Week in pictures: HK and Singapore

Patricio de la Fuente Saez, managing director of Links Concept welcoming everyone to the launch dinner of Louis Roederer Brut Nature 2006, while Michel Janneau (below) described the background to the wine. After the Louis Roederer Brut Premier, the evening started with the Brut Nature 2006, followed by Louis Roederer Vintage 2006, Cristal 2006, Louis Roederer Rosé Vintage 2008 and finishing with Ramos Pinto RP 10 Quinta de Ervamoira 10 years Tawny Port.

The Singapore National Sommelier Competition took place last week, Fazil Mohamed (above) triumphed in the end despite stiff competition. Above is him in the service round and below, embracing runner-up Vincent Tan as the results are announced.

The Vintage Port Academy was also in town last week, with the chance to taste a variety of old and rare Ports. Fonseca, Croft, Taylor’s, Graham’s, Warre’s and Dow’s were all represented.They showed: Croft Vintage Port from 2007 and 2011, Dow’s Vintage Port from 1985 and a Quinta do Bomfim 1999 vintage port, Fonseca Vintage Port from 2000 and 2009, Graham’s vintage port from 2000 and 1983, Taylor’s Vintage Port form 2009 and 2011, Warre’s Vintage Port from 1980 and 2011, and a 1998 Quinta da Cavadinha Vintage Port….and finally Graham’s Single Harvest 1969 and Taylor’s Single Harvest 1964.

Continuing on the Port theme, Grahams took the opportunity to launch its 1882 tawny Port “Ne Oublie” in Asia at the China Club. Guests were given the chance to taste a tiny amount of the wine (thimbleful barely covers it), and it showed astonishing freshness and balance allied with concentrated dried fruits aromas. Yours for HK$55,000.

Last week also saw db get the chance to taste the wines from Venissa, the small vineyard saved by the Bisol family in Venice’s lagoon. Only two vintages have been released so far (see if you can guess how the estate differentiates them) 2010 and 2011. The wines are made from the local variety Dorona.

Wine critic James Suckling hosted his “Great Wines of the World” showcase. He and a panel comprised of: Sebastien Papin from Billecart-Salmon; Johanna Pichler from FX Pichler; Emma Cullen of Cullen Wines; Pio Boffa from Pio Cesare; Philippe Dhalluin of Mouton Rothschild and Dirk Niepoort of Niepoort discussed what makes a “great” wine while guests tasted through wine from their estates.

Celebrated grower Champagne-maker Françoise Bedel and her son, Vincent Desaubeau, are in town on an Asian tour (Japan is next). As well as launching a new vintage – 2003 – they are showing new packaging for their wines (one example below).

Finally, always happy to spy beautiful cars, db stepped out of its office the other day and was confronted with this Tangerine Dream of a vehicle – a 1976 Toyota Celica Liftback GT.