J&B celebrates 40th anniversary in HK

Following its celebrations in London earlier this year, fine wine and spirits merchants, Justerini & Brooks marked its 40th anniversary during the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair.

Justerini & Brooks came onto the London wine scene in 1976 and was one of the “early champions of Burgundy” with the then buying director, Hew Blair’s decision to go direct to the estates, rather than purchasing via import houses.

The first consumer en primeur tasting showing the 1990 vintage happened in January 1992 at the In & Out Club, and last year, Justerini & Brooks marked its 25th en primeur campaign with the 2014 vintage.

Now classed as one of the biggest importers of Domaine-bottled Burgundy in the UK and representing over 50 producers, Justerini & Brooks has worked and continues to work with some of the biggest names in Burgundy, including Ghislaine Barthod, Tollot Beaut, Jean-Marc Brocard, Méo-Camuzet, Bruno Clair, Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Rene et Vincent Dauvissat, Joseph Faiveley, Jean Noel Gagnard, Emmanuel Rouget, De Suremain, Sauzet, Gerald et Philibert Talmard and Laurent Tribut.

During the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair, Justerini & Brooks also hosted a dinner in celebration of its 40th anniversary with several key vintages from its portfolio including a double magnum of Château d’YQuem Ygrec 2014; Barolo Brunate Elio Altare 1999; Latricières-Chambertin grand cru, Domaine Leroy 1999; Hermitage Domaine Chave 2000; a double magnum of Chateau Ausone 1er grand cru classé 1998 and 1978 Château Petrus.

Hong Kong’s head of sales, Cellina Chan also commented on Justerini & Brooks’ success in the Hong Kong’s collectors’ market and paid tribute to the office.

“The success of Justerini & Brooks in the Hong Kong market is a result of team work,” she said.

“We are grateful to our clients, producers and team. We look forward to many more successful years to come.”

Chadwick Delaney, managing director of Justerini & Brooks also added:  “We have been operating as a company since 1749 and in just the past 40 years, Asia and particularly Hong Kong, has become one of our most important markets.

“We take great pride in celebrating this important milestone in the history of Justerini & Brooks.  We will continue to build our presence here and across Asia, providing our private clients with an unrivaled portfolio of mature vintages of rare wines and access to our expert services and industry knowledge.”