News

With so many countries in the world banning visitors or, if allowing them in, imposing a quarantine, most of us have been cancelling trips. And not able to make new ones. Even if you live in the same country, you may have difficulty visiting family, loved ones, and friends because …

The Union des Grands Crus of Bordeaux has just announced that the tasting of the Bordeaux 2019 vintage or en primeurs week scheduled for Monday 30 March to Friday 3 April 2020 is now suspended. No new dates have been offered. In the words of the UGCB announcement, “We will …

Singapore has just announced that beginning 11.59 pm Sunday 15 March, no one will be allowed entry to, or to transit in, Singapore who have been to Italy, France, Spain and Germany in the last 14 days. At the same time, beginning also this Sunday 15 March, Singaporeans and Permanent …

Petit-Village has been sold by AXA Millesimes to the proprietors of nearby Chateau Beauregard. ‘The sale of Chateau Petit-Village is part of a process of reallocation of the resources of AXA Millesimes with the aim of diversifying our vineyard investments. This process had already begun in 2018 with our acquisition …

Most Singaporeans are not wearing a mask. A view of the Singapore River along Robertson Quay. Returning last Saturday 29 February – after having been away for five weeks – I was happy to see that most Singaporeans were not wearing a mask. If you are healthy, it is unnecessary. …

Bottles & Bottles – one of Singapore’s most dynamic wine retailers – has just announced their promotional wines for the month of March. Their 9 outlets can be located at www.bottlesandbottles.com.sg/content/6-findus. At their newest outlet at Changi Airport, customers can enjoy their purchases in the shop. At the same retail prices …

Owned today by the Lesgourgues Family wo acquired the estate in 1974, Chateau de Laubade has 105 hectares of vines in one single contiguous plot. Hors d’Age must have eaux de vie of a minimum 10 years. In the case of Chateau de Laubade Intemporel or “Timeless”, they are between …

Vinexpo Hong Kong, originally slotted for 26 – 28 May 2020, will now take place 8 to 10 July 2020.

Last Friday 28 February 2020, my Air France flight back to Singapore was 50% full. The AF flight to Hong Kong was even more sparse. It had 79 passengers for a plane that can carry 381 seats. Air France is expected to announce the suspension of flights to Hong Kong …

The soil at Pontet-Canet is mainly gravel and sand over clay and limestone. The 81 ha vineyard is planted to 60% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. The average age of the vines is 35 years. On 17 January 2020, I attended a dinner in …