Uncorked: John Chan

Before becoming head sommelier at two-Michelin starred Amber in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, John Chan worked as a bartender at Hawaii University and discovered wine was his game.  Chan went on to win the 2006 Hong Kong Sommelier of the Year and now looks after a fine wine list numbering into the thousands.

What vintage are you?

1976 which is an outstanding vintage for Sauternes and German Riesling. I love my vintage.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

There was not a bottle which made me feel “love at first sight”, but the first wine I enjoyed was a US$4.99 Sutter Home white Zinfandel blush wine. This was back in the days when I was in my college years in Hawaii.

What would you be as a wine?

Château le Puy Tradition 2003. A wine from a difficult vintage coming from a single family owned winery in the Right Bank of Bordeaux for hundreds of years. This wine for me represents eternity.

When are you happiest?

Driving in a car I like and exploring territories when I have never been before – especially when I’m travelling in a new country.

What’s your greatest vice?

When I’m focusing on my work, I am unable to connect with anything outside of work. I don’t use my phone, I don’t message etc. I guess that’s both bad and good!

Best advice you ever got?

10 years ago, I was advised to leave my comfort zone and pursue my career path with my personal interest. Finally I did it, and in the year after, I won the 2006 Hong Kong Sommelier of the Year.

Most overused word?

Okay, great let’s do it. Sometimes, even I’m not sure.

Your cellar is underwater, what bottle would you dive in and save?

Château Musar 1975 ex-Château.

What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?

In Hong Kong, the best is the fact that wine is tax-free so a great selection can come here. Hong Kong has an amazing variety. The worst thing is the fake labels you can come across sometimes.

What’s on your wine bucket list?

Egon Muller-Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese 1976, Château Lafite Rothschild 1959, Henri Jayer Richebourg 1959 magnum, DRC Montrachet 1986 and Cuvée Dom Pérignon Reserve de l’Abbaye 1985.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

All my family members. Since I was in the industry, I owe them  a lot of meetings on important occasions.

Personal satisfaction? (Parker points – out of 100)

95. Enjoyable but there’s always room to improve.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

Château d’Yquem 1976.