Top drinks in the Asian media

Joostenberg Little J Rosé, Paarl and Stellenbosch

Writing in Time Out Hong Kong, “Flying Winemaker” Eddie McDougall was all about rosé this week.

As “soppy” spring turns to “endless” summer, McDougall invited readers to “join the rosé revolution” and ignore the style’s bad rap.

“Do some exploring and you’ll discover gems that are a perfect companion to the summer dining table,” he wrote.

One wine he picked was this “little ripper” from South African, a blend of Pinotage, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon which he said was, “complex and deceptively dry on the palate after the aromatics throw out confectionary tones of raspberry candy.”

Moët & Chandon Rosé NV

Picking a sparkling Old World entry to go alongside the largely New World selection, McDougall called this rosé Champagne a “standout”.

He said it was, “dry with plenty of richness and delicate wild berry flavours,” he also advised readers to try the “grand daddy” version of Dom Pérignon Rosé too – “if” you can afford it.

Typhoon 8

Also writing in Time Out, Graham Turner was reviewing another addition to Hong Kong’s growing cocktail bar scene in bustling Soho.

“Tucked away” on Hollywood Road, Fu Lu Shou offers “Chinatown aesthetics with Western accessibility” and is clearly popular despite its opening only relatively recently.

“Typhoon 8” is its version of the classic rum-based “Dark ‘n’ Stormy” and apparently offers “striking balance” with enough rum to counteract a judicious application of lime and ginger beer.

Fuk Yu and Chrysantini

Titillating the name may be but Turner said it was a “wonderful marriage” of Hennessy VSOP, bitters, maple syrup and chocolate.

He added: “The rich textures complement each other beautifully without any one particular flavour strong-arming the others.”

The Chrysantini meanwhile (pictured) offered a, “a delightful riff on the classic White Lady cocktail, with gin, homemade chrysanthemum syrup and egg white. It’s elegant, delicate and goes down far too easily.”

Clearly impressed by the quality of the drinks, the food and the service he concluded that Fu Lu Shou definitely “deserves your attention”.

Mas des Dames, La Diva 2009

Writing on his blog, The Blabber, Wai “Wine” Xin was reviewing this Lanuedoc which he described as having: “Aromas of blackcurrant, mineral notes and a menthol touch.

“Flavours of light red fruits on the palate supported by firm dense tannins and good medium acidity achieving the desired balance. Ends with a consistent long finish.”

Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Crau 2011

Also in his latest notes, Xin had something to say about this Rhône heavyweight which he said was perfumed with red fruits and a “touch of fresh flowers.”

Despite a lightness of touch on the palate he added it was backed up by “powdered tannins” and a “nice bright acidity not usually associated with warm regions”.

It made a strong impression with its long finish.

Rippon, Tinker’s Field Mature Vine Pinot Noir 2011

Jeannie Cho Lee MW gave 90 points to this “elegant, balanced, earthy,” Central Otago Pinot on her Palate Press.

She added it was a “savoury, complex wine with [a] strong essence of place”.

Giant Steps, Gladysdale Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

Another 90 points went to this Pinot from across the water in Australia’s Yarra Valley.

Lee said it had an “intense, exotic perfume” of dried flowers, sweet spices and bright red cherries.

“Supple, sensual and delicious now” she added it could age another five to seven years.