Grape Wine Journey

Tis the season to be jolly ……

It’s hard not to notice all the decorations in the shopping center; reminding us Christmas is coming.  Getting ready to buy gifts for your loved ones?

I always believe the art of giving gifts is more than just pleasing the person who is receiving the present, it is also a reflection on you.  It’s the thought that counts.

A good friend of mine, wanted to buy a bottle of wine for someone she respects, knowing he also likes wine.  I asked for her budget and if she knows of his preference.  Then the rest is on me.

Bordeaux wine is very well known and popular in Hong Kong, so giving a Bordeaux wine is a sure bet.  But then which Chateau and vintage.  How could I make the choice unique to show her thought behind the gift?

After the Bordeaux visit, one thing I remembered from the wine tour is the further north you go from the city of Bordeaux, the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon increased.  So the wines will be described as masculine the further north from Bordeaux. Margaux wines will be described as feminine, whereas Pauillac wines will be described as masculine.

Ch Pichon Lalande

Chateau Pichon Lalande is one of my favorite Bordeaux wine.  The story behind the label is an interesting one.  I remembered Chateau Pichon Lalande and Chateau Pichon Baron was just street apart, literally.  If you go back to the 18^th century, the history of the vineyard, the owner Baron Joseph de Pichon Longueville had the intention to divide the domain equally to his 5 children.  Upon his death, only 2 children inherited the vineyard.  Raoul inherited the part intended for the sons and Virgine for the daughters.  Virgine married Court Henri de Lalande and took over the control of the domain. 

Ch Pichon Baron

From then on the lands of Pichon Longueville would have two very different futures – Chateau Pichon Baron and Chateau Pichon Lalande.

With the story in my mind, and a gift from a lady to someone she respects, there was no doubt a bottle of Chateau Pichon Lalande is the perfect gift.  A vineyard with a woman’s heritage from Pauillac – a region described as masculine – is perfect.   

Then the vintage, 2000 and 2005 are the highly rated vintage in Bordeaux in the recent years.  2000 being more ready to drink now, so I picked this vintage. 

Well, as I said it’s the thought that counts.  Here’s my idea of the art of giving gifts – it’s the moment whenever the person thought of the gift, also remembers you!