波尔多右岸的酒庄协会 
2008年法国波尔多品酒会
星期三 2009年3月25日
峰景餐厅 @ 山顶, 香港 

以上: 使用的图像和照片经由 Eddie Tsang 许可.

以上: 使用的图像和照片经由 Jeri Soh (Jericho Photography) 和 Eric Lim (LightTalks) 许可.

编译：Daniel 林
助编：Gary 王俊杰，Lawrence 谭宇翔.
酒瓶图象：Acker, Merrall &Condit 与 Sotheby’s Asia。

Acker, Merall & Condit 三月拍卖项目: 1985年, 2003年 康帝拉塔希 (DRC La Tache)。

Sotheby’s 四月拍卖项目: 波尔多 (Bordeaux) 拉芙乐 (Lafleur), 里鹏 (Le Pin)。

美国 Acker Merall & Condit 的 约翰卡蓬先生 (John Kapon)。

苏富比 (Sotheby’s Asia’s) 的 亚洲区主席黄林诗韵女士( (Patty Wong)。

新加坡 和 香港 – 自从去年香港政府撤消酒税以来, 许多葡萄酒拍卖人与经纪人陆续回到香港这亚洲葡萄酒中心, 造成了香港葡萄酒拍卖会重回阔别已久的盛况。在人心惶惶, 饱受经济风暴影响的2009年里, 有别于股票, 债券与不动产等,高级葡萄酒被普遍认为为一项安全的投资。

无论如何, 在过去的几个月的低迷中, 证实了经济风暴的确影响了葡萄酒市场。随着英镑的贬值与葡萄酒价格的下降, 促使葡萄酒收藏家们越过了本土的酒商，直接从外国进口葡萄酒。

香港和新加坡葡萄酒市场的营业额急剧下降。分析家指出随着酒商与投资者急于兑现现金来偿还股票与债券等损失，葡萄酒的价格将持续下降。绝大部分的葡萄酒鉴赏家认为，博尔多的葡萄酒还是一项稳健的长期投资。

“博尔多的葡萄酒之所以成为一项稳健的长期投资的原因是在于需求量与供应量这基本的对应商业理论。亚洲葡萄酒市场一直都在增长。世界的需求量在增长的同时, 供应量并不能增加, 这导致了葡萄酒价格的上扬。” 新加坡葡萄酒经纪人 安吉琳-泰梁女士 (Angelina Teh-Leong) 如此说道。

来自 Christie 的 安东尼-汉森先生 (Anthony Hanson) 也同意她这乐观的看法。他认为虽然有着相当的风险, 但随着价格的下降, 高级葡萄酒投资还是一项可行的投资。纵然葡萄酒市场低迷, 高级葡萄酒的需求量并没有受到影响。

“最好的葡萄酒交易量还是非常好。”Christie’s 于2008年11月在香港举行了一场有着四百万美金交易量的拍卖会, 其中包括了一些拉图堡珍贵年份的葡萄酒。

香港的拍卖行们如 Bonhams 与 Acker Merrall & Condit 于2008年前半期获得了非常好的成绩。虽然2008年后半期需求量减低，拍卖家依然保持乐观的态度。

Sotheby’s Asia’s 的 黄林诗韵女士 (Patty Wong) 表示说：”我们发现越来越多亚洲客人参加我们在纽约 (New York) 与伦敦 (London) 的拍卖会。

在过去的几年中, 亚洲顾客的交易量与需求量一直在稳健的增长, 他们的选择也越发的多元化。Sotheby’s 对亚洲未来葡萄酒市场的发展保持着自信与乐观的态度。其佼佼者为中国的葡萄酒市场, 那不断增长的需求量与香港政府撤消酒税的行动. 创造了极其有利的环境。

在这经济风暴当中, 我们的评估与预测一直都很保守。对收藏家来说, 这是一个绝佳的机会去收藏一些珍贵的葡萄酒, 尤其是那些为数不多的藏酒。它们只会变得更加的稀少。”

Acker Merall & Condit 的 约翰卡蓬先生 (John Kapon) 补充道: “香港政府于2008年撤消酒税的方针大大地刺激了葡萄酒市场, 同时也促进了葡萄酒文化的进步。香港现在无疑逐渐成为了亚洲的葡萄酒中心。

身为世界知名的葡萄酒拍卖行, 我们有义务帮助香港维持发展和拥有亚洲葡萄酒中心的地位。我个人认为拍卖市场将持续发展, 香港的市场活动与需求的情况相当的乐观. 虽然价格下降了, 高级葡萄酒的需求量还一直在稳健的增长. 澳门还是一个重要的市场，如果中国肯减低酒税, 我肯定市场将会得益而持续发展, 进而让葡萄酒成为中国重要的商品。”

Sotheby’s Asia’s 在四月举行的拍卖会将会拍卖九千瓶葡萄酒。其中包括了最高级的博尔多酒如 玛高 (Margaux), 拉菲 (Lafite), 柏图斯 (Petrus) 和 木桐(Mouton Rothschild)。接近1.500 瓶 罗曼尼康帝 (Romanee-Conti) 中七处不同葡萄园, 十个不同年份的酒也将被拍卖出售。

Acker Merall & Condit 将会在 2009年3月28号回到香港, 于香格里拉酒店举行第三位的拍卖会。这拍卖会的亮点包括了那葡萄酒收藏家 罗伯特-罗萨尼亚先生 (Robert Rosania) 的5,800 瓶藏酒。这拍卖会也会拍卖 罗曼尼康帝 (Romanee-Conti) 的藏酒，其中有132瓶介于1985年至2003年等 11个好年份的 拉塔什 (DRC La Tache), 以及21瓶大酒瓶, 2003年份的不同 罗曼尼康帝 (Romanee-Conti) 的葡萄园酒, 包括了 艾彻苏 (Echezeaux), 格兰·义彻苏 (Grands Echezeaux), 拉塔什 (La Tache), 里奇伯格( (Richebourg), Romanée Conti, 罗曼尼·圣维万特 (Romanée St. Vivant) and 蒙塔榭 (Montrachet)白葡萄酒. 欲知详情, 请浏览: www.ackerasia.com 或电邮 维多利亚张女士 (Victoria Cheung) 于 victoriacheung@netvigator.com。

Sotheby’s Asia’s 也会与在2009年4月4号，于 香港会议展览中心 (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) 举行一场葡萄酒销售会。欲知详情，请浏览: www.sothebys.com 或电邮 弗洛拉-解女士 (Flora Tse) 于 Flora.Tse@sothebys.com.

除此之外，Bonhams 也 将会在2009年5月回到香港，于香格里拉酒店举行例行的拍卖会。欲知详情，请浏览: www.bonhams.com 或电邮 兰姆先生 (Daniel Lam) 于 winehk@bonhams.com。

Compiled by Daniel Lim, Gary Ong and Lawrence Tham.
Bottle Images by Acker, Merrall & Condit and Sotheby’s Asia.

 
Sotheby’s April auction: Château Lafleur and Le Pin.

Acker’s March auction: 1985 and 2003 DRC La Tache.

US-Based Acker’s John Kapon as pictured above.

 
Greater China Sotheby’s Asia’s Patty Wong.

Singapore and Hong Kong: The Hong Kong wine auction scene heated up following the abolition of wine duties last year, as bullish wine auctioneers and brokers returned to Hong Kong, Asia’s wine capital.

Even as the world headed for recession in 2009, fine wine was hailed as a liquid asset above the fray, with the advantage of historically being weakly correlated to other investments such as stocks, bonds and property.

But the past few months have shown that even wine is not quite as immune to economic forces as those selling would have us believe. The easing of the pound and decline of wine prices in London, a key market in Europe, has continued to encourage wine connoisseurs to import direct, bypassing their local channels. Sales were down significantly in the cities of Singapore and Hong Kong.

Analysts feel that the decline in wine prices will continue as both members of the wine trade and investors seek to cash in on profits accumulated over the years, and to compensate for losses on the stock and property markets. Most connoisseurs agree that Bordeaux will continue to be a good investment in the longer term.

“The reason why Bordeaux is such a good investment is all down to the simple economics of supply and demand. The market is booming in Asia. Demand has grown to be worldwide but the supply can’t be increased, so that is why you see an exponential increase in wine prices,” says Angelina Teh-Leong, a broker with Singapore’s Premium Liquid Assets in Hong Kong.

Anthony Hanson, from Christie’s, who believes, despite the risks, that fine wine remains a good investment option, with the recent depreciation making it a buyers’ market, shares her optimism. “The market has softened but there is still strong demand for the top bottles. The best wines are still selling really well.”

Christie’s held an auction in Hong Kong in November 2008 where it closed some US$4 million (HK$31m, RMB 27.3m, S$6m) in sales, including rare vintages from Chateau Latour’s cellars.

Wine auctions in the city by rivals such as Bonhams and Acker Merrall & Condit in the first half of 2008 achieved record results, before demand eased off in the second half. Auctioneers remained positive.

Patti Wong of Sotheby’s Asia’s says, “We have seen a steady increase in the number of Asian clients participating in our sales in New York and London. Over the past few years, there has been demand from a much larger Asian client base and active buyer activity across a much broader spectrum of wines.

Sotheby’s is optimistic and confident in the long term prospects and development of the wine market in Asia, particularly the growing demand in the fine wine market in China, given the very favourable environment in Hong Kong after the tax exemption. Against the current financial backdrop, we have been very conservative with our estimates. This is an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire some prized bottles, especially in large formats, of impeccable provenance. These will only get rarer.”

John Kapon of Acker Merall & Condit adds, “The Hong Kong Government’s exemption of wine duty to zero in 2008 has given a great boost to the market and helped foster a stronger wine culture in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is now well positioned in the marketplace to become the wine hub in the Asia region. As the world’s leading wine auction house, we are fully committed to helping Hong Kong to achieve this status.

My views on the auction environment are that it will remain healthy – interest and activity in Hong Kong have remained strong, and demand for the finest wines should remain stable, even if prices have come down from the highs of 2008. Macau will remain an important market, and China will continue to grow although it needs to lower the taxes on wine for it to become a more important factor in the market.”

Sotheby’s April auction will showcase some 9,000-bottles including top Bordeaux wines like Margaux, Lafite, Petrus and Mouton Rothschild. Some 1,500 bottles of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti will also be sold including all 7 of DRC’s vineyards, with over 10 vintages of each of the following vineyards: Echézeaux, Grands Echézeaux, Richebourg, Romanée St. Vivant and Romanée-Conti; 7 vintages of Montrachet; and over 20 vintages of La Tâche.

Acker, Merrall & Condit will return to Hong Kong for its Auction III series on 28th March 2009 at the Island Shangri-La Hotel. Highlights of this forthcoming auction include 5,800 bottles mainly from the cellar of fine and old wines collector, Robert Rosania. This auction will also feature Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, with a superlot of 132 bottles of DRC La Tache from the best 11 vintages between 1985 and 2003 and 21 magnums of vintage 2003 from all the great vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, including Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux, La Tache, Richebourg, Romanée Conti, Romanée St. Vivant and Montrachet. For more information, please see www.ackerasia.com or email Ms. Victoria Cheung at victoriacheung@netvigator.com.

Sotheby’s Asia will following with its wine sales on 4th April 2009 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information, please see www.sothebys.com or email Ms. Flora Tse at Flora.Tse@sothebys.com.

Not to be left out, Bonhams too will return to Hong Kong with a scheduled auction at the Island Shangri-la Hong Kong Hotel in May 2009. For more information, please see www.bonhams.com or email Daniel Lam at winehk@bonhams.com.

以上: 柯睿诗特葡萄酒公司的 Wee Lee 先生.

When we come to think of wines, one familiar brand, Crystal Wines does ring a tune with local wine shoppers and drinkers. Tucked along River Valley Road in Singapore, with a new outlet in Hongqiao Road in Shanghai, 10 year old Crystal Wine is the remarkable brainchild of Mr. Tan Wee Han, 41 and his brother, Mr. Tan Wee Lee, 34 as seen in the above picture.

酒 gathers some insights, as we speak to Mr. Tan Wee Lee, a Singapore wine retail veteran who has been in business for at least a decade.

酒: Tell us about Crystal Wines. How it came about and your philosophy in wine?

We pride ourselves as one of Singapore’s major player in sourcing and supplying quality wines from the major wine regions of the world, both locally and in the region.

Crystal first started off in October 1998 together with Derrick Lee (whom left later to form Grand Vin), and Wee Han. Back then while we were at the old Paragon, our focus had been on brand management and catering to trade and private customers. In 2001, we entered into the spirits and beer distribution business, when we took over 10 year old, London-based Allied Domecq. It was only in 2004; with the onset and vast potential we see in the wine business, besides passion in wine, we decided to exit the spirits and beer business to refocus on wines. Since then, we grew from a 4-man team, to now 30 plus people.

Our businesses include the distribution of wines to the island’s hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, besides the 1,000 labels to private wine buyers at our retail shop while storing them in temperature controlled climate.

We want to be the best, the largest and be known as one of the great wine & wine solutions companies in Asia.

酒: What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine?

Wines are a mystery; it didn’t take a “particular” sip to make me realize my passion for wines. It was over a period of discovery, of learning, understanding and of course, tasting that made me realized that wines could be so different with so much personalities, just like a human personality. Why does a Shiraz from a warm climate taste so differently from a Syrah from a cool climate Syrah? What’s oaked Chardonnay and what’s not? How does terrior affect wine making? Wine appreciation is an art and is the fascination for a journey of discovery that makes me love wine. You never know what wine you will taste!

酒: So what makes Crystal wine a unique place to shop and explore about wine?

Unlike other wine shops that tend to give a more serious and monotonous look, we wanted to make learning and buying of wine at Crystal Wine fun. Hence, our 2,000 square feet retail outlet at Valley Point is draped in carpeted floor and wooden wine crates to lend that modern and stylish vibe.

Our retail shop is equipped with wireless Internet access and has a lifestyle corner for public and members to discover fine wines through related wine books and magazines. There is also a wine tasting corner where we organize wine tasting sessions for members.

酒: So surely you are in business to make money?

If we were to compare the business environment now and 10 years ago, what was a niche and small business then has now turn into a highly competitive market with many players with similar offerings as us.

The world is drinking more and more, and the world is drinking better. This is especially true in Asia whereby it is one of the fastest growing wine consumer centers in the world. So I think it would only be honest to say that we are in the moneymaking business to support our passion.

酒: Who are your customers and what do you notice about their wine habits?

60% of our customers are aged 25 to 40, while 40% 41 to 60 who are mainly PMEBs, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs who have tertiary education. Interestingly, we also notice an increasing number of female wine drinkers.

The first group is what we call enjoyment- or image- oriented wine drinkers. They have the strongest purchasing power and lead the wine consumption trend. To them, sampling wine is a lifestyle preference. Drinking wine is no longer just for celebratory occasion but a reflection of their wealth and status. Also, their wine consumption is based largely on price, taste, and variety and branding.

The second group is known as conservative and knowledgeable wine enthusiasts.  This group of people tend to use wine related information to purchase wine, such as region of origins, wine maker, vintage and specific vineyard location. They are usually loyal to certain brands and some even buy their favorite wine as investments.

酒: You’re particularly renowned for your mix of French and Australian premium and fine wines. What makes these regions so special?

France (法國)
French wines have long been the benchmark for winemaking in most wine-producing countries in the world. In fact, France has always been the most influential country in the wine world and French wine plays an enormously important role in French identity and pride.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, are some of France’s famous grape varieties, as well as the names of many French wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne are also well-known throughout the world.

What makes France so special is because it has been dedicated to the art of wine making for longer than any other country with its earliest history going back to Roman times. Hence, France has more experience in fine wine making and grape growing. In addition, France has the perfect geographical location for growing grapes; having the perfect soil conditions, having the best climate – a combination of cold winds and a relentless sun, and being in close proximity to bodies of water mean the grapes produced under these conditions are very full bodied with very rich taste, resulting in some of the world’s best wine vintages.

Australia (澳洲)
Australia is the fourth-largest wine exporter in the world, exporting over 400 million liters a year to large international markets that include “Old World” wine-producing countries such as France, Italy and Spain. The wine industry is a significant contributor to the Australian economy through production, employment, export and tourism.

Australian wine is taking the world by storm, due to the quality of the grape stock combined with the skill and experience of its winemakers. With a huge land mass, a diverse climate from cold to cool to warm, and a wide variety of soil types, including the famous Coonawarra terra rossa, it is with no wonder Australian can create delicious wines of stunning quality, diversity and uniqueness, especially its famous Shiraz and Shiraz-Cabernet blends such as Penfolds Grange.

Interestingly, Australian wineries like to come up with the quirkiest names for their wine labels. Unlike Old World wineries, where most wines are labeled according to the vineyard’s name, vintage and grape varietals, Australian wines tend to have more attention-grabbing names.

酒: Coming back to Bordeaux, do you have a favorite appellation? Which is the most overrated? And the most underrated?

I have a soft spot for right bank wines; St Emilion & Pomerols work for me.  However, it will be unfair for me to judge on the overrated and underrated wines as this requires a vast tasting experience with Bordeaux wines and are much dependent on personal preferences.  I’m still experimenting!

酒: For some, Bordeaux has too often been “Bore”-deaux. Who and what make a Bordeaux wine an exciting wine for you?

The name of Bordeaux is worldly known as an exceptional brand image of great wines and it is also the largest fine wine-producing vineyard in the world. There are a couple of reasons why Bordeaux has too often been “Bore”-deaux, especially among the younger drinkers: The name itself conjures up images of old, dusty bottles and decanters. In addition, it is most famous for the most agreeable, as well as most pricey red wines of the world. Hence, older drinkers are more likely to be attracted to Bordeaux than younger drinkers.

Being made of a blend of grape varietals, you never know what you will taste and being the most unpredictable vintages in the world, it is therefore difficult to understand and appreciate without doing much reading beforehand

Compared to other wines, Bordeaux wines lacks creativity in terms of its wine techniques innovation, packaging and marketing.

However, by all economic yardsticks, Bordeaux is still the world’s leading wine region. People still pay through the nose at auctions and in futures markets to get their coveted bottles, and critics and wine buyers still descend on Bordeaux en masse each spring to assess the new vintage by subjecting themselves to hundreds of barrel samples.

In fact, Bordeaux developed the wine trade and spread wine consumption all over the world. Bordeaux influenced the production of wines all over the world. The most ambitious wineries in these regions have emulated Bordeaux be it in their viticulture, winemaking or business model. Even leading wine critics like Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson, Robert M. Parker Jr., Stephen Tanzer, Michael Broadbent, Wine Spectator all embrace Bordeaux as the world’s leading wine.

What makes Bordeaux exciting for me is that you never know what the final taste of Bordeaux is. Despite the fact that young Bordeaux wines are constantly changing during their evolution and aging process in the barrels, some wines that ultimately turn out to be good to very good may be unimpressive or just dumb when tasted in their youth from the cask. Once good Bordeaux is tasted, particularly if it’s an old one, you know what the hubbub is all about.

酒: As with recent wine appreciation and movements, is wines in general becoming somewhat more expensive and challenging to upkeep?

Where do you see the wine scene heading in Singapore as a whole? Beside Singapore, in the light of Hong Kong scrapping their excise duties, what do you see in this region?

In the last twenty years, the worldwide wine industry has become increasingly internationalized, sophisticated, multi-lingual, operating in multi currencies, and information-intensive.

Given the quality and range of wines that consumer can find end enjoy, I see Singapore as a mature market which means the wine scene in Singapore will grow and be more vibrant in the days to come. In the past, Singaporeans associated wines as luxury item for the rich and famous. Things are changing to become more lifestyle driven, where drinking a glass of wine in a restaurant or at home are common.

Although Hong Kong recently abolished their taxes of wine and beer, reducing the prices of some wines by as much as 31%, I still see Asia, especially China having a huge potential in the wine industry.

This is so as Chinese economy is developing which will improve the wine industry. Its entry into WTO and the upcoming hosting of Olympic games mean there will be demand for wines and the wine market will expand.  In addition, China’s booming economy has a mix of wealthy expatriates, high-flying executives on business and nouveau riche Chinese who are attracted to high-end wines. With the reduction in imported tax; the competition between imported and domestic wine will be fiercer. Many foreign countries like America, Australia and France will continue to explore and expand into the Chinese wine markets.

酒: How do you find competition from the other players in this market?

If we were to compare based on scale of operations, there are only 3-4 competitors and they are mainly from aboard. Nevertheless, there are actually quite many small wine importers given Singapore as a tiny market. Due to their size, these small wine companies can afford to sell wines at a much lower cost and provide more personalized services to the customers.  Given such highly competitive environment plus the fact that Singaporeans appreciate and pursuit wine drinking culture more means we must continuously keep ourselves in the lead by providing excellent services and wide complete wine range at reasonable prices.

酒: What’s your newest find for under $40?

I highly recommend Kaiken’s Malbec from Argentina. Though not exactly new, but this is my all-time favorite!  Dark violet in color, it packs plenty of richness and purity of flavors including blueberry, cassis, mint, semisweet chocolate coffee while maintaining its focus on the fruits. Ripe tannins, excellent structure and ends off with an amazingly long and lingering after taste, this wine delivers awesome as well as absolutely value for money!

酒: Last but not least. Tell us what your company has in store for both your clients and consumers.

Backed with the strong support and positive revenue growth in Singapore, Crystal Wines has established its first retail shop in Shanghai. The sprawling two-storey retail shop, located at HongQiao Road, XiJiao Guest House, Garden Villa (East) has the mezzanine allocated for regular wine tasting sessions and alfresco settings for private customers to appreciate fine wines under clear skies.

Modeled after Crystal Wines Singapore retail outlet, the shop is draped in laminated wooden floor and wooden wine crates to lend that modern and stylish vibe. It is also coupled with a lifestyle corner for public and members to discover fine wines through related wine books and magazines in a convivial setting.

Mainly servicing private customers in the thriving Chinese market, Crystal Wines Shanghai provides a good range of top Bordeaux and French wines plus fantastic value-for-money everyday table wine to cater to different levels of wine enthusiasts. Moreover, Crystal Wines Shanghai also welcomes trade orders.

Back to Singapore, we will in the midst of expanding to bring more wines at affordable prices to our customers. We are also improving our services by introducing this new service which we termed as – Wine Safe. Wine lovers who are faced with limited storage space for their wine collection, can now store their wines in our high standard and large capacity bank, so that they can enjoy their wines in their best conditions anytime.

以上: Crystal Wines at Valley Point, in Singapore. 柯睿诗特葡萄酒贸易（新加坡).

以上: Crystal Wines at Hongqiao Road, in Shanghai. 柯睿诗特葡萄酒贸易 (上海).

For more information about Crystal Wines, please visit here.

酒 Jiuwine.com met up with Mr. John Kapon, a casual and unassuming fellow who is also the co-owner and President of Acker Merrall & Condit during his visit to Hong Kong for Asia’s largest ever auction of fine wines in Hong Kong this week, betting on Chinese consumers who over the last few years who had developed a fine taste and nose for this beverage as Hong Kong aspires to be the wine hub of the East.John from what we understand oversees the auction for the traditional New York market and Acker dates back to the 18th century, which is regarded as America’s oldest wine shop.

Above: Acker’s dynamo and wine warrior, John Kapon @ the Hyatt in Hong Kong.

酒 Jiuwine.com: Why come to Hong Kong?

The timing could not be better for us to come to the growing marketplace in Asia, which is displaying stronger interest and demand for top quality wines. The full exemption of wine duty proposed by John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, in his recent 2008-09-budget speech, will give a further boost to the local wine market.Hong Kong is ready to run on the fast track to becoming a global wine hub, alongside New York and London, and we are committed to facilitating Hong Kong’s vision in achieving this as America’s oldest and finest wine merchant.”

酒 Jiuwine.com: Could you tell us more about yourself? How and what changes or challenges have you seen at the hem?

I am a third generation wine merchant who has seen pretty much everything possible in the wine world. It has been a long, hard road to get to this point, and keeping up with all the growth has been challenging!

酒 Jiuwine.com: Describe the philosophy of fine wine collecting.

Seeking out the best producers year in and year out, aging the best years and holding wines for many years … grinning.

酒 Jiuwine.com: They say wine auctions are glamour wine sales where money, enthusiasm and craziness mix. What are your views on this?

Sometimes that is the case, but those that follow the market regularly know that there are often lots of good buys at every auction.

酒 Jiuwine.com: So are we in a bull market scenario where Asian; especially money seem to be the magnet for today’s fine wines?

The market is strong in a global sense, but the brands are limited as far as where the bull really runs free. As you can see this is our first auction in Asia. We’ll see.

酒 Jiuwine.com: How about the Russian or/and Middle East factor?

None for us so far.

酒 Jiuwine.com: How do you view the Hong Kong fine wine market?

The Hong Kong fine wine market is one that will be growing and robust for many years to come, with the potential to replace New York as the world capital for auctions much like New York replaced London … it will certainly be the hub for Asia.

酒 Jiuwine.com: With regard to fraud, which wines seem to be of greatest concern?

Wines like Petrus and older, wines of the century type, pre-1961 Bordeaux in large formats.

酒 Jiuwine.com: Are the auction houses doing enough to verify their authenticity?

I believe auction houses are doing more than ever, but there is stillroom for improvement, and even we are still looking into how we can improve our systems over the summer.

酒 Jiuwine.com: Bordeaux has traditionally been the focal point, but younger collectors today seem interested in burgundy.

All roads lead to Burgundy for those that truly love and seek the best wines in the world.

酒 Jiuwine.com: What are the most sought after wines from Burgundy?

DRC, Rousseau, Roumier, Vogue, Ponsot, Leflaive, and Coche-Dury.

酒 Jiuwine.com: Are collectors today more inclined actually to consume their wines than previous generations? In your opinion, are we more drinkers than collectors? What are your views on this matter?

I think there is also more consumption worldwide today due to the fact that there are far many more collectors than in previous generations. I have seen an enormous amount of wine drunk in the past year that might have been many years’ worth only five years ago!

酒 Jiuwine.com: What accounts for the different attitude of today’s collectors?

I think that there are more younger wine collectors with money that want to spend it and show it off in today’s market than a decade ago.

酒 Jiuwine.com: So where are the values in this market right now?

Young wines 1995-2004 from top producers from Bordeaux and Burgundy, given prices of 2005s, these are undervalued in the market now.

酒 Jiuwine.com: What are your plans for the next couple of years?

Two auctions a year in Hong Kong in addition to monthly live and internet auctions in the US.. We’ll see if we can do more than that!

Related reading:

Hong Kong’s Glamorous Wine SaleAcker Merrall & Condit Asia’s US$8.2M wine auction

Food and Hotel Asia 2008
Singapore

Above: A snapshot of FHA 2008’s vibrancy, courtesy of Ivan Ng in Singapore.

The wine industry in Singapore saw a boost with better turnout and offerings as consumers are spoilt for choice as more importers roll in with better quality wines, but at premium prices.

This bi-annual event, Food and Hotel Asia occupied some 7 halls, with most wine centric exhibitors clustered in Hall 1 and 2 with around 50 or more (we counted) wine related exhibitors presenting their bottling and wares. Wine related exhibitors from the countries of Austria, Brazil, Hungary, and Lebanon, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain had their presence felt. Larger players with bigger budgets and better visual layout included Sopexa, Ibravin, the Italians displayed their charges under the common country pavilion umbrella.

As usual the Australian segment eclipsed in numbers from quality to quantity with the usual turnout by local importers: Magma, Pinnacle, Wine Symphony, Wine Network, Hai Choo, Hock Hua, Top Wines, Italian Wine List with newbie Asia Wine Network joining the fray which counts the hotel industry as its biggest source of revenue, followed by supermarkets and local restaurants.

Quoted earlier on 25.04.2008, Mr. Stephen Tan, Chief Executive of Singapore Exhibition Services, the organizer whom we met for FHA2008, “We are very pleased with the turn-out of exhibitors, buyers, as well as visitors. This certainly reflects the primary status of the show with the industry in the region. Our exhibitors have always seen the value of their presence at FHA and have maintained high visibility this time round. From feedback given by exhibitors, they are very pleased with the quality of visitors at this show. Many of them have found valuable contacts and interested buyers. Negotiations will naturally follow on from this exhibition and contracts confirmed in the next few months,” he said.

Mr. Tan continued, “While FHA as a show has given a good performance, the six specialised events of the exhibition still have great potential for growth as Asia’s food and hospitality markets continue to demonstrate strong growth,” he said. The six specialised events of FHA are FoodAsia, Wine&SpiritsAsia …”

While we had alternate stemware for our wine tasting, Mikasa seemed to be the more commonly used stemware seen at the Verona showcase tutorials and at a number of exhibitor booths. An exhibitor who declined to be named, mentioned they could do more with proper stemware instead of being charged for every single wash, issue or replacement.” they added.

Food & Hotel Asia 2008 claimed some 37,000 visitors, including students, and was held over 4 days, from 22 to 25 April 2008. The event will return to Singapore from 20 to 23 April 2010.

酒 exclusive feature and coverage of this mega-event is summarized and listed in alphabetical order.

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Book Review & Interview:
Asian Food and Wine: Do they make a pair?
Meet The Author: Patricia Guy

Wine Makers:
Agapito Rico (Spain)
Agricoltori del Geografico (Italy)
Castello di Cacchiano (Italy)
Castello Vicchiomaggio (Italy)
Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico (Italy)
Corte San Benedetto (Italy)
Coteaux du Liban (Lebanon)
De Muller (Spain)
Mena Kaho (Brazil)
Fattoria Casa Sola (Italy)
Il Conventino (Italy)
Pfaffl (Austria)
Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) (Italy)
Vinhio-Vaglio Serra (Italy)
Wine Tatler (Singapore)
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Photos by Ivan Ng with text by Daniel Lim. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.

Auric Pacific Fine Wines
Interview and text by Daniel Lim. Photos by Ling 林卓强.

酒 is proud to showcase behind the bottle interview, highlighting dynamic winemakers, leaders and influential players in the wine world. These organizations and individuals are recognized for achieving milestones such as launching a viable wine business and portfolio, or implementing a revolutionary vision for the future of the wine trade and consumption market.

With a turnover of some S$274 Million in 2007 and 747 employees, Auric Pacific Group Limited is a distributor of consumer food and non-food products with operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Other activities of the Group include investment holding, investment management and advisory services, and refrigerated warehousing. It is also in the business of fine wine distribution in Singapore and has distribution rights to several labels, including Aldo Conterno from Piedmont, Italy, Frederic et Michel Magnien from Burgundy, France, and Harlan Estate from California, the United States of America just to name the top tier labels. The fine wine marketing and distribution division is in the care of Mr. Lee Chee Wee, General Manager.

酒 speaks to Chee Wee, who recently came on board from Culina. We peel a little about himself, how he came aboard, the company itself, market trend plus his opinion on the local and regional wine scene.

Above: Mr. Lee Chee Wee, 37, is the General Manager of Auric Fine Wines whose sole responsibility lies in its Singapore and Malaysian operations.

酒: How did you get into the wine industry?

CW: I started out as a sale executive in the 1999, while chancing upon the classified ads.

酒: Tell us about your wine company and what is its scope?

CW: Auric Pacific Fine Wines (APFW) is the subsidiary of, Singapore main board- listing, Auric Pacific Group. APFW started in April 2005, to develop fine wine business in Singapore and region. The focus will be primarily on fine wines from Burgundy, Rhone, USA, Australia, Italy, Spain and including wine futures or en primeur Bordeaux.

酒: Why did you or Auric go into retail?

CW: I believe through retail, you get to interact with end consumers; getting first hand feedback information, understanding their needs and drinking pattern.

酒: What were your experiences in putting together the wine portfolio?

CW: It’s easy to buy high end and well rated wines but the challenge is to source out great value wines at competitive prices; these discoveries offer the greater satisfaction and your build up your confidence level when picking up wines during trade fair and blind tasting.

酒: How does the wine market differ now as compared to when you arrived?

CW: A lot more wine companies and shops have mushroomed from all corners of Singapore over the past 5 years. This a great for the consumers to source for their wine collections but there are some who have lost focus and strategy and start bringing wines that are way below mediocre quality; when inventory pile up, they slash and kill the years of effort that the industry’s pioneer whom have trying to cultivate the drinkers in drinking quality wines.

酒: Wines these days are becoming expensive. What are your views on this matter? In your opinion, what is a reasonable price for a “good” wine?

CW: Few factors have been the cause for the up rising of wine prices; emerging new markets from country like, China, India and Russia; these nouveau rich (new found rich) have been buying up their lost time and prices are secondary to them. Euro dollars has increased 20% and last but not least is the well-blessed vintage in the past few vintages from the most wine growing regions. My preference of good wine would be the wine that I feel like drinking that moment and enjoying it within my financial means.

酒: Where do you see the wine scene heading in Singapore as a whole? Beside Singapore, in the light of Hong Kong scrapping their excise duties, what do you see in this region?

CW: I believe a consolidation may happen in the next 1-2 years. The global economy will face huge challenges, results to tightening of spending. Cost of doing business remains high and margin will suffer. With the abolish of liquor tax in Hong Kong, some Singapore fine wines companies who depend mainly on the region customers will face the stiff competition. However, with our infrastructure and better acknowledge of wines through the years and with big projects from the Singapore government, F1 & Integrated Resorts and Youth Olympic, I hope we can maintain the growth in the market.

酒: When you want to relax and have some wine, where do you go in Singapore?

I would want to relax and enjoy a good bottle of wine with good company, I am not too concerned over the venue.

酒: Last but not least. Tell us what your company has in store for both your clients and consumers.

We offer wide range of wines at competitive prices and advise in buying and investing in them. We also hold the sole distribution in Singapore for some of the most sought after Domaines & wineries like Domaine Anne Gros, Pascal Lachaux (wine maker for Robert Arnoux), Henri Bolliot, Boyer Martenot, Hubert Lignier, Chevillon, Didier Dagueneau, Frederic Magnien, Humbert Freres, Harlan, Bond, Au Bon Climat, Abreu, Beaux Freres, Blankiet, Arietta, Colgin, David Ramey, Kongsgaard, Martinelli, Pahlmeyer, Philp Togni, Spottswoode, Quilceda and etc..

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Above: The premises and warehousing facility for Auric Pacific Fine Wines located at 50 Kallang Avenue, #06-06 Noel Corporate Building in Singapore.

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Above: Singapore based retail outfit; Wine What Else, located at One Phillip Street, #01-02.

Auric Pacific Fine Wines, can be contacted via email at sales@apfw.com.sg or click to visit their website here.

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酒是自豪地展示背後的一瓶採訪時，突出了動態釀酒，領導人和有影響力的球員，在葡萄酒的世界。這些組織和個人都承認，為實現里程碑，如發射一個可行的葡萄酒企業和投資組合，或執行一個革命性的視野，為未來的葡萄酒貿易和消費市場。

Auric 太平洋集團有限公司是一家分銷商，消費者食品和非食品產品與業務在新加坡，馬來西亞，印尼和中國。其他小組的活動，包括投資控股，投資管理和諮詢服務，和冷藏倉庫。這亦是在業務的優良葡萄酒分銷在新加坡，並已分配的權利，幾個標籤，包括阿爾多 Conterno 由 Piedmont ，意大利，弗雷德里克等米歇爾 Magnien 從勃艮第，法國，和哈蘭地產從加利福尼亞州，美國只是為了名稱頂級標籤。優良葡萄酒的銷售和分銷部是在照顧先生，李之凌晨，總經理。

酒的發言全文凌晨，誰最近在船上從 Culina 。我們剝離一些關於自己，他是如何上，該公司本身，市場的趨勢，再加上他認為對當地和區域的葡萄酒現場。

酒：您是如何進入葡萄酒業？

連續波：我開始作為一個出售長官在1999年，而chancing後，分類廣告。

酒：請告訴我們您的葡萄酒公司，什麼是它的範圍？

連續： Auric 太平洋優質葡萄酒（ apfw ）是附屬公司，新加坡的主要板上市， auric太平洋集團。 apfw開始於2005年4月，發展高檔葡萄酒業務在新加坡和地區。重點將主要是對優質葡萄酒從勃艮地，隆河，美國，澳大利亞，意大利，西班牙和包括葡萄酒期貨或 EN primeur波爾多。

酒：為什麼你或 Auric 進入零售？

連續波：我相信，通過零售，您可以互動年底消費者;獲得第一手的反饋信息，了解他們的需要和飲用水的模式。

酒：是什麼，您的經驗，一起把葡萄酒的投資組合呢？

化學武器：它的容易購買的高端和評價，以及葡萄酒，但所面臨的挑戰是源出很有價值的葡萄酒有競爭力的價格;這些發現提供了更大的滿意度和您建立起自己的信心水準時，回升的葡萄酒貿易在公平和盲人的滋味。

酒：請問葡萄酒市場不同，現在相比，當您抵達？

連續：很多葡萄酒公司和商店如雨後春筍般從各個角落新加坡在過去的五年。這是一個偉大的為消費者的來源，他們的葡萄酒藏品，但也有一些誰失去了重點和策略，並開始引進的葡萄酒是遠遠低於平庸的質量;時，存貨堆積，他們斜線和殺多年的努力，該行業的先鋒人都試圖培養飲酒，在飲酒優質葡萄酒。

酒：葡萄酒，這些天正在成為昂貴的。什麼是您對此事的看法？在您看來，什麼是合理的價格為“良好”酒呢？

連續：幾個因素已事業為最多上升葡萄酒的價格;新興市場國家一樣，中國，印度和俄羅斯;這些豐富的新（新發現的豐富的）已購買了他們把失去的時間和價格是次要的他們。歐元美元增加了20 ％和最後但並非最不重要的是良好的有福了老式在過去數年份從最葡萄酒種植區。我的意願，良好的葡萄酒將成為葡萄酒我覺得像喝那一刻，享受它在我的財政手段。

酒：在哪裡，你看到的葡萄酒現場的標題在新加坡作為一個整體呢？旁邊的新加坡，在因應香港殺他們的消費稅，你怎麼看到在這一地區的呢？

連續波：我相信鞏固可能發生在未來的1-2年。全球經濟將面臨巨大的挑戰，結果以緊縮開支。營商的成本仍然高企及保證金將蒙受損失。與取消酒稅，在香港，新加坡的一些優質葡萄酒公司誰，主要取決於該地區的客戶將面臨的激烈競爭。不過，與我們的基礎設施和更好地承認，葡萄酒經過多年的和大的項目，由新加坡政府， F1的綜合度假村和青年奧運，我希望我們能保持增長，在市場上。

酒：當您想放鬆和有一些葡萄酒，你去在新加坡？

我希望的放鬆和享受良好的瓶裝酒的好公司，我不太關注的地點。

酒：最後但並非最不重要。告訴我們您的公司是否有在商店為您的客戶和消費者的利益。

我們提供範圍廣泛的葡萄酒有競爭力的價格，並建議在購買和投資於他們。我們還舉行的唯一分佈在新加坡的一些最要求後， domaines ＆酒廠一樣，安妮領域內格羅斯，帕斯卡爾lachaux （葡萄酒製造商羅伯特arnoux ） ，亨利bolliot ，博耶馬爾特諾，休伯特利尼耶，舍維永，迪迪埃dagueneau ，弗里德里克magnien ，恩貝爾freres ，哈蘭，債券，凹盂蘭盆氣候，阿布魯， beaux freres ， blankiet ， arietta ， colgin ，大衛ramey ， kongsgaard ，馬蒂內， pahlmeyer ， philp togni ， spottswoode ， quilceda 等。

 The Moomba Wine Shop (Singapore)

In this section, we speak to Mr. Augustine Kum, co-owner of the Moomba Wine Shop in Singapore. On how his wine beliefs, how he got involved in wine, and what continue to inspires the local wine scene and the consumer palate. The Moomba prides itself as a purveyor of fine Australian wines. Located along Circular Road where the Central Business District or the Financial hub is, this business has been around since the late 1990s. Accordingly to Augustine, the Moomba Wine Shop boasts of an interesting range of quality premium wines, priced affordably from S$30, S$60 onwards, for both new and established wineries. One thing comforting to know for consumers at large, despite escalating wine prices, The Moomba has a bottle return policy should your wine is faulty be it now, near or into the future. Consult The Moomba for further details.

Talk briefly about your philosophy of wine.

Personally, I always believe wine should be shared with good company, friends and loved ones. Well, we don’t need an excuse to open a ‘good’ bottle of wine or saving that ’special’ wine for a ’special’ occasion cos that occasion may not materialize or (may sound morbid) may not be around to enjoy when the day did arrive. Thus, I rather pay for wines that are ready to drink now then to buy a ‘vintage’ year at 1st released price but need to wait 10 to 20 years to drink it…by paying ‘premium’ prices from reliable sources and enjoy the wine is liken to ‘buying’ time that one may not have for the ‘young’ and ‘vintage’ year’s wines. Personally, I have a very small collection of wines in my wine fridge at home (less than 60 bottles and mostly champagnes). I am lucky to be in the trade and have lots of opportunities to taste with friends and customers or to buy ready drinking wines fellow friends in the trade and thus, doesn’t really see the need to have a big cellar, just bottles that I enjoyed and will drink on regular basis are in the fridge.

How did you start working in the wine industry?

It was an ‘accidental’ opportunity that I ended up in the wine trade. My brother and I with a few partners started ‘The Moomba’ restaurant in 1996 and I was put in charge to co-ordinate the shipment of wines from Australia and the sales of wines in the restaurant. When, the restaurant decided to set up a retail presence on the premise in 1998, I was put in charged of it and started my real journey into the world of wines.

What ’s your favorite wine and why?

I do not have a specific ‘favorite’ wine. But my ‘first’ love will be champagne. I enjoyed it even before I entered the wine trade and has been appreciating it more since. But I do have a few memorable ones : 1990 Cristal (Remembered having this as ‘one-for-the-road’ in Jacques Reymond Resaturant, Melbourne after many bottles of wines over dinner in 1998 while attending the Wine Australia and the taste is still vivid till today, it is probably my all time favorite if you forced me to name one), 1986 Dom Perignon Rose (Bought this in DFS Changi for $380 on trip back from honeymoon with my wife in 1994, shared it with friends on our 10th Anniversary at Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the youthfulness and finesse of this wine was just amazing – it has to be my all time favorite Rose).

For someone who doesn’t know anything about wine, but would like to start somewhere, what’s your advice?And to help him or her to deepen his/her appreciation of wine?

For the start, I feel that one must have at least the basic understanding (knowledge aspect) about wine. There are number of wine books for beginners and websites that teach one about the basics on wines and how to appreciate them. But most importantly is to taste and explore the diverse varieties and styles available by attending the numerous free tasting available throughout the year at wine exhibitions/shows or tastings at independent retail shops. One should be adventurous and taste ALL the wines at any given opportunity and should not have a mindset from the beginning (which I always come across during tasting, some will say :” I don’t drink white wines” or “Australian wines always give me hangover the next morning”) Our palate and senses on wines ‘evolve’ and ‘mature’ with time and tastings. We may eventually have a ‘preference’ style/make of a particular grape variety but this ‘preference’ should not be formed right in the beginning.

In your opinion, how can someone tell a “good wine” without being an expert?

The enjoyment about wines is because I believe that there is NO one wine in this world that ca please EVERY SINGLE wine drinkers. Each one of us has a preference/tolerance; some prefer acids, some like the alcoholic fumes and some has a higher tolerance for the tannins. These ‘differences’ in opinions provide an excellent ‘interacting’ opportunities between friends/strangers when a wine is served at a tasting/dinner. And such discussion may even be carried forth to forums online – just like Wine Kakis. Thus, ‘good wine’ is good to the person that enjoys it. We, in Singapore are very lucky, most of the wines that have been imported are generally well made – they are ‘technically’ drinkable. Apart from wine that have serious faults (cork taint, sulphur, oxidation) – which most drinkers will be able to pick up most of the wines you find in Singapore are generally ‘good’.

Lots of people think a good wine has to be expensive. Is this true, or is it a false myth?

That depends on how you define ‘good’. Well, for me a good wine is a wine you enjoyed. If it is a $25 wine, then you are lucky cos you probably can have it everyday. If it is a $250 wine, maybe once a month and if you like a $2500 wine, hopefully you get to enjoy it once a year less you are Bill Gates, then you can have it everyday. However, established wineries do put in extra efforts in the making of their ‘flagship’ wine. ‘Extra efforts’ in any forms have added cost to the production and thus a higher selling price for the wines. So, yes, you will have to pay more for their ‘flagship’ (aka Good) wine compared to their ‘2nd’ wine which are usually meant for early drinking. There is some co-relation between ‘good’ wine and price but it is not a fixed relationship.

Wines these days are becoming expensive. What are your views on this matter. In your opinion, what is a reasonable price for a “good” wine?

“Becoming expensive’ is again relative. It depends on when a person ‘enters’ (or start getting interested and start buying wines) the wine scene. When I started 10 years ago, some experienced collectors/customers think Penfolds Grange 1990 at around S$200 was expensive because they bought the 1982 for less than $100. But for me, that is a ‘benchmark’ price for Grange. So, when Grange 2002 was released last year at $450, it may appeared expensive to me but for someone who is ‘new’ and just discovered this wine, he will not have a ‘historical’ value to work on. For him, this is the price now and if he likes it, he will have to pay this ‘market’ price and obviously he will have to pay more if he wants the 1990 cos no way is he going to get cheaper than the latest new vintage. This ‘new’ person will probably think Grange 2012 is ‘expensive’ assuming that it may have to cost more than 1k per bottle on release in year 2017. And the cycle goes on. Also, don’t forget that wines of every vintage get depleted (consumption, spoilage or breakage) over the years, if there are still strong demands for the specific wine, price goes up. Since I always emphasize that a ‘good’ wine is a wine that you enjoy, a ‘reasonable’ price is the price that you are comfortable to pay for it within your means.

Can you tell us about some of the new ‘trends’ or developments in the wine industry?

There are more drinkers of champagnes these days. Champagne is becoming more as a ‘normal’ beverage like white/red wines instead of be ‘classified’ as a ‘celebratory’ drink that is only served on ’special’ occasions. There also seems to be a trend for ‘hard’ liquor drinkers getting more interested in Single-Malt Whiskey. The Stelvin closures are here to stay, probably will see more of it being used in the ‘Old World’ wines.

Last but not least. Tell us what The Moomba has in store for consumers.

The Moomba Wine Shop will continue to focus in providing wines at reasonable prices to our customers. There will also an increased in product mix and customers will get to see more ‘old world’ and older wines being offered on our wine list. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays, the Moomba Wineshop is located at 52A Circular Road. For queries, please call +65 6438 2438 or visit their website here.