Top 10 wines in Asian media

2007 Hyde de Villaine – Belle Cousine Hyde Vineyard

This recommendation comes from Jeannie Cho Lee MW on asianpalate.com, she wrote: “An elegant Merlot-based red from Hyde de Villaine. Their reds, including the Syrah, are subtle, restrained and very different from the typical full bodied reds from their neighbours. Ripe cassis and plum flavours surrounded by sumptuous tannins. Ready to enjoy now but will keep/age for a decade easily.”

2007 Twomey Merlot

Cho Lee also recommended this wine, writing: “A generous, firmly structured Merlot with notes of chocolate, plums and fresh prunes. Opulent with velvety tannins and delicious to enjoy now, this is one of the Merlots made in Napa.”

Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

Chek Wong on TheLocalNose.com picked out this wine from a recent Pinot Noir tasting, writing: “Crushed strawberries and leafy notes framed by a suggestion of oak. Silky texture with apparent warmth on the palate.”

Montes Alpha Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir 2010

Wong also recommended this Pinot, he wrote: “Leafy with sweet cherry notes, cinnamon and orange peel. High alcohol, giving an impression of sweetness, but well integrated. Expressive fruit and varietal character.”

Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2007

This wine recommendation was on the ChinaDaily.com as was described as, “supremely fine-grained and elegant, sumptuously flavoured and deeply layered Chardonnay exudes poise and refinement. Delicate and complex, scented with citrus and blossom, white peach, nectarine, melon and grapefruit, with undertones of bacon and smoky oak.”

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2010

The ChinaDaily.com also recommended this wine, writing; “Deep red-purple with intense raspberry and blackberry aromas and a ripe structured palate with saturated blackberry fruit flavours and rich tannins. Very seductive sweet fruit style. Food matches: Beef, cheese and lamb.”

Cloudy Bay Pelorus

Winebuzz.hk recommended this wine, writing: “Straw pale in colour, Pelorus‘ citrus aromas indicate its Chardonnay origins, while a complex bouquet of apple and lemon mixes in with bready notes for a deliciously crisp and elegant palate. An ideal accompaniment to fresh oysters and other seafood.”

Françoise Bedel Champagne

This sparkler was also recommended by Winebuzz.hk, writing; “The characteristics of Meunier give the wine more refreshing acidity, brightness and fruitiness than normal Champagne blends. This wine is made exclusively in enameled steel tanks and from the majority of the 2002’s harvest with a low dosage of 6.50g/l. The nose is fresh and reminiscent of white flowers (hawthorn, acacia). After agitation, it reveals very delicate aromas of floral-flavoured honey and spice bread. On the palate, it is a Champagne giving way to rich and generous floral notes, enhanced by a touch of liquorice. This finish is exuberant with a freshness accentuated by citrus aromas (lemon and grapefruit). It goes exceptionally well with seafood or fish in a sour sauce.”

2007 COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG

Winekorea.asia recommended this wine, writing: “Fresh raspberries and strawberries with vibrant acidity, dry roses and violets on the nose. Some minerality and wild brush. Fresh succulent cherries and raspberries on entry lead on to a soft lush texture with silky tannins, wild herbs and minerality. It’s a dry wine with depth and balanced acidity. Refeshing.”

Kistler Sonoma Coast Les Noisetiers Chardonnay 2005

Winekorea.asia also recommended this wine, writing: “The Sonoma Coast 2005 was pale gold. Pure and clean colour in the glass. On the nose it there were plenty of malolactics and oak. This wine was American and proud of it. Yet, the malolactics were balanced and didn’t dominate. The entry was creamy with malolactics filling out the mouth. Definitely a hot Chardonnay with plenty of nutty oils. There were also tropical flavours, banana, rock melon, lemon and just the slightest hint of grapefruit. A very long lingering finish. Delicious and powerful wine.”