1994 Leeuwin Estate

Lunch in Singapore.

1994 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series - pretty good. Typical toasted oak, butter, and lemon zest.

Las Cases and Huet

Dinner at a friend's home.

1985 Léoville Las Cases - started drinking after 1½ hours of airing, and it was drinking beautifully. Nose was wonderful and full-blown, very smoky, with minerals, stewed fruits. With time the nose increased in sweetness. Amazing Bordeaux expressing its classic beauty.

Bought from Oaks for SGD 223.

1997 Huet Vouvray Cuvée Constance, en jennie - this was a very well-balanced wine. Not too sweet. Good acidity to balance the fat, with a creamy, buttery palate. Very strong minerals and iron on the nose, enveloping the core of pear, orange, citrus, and caramel notes. Yummy! Very complex and fine.

Bought from Farr for GBP 52.

1997 Viader and Mondavi

Dinner at Tribute.

1997 Viader - this drank well like a typical Californian from the start. However it started to show really well after 2 hours of opening, which is consistent with the last tasting... it needs a lot of time. Lots of sweet fruit, coconut, and caramel. The nose was definitely "wow!" Everyone was impressed since it evolved over time and improved.

Bought from Ponti for HKD 591.

1997 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon To-Kalon Vineyard - this was pretty strong from the start, with nose of sweet fruit and caramel. Very smoky at first, and more of a "Bordeaux" feel. Tannins are pretty firm. Still needs time to soften up.

1990 Dom

Dinner at Brasserie on the Eighth.

1990 Moët et Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon - pretty good stuff. Smooth, yeasty, not too sharp, nice toasty oak.

Bought from Macau Ferry for HKD 850.