Top wines recommended in the Asian media

Wynns Michael Shiraz 2010

The Wine Times of Hong Kong wrote that this wine “was just outstanding”. Adding, “only made in a few vintages, the first being 1955 and the second being 1990 and henceforth since then, it was described by Jeremy Oliver as the direction in which Australian wines need to go. 

Messenger 2010

The Wine Times of Hong Kong, added it this wine “I [it] loved too. It’s addictive to be honest, if you have a drink of the wine within 90 seconds I guarantee you will be itching to get some more.

Adding: “‘It’s so elegant and so fine with genuine levels of depth and structure’, said James Halliday. ‘I wish it was an elixir of youth, and it might just be’.”

2007 Viu Manet Secreto Syrah

On winekorea.asia, the colour of this wine was described as, “very dark almost impenetrable purple.” The bouquet is, “oak driven nose, with plenty of cream and medium toast. There is some nice pepper on the nose. Thick with sweet chunky raspberries and plums.

The website added: “A ton of oak underpins an avalanche of chunky fruit. Meaty texture leading to a slightly smoky finish. The big tannins are there but are balanced by bittersweet chocolate and mocha. This wine is loud, thick and dense.”

2010 Jackson Estate Stich Sauvignon Blanc

This wine was also highlighted on winekorea.asia, where the bouquet was described as, “fresh and lively. Citrus notes and nicely balanced green capsicum, Steely spine with a touch of richness. Vibrant.”

Adding: “Capsicum and fresh grapefruit that gets fleshly and fruitier towards the finish. Balanced with structure and complexity from sitting on lees for three months. Touch of oiliness and richness giving this wine a more complex mouthfeel.”

2009 Anee Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot – Les Fontanilles

This is the wine chosen by Jeannie Cho Lee MW, as “wine of the week” on asianpalate.com. She wrote: “Beautiful nose that is reminiscent of Burgundy rather than Minervois – an array of red flowers surround cherry and other red berry flavours. The palate offers more density and structure than what the nose suggests. Fairly long finish of roasted meat and herbs.”

Dönnhoff Riesling Trocken 2011

Contributor to Singaporean wine blog The Local Nose, Chek Wong, picked out this wine on his own wine website.

He wrote: “Dönnhoff is one of the most famous estates in Germany and one of only 10 that received a five star rating in Joel Payne’s German Wine Guide. Gossamer purity and steely acidity with a core of green fruit and lime. The term ‘moreish’ is usually applied to food but could well be used here. And this is their entry level wine.”

Huber Alte Reben Spätburgunder 2002

Wong also picked out this wine, writing: “Weingut Huber is located in Malterdingen, an area with a long tradition of making wines from Pinot Noir. The same Cistercian monks who brought Pinot Noir to Burgundy also brought the vine to Malterdingen, finding that the area had similar soils to that of the Cote d’Or. This wine, made from vines ranging from 20 to 40 years old, exhibits seductive nuances of raspberry and red fruit with hints of underbrush and soya sauce. Firmly structured with soft tannins and a silky texture. Beautifully balanced.”

Masciarelli Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOC 2011

Amanda Barnes, writing for winebuzz.hk, described this as a, “lovely wine from a family winery”. She added that the wine, “has fresh apple and apricot aromas and you can order Italian food from Buonissimo to go with it.”

Casale Mattia N/V

Barnes also picked out this wine, writing: “For something a bit different you can try this sweet wine made from Trebbiano with a blend of other white wines. Candy, nuts, honey, good with cheese and pate.”