mid-20th century, Château Gloria is somewhat unusual in the Médoc, having been assembled from vineyard plots acquired from classified estates, so it is of cru-level quality. Though not part of the 1855 classification, Gloria has earned a reputation for consistency and honest value within the appellation.
For the 2017 vintage, the blend includes 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the region’s classic varietal mix. The wine sees about 14 months in French oak (40% new), which brings some structure and a touch of spice while keeping the fruit profile in focus. Alcohol is 13.5%, in line with a balanced, approachable Bordeaux style.
In the Hong Kong market, the average price for the 2017 Château Gloria hovers between HKD $390 and $420, while your offer at HKD $340 stands out as particularly attractive.
In the glass, the 2017 Gloria shows notes of blackcurrant, cherry, cedar, and subtle spice. It is medium-bodied, with moderate tannins, just-right acidity, and the fruit character remaining at the forefront. The finish is clean and balanced, offering good drinking pleasure in its youth. The recommended drinking window is from now through 2028, with the wine likely to show best now through the next few years while its fruit and freshness are at their peak.
Comparative tastings highlight Gloria’s immediate approachability and supple tannins next to the more structured and age-worthy 2017 Château Saint-Pierre. When tasted against Château Lagrange 2017, Gloria reveals a rounder, more fruit-driven profile, while Lagrange displays pronounced minerality and a firmer finish.
Critics and tasters generally describe the 2017 Gloria as showing a typical Saint-Julien character, with dark fruit, modest oak, and a balanced palate. The wine tends to offer straightforward flavours with a classic profile, making it enjoyable for Bordeaux enthusiasts seeking value and typicity rather than opulence.
The 2017 Gloria has earned praise from critics, with James Suckling awarding 93 points and the Wine Advocate 91, affirming its standing among the top wines of Saint-Julien in this vintage.
The price from Wine-searcher is from A!.
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Medium ruby with garnet hue signals maturity. The bouquet shows redcurrant, dried rose petals, cedar, and a hint of tobacco. Medium bodied, the palate is silky and supple- still balanced and subtle. Signature 2007 acidity brings freshness and versatility. Soft blackcurrant and cherry fruit glide with fine tannins, ending on a harmonious finish with earthy spice and graphite. The best score is RP90.
This elegant, understated style with some complexity is ready to enjoy now, peaking through 2028, and comes from a Fifth Growth château known for consistent quality. The 2007 vintage is lighter and less structured than celebrated years, giving the wine a more subtle profile—without the opulence or concentration of more powerful Bordeaux.
Composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, Cantemerle 2007 was matured for 12–14 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which were new. Its drinking window runs from 2015 to 2028, and it has garnered scores of 88 from Wine Spectator and 87 from Vinous. As of June 2026, the current Wine-Searcher market price is HK$470–HK$700 per bottle (750ml, ex-tax), underscoring the value proposition at your HK$250 offering. Cantemerle’s proximity to Saint-Julien imparts a certain silkiness and composure that elevates its 2007 expression, making it an approachable and stylish choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts and an excellent partner at the table.
Although a lower price alone does not always signal true value, Cantemerle 2007 stands out for offering a genuine Bordeaux pedigree and balanced pleasure at a fraction of the market price. Here, both quality and savings combine to offer a compelling value proposition for discerning drinkers seeking maturity, style, and enjoyment without overspending.
The Wine Searcher prices are consolidated by AI.
