Elite Selection Wines & Spirits

New Product:"Vintage 1953"-Jean Fillioux Cognac

2010-09-24T17:50:00.045+02:00

Welcome to La Pouyade domain! Dear Friends,

Pascal Fillioux, head taster of Jean Fillioux cognac has decided to present his new baby "Vintage 1953" from his own treseary cellar. Of course, it is a limited edition.

Description and tasting notes:

"Perched on high to reach for the sky" could be the translation of words written below the majectic cockerel on the family's coat of arms. It is a fine, noble motto that defines our past, our history and our traditions. "Take the high ground to see far" would be fit "La Pouyade", our lovely state that has been in the family since 1894. It is a perched at the top of the hill where our handsome manor house overlooks our magnificient vineyard standing in the heart of the Grand Champagne Cognac.
If Cognac has a soul, that soul is to be found in La Pouyade, and it is mirrored in this Vintage 1953, "Jean Fillioux" has been carefully tucked away just the right amount of time in the peace and quiet of our dark, damp cellars.
Discover for yourself this old vintage 1953, you'll feel like entering an old stately home.
Bathed in a deep, amber-red glow, you'll hesitate, feel a thrill of emotion, and then detect a perfume of dried flowers, a glass of old sherry.
You'll step along a magnificient waxed parquet floor, sensing notes of old leather and incense. The rich aromas of gingerbread quince confit and toasted orange zest suddenly come to the fore. Hints of liquorice and sweet spices will linger in your memory after the door gently closes.
"Welcome to the majectic, unique world of La Pouyade"

For me, one word will come to my mind "Perfection".
MFM

City Magazine July-Michel F-Martell Interview

2010-08-03T15:16:00.130+02:00

Cognac is running in his blood...Michel Firino-Martell

He got a pair of blue eyes, brown wavy hair, a handsome voice, a husky voice...with flow of words and style of graceful bearing that one would had thought he is a movie star from Hollywood. In fact, he is a typical French noble descent and the ninth generation of the famous Martell family.

Mr.Will Chan (W.C) :Can you tell us briefly your life experience?

Mr.Michel Firino-Martell (M.F-M): I was born a Martell as I am the ninth generation descendant of the family, I had my first taste of cognac at the age of eight. But, I didn't join the family business until 1994 that was after I graduated from my Business Administration. I was stationed in New York city and then later on in Miami and Chicago, responsible for the family business in Northern America and Latin America.

In 1988 my family business was sold to a Canadian wine and spirit company - Seagram as Seagram wanted to develop the Asia market they badly needed a well-known cognac. They have other business which involved with movies productions and recording and later on they had taken over the business of Universal and at the time my father, the eight generation of Martell was the chairman of the new Martell company.

In 2001 Seagram decided to sell Martell cognac to Pernod-Ricard so Martell was back to the hand of the French again...

In 2002 I decided to depart Pernod-Ricard when I was based in Asia. I worked in Singapore for two years then another two years in San Francisco. In 2005, with my inborn resources endowment from my family and the strong support and suggestion from few of my best friends, I started my own business and of course not under the name of Martell.

W.C: What are the biggest differences between Cognac and others spirits?

M.F-M: You really want to know the answer? Well, people can get very good brandy, but with making of cognac it has to be double distilled and then store in oak cask for minimum two and half years. The oak that made the cask had to be coming from a specific area otherwise the product cannot be called " Cognac". The name "Cognac" is legally protected and can only be produced in Cognac area, which is located at the south west of Paris three hours by TVG trains.

"VS" in cognac means "Very Special". In the past, England was the first country to import cognac from France. Perhaps, I have been talking too much about Cognac or may be I should be billing Pernod-Ricard...

W.C: What is Wines and Spirits mean to you?

M.F-M: Cognac is running in my blood...Ok, I am not going to talk about cognac anymore, my wife and I moved in Bordeaux. In fact, my daughter was born in Bordeaux. The decision of having my own wine business is a correct one because the wine business is on the growth; if i give you a figure you must be saying that I am ridicules - but if you look at the visitors at this Vinexpo Hong Kong and most of them are speaking Mandarin and they are from major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen but the fact there is a lot of them coming from Wuxi, Chungking, Dalian and Wuhan. I can see the way how the wine business going in the future as before it will only be business in the special economic zone and big cities but now even with the inland cities in China. The whole wine business is growing and overall in big demand especially to red wines and beside that Champagne but not really hard spirits anymore.

W.C: If you are to leave the wines and spirits business, what will you do next?

M.F-M: Actor...I love acting but I think it is too late now...Do you know Alain Delon, my father knew him as my father used to be the sponsor for the film festival in Cognac every year and there was always an award for action movie that Alain was invited in. But, personally I would prefer Jean-Paul Belmondo and Sophie Marceau, she is not only a beauty but a style of typical French lady. In someway, I also like Catherine Deneuve she is very accomplished woman, just like Cognac...She is totally different to Sophie Marceau. Sophie Marceau is a beautiful woman, a goddess like Angelina Jolie. What else I can tell you, I also like Jacky Chan and I love martial arts. People like us that traveling to places need to know how to protect ourselves, of course Hong Kong is a very safe place. I learned boxing for five years and also Chinese martial arts but now I am learning Krav-Maga, it is a martial art training for the elite soldiers from Israel. The people in our trade have to entertain and eat very often so I have to keep fit, if not my wife will kick me out of the door!

Jean Fillioux Cognac- Hong Kong Daily News July

2010-07-17T15:15:00.029+02:00

Dear Cognac Lovers,

Finally, we are getting some attention for our Jean Fillioux cognac (100% Grande Champagne cognac) and for their prestigious two wooden box: The collection and the Signature (see above) in Hong Kong Daily News in July Daily issue. This cognac is available in the market at Ponti Food & Wine Cellar shop (HK Central).
Santé!

New Product:"Vintage 1991"-Jean Fillioux Cognac

2010-07-04T15:09:00.032+02:00

Dear Friends,

Harvested and distilled in 1991, this cognac was aged in french recent loose grain oak casks, in a cool damp cellar.

Fresh and net on the nose with light notes of mint, then some aromas of dried flowers, lime tree flower, cut hay. Appetizing notes of compote of ripe fruits, peach, apricot, toffee. Lively on the palate, at first fresh spices, coriander, green pepper, clove.

Then rich and unctuous with its notes of brioche, “baba au rhum”, toasted coffee, licorice. Round and soft long finish.

Our recommandation don't wait too long to taste and buy it due to a small volume, you won't regret it.

If you want to orders, please do contact us by email at contact@elite-selection.com.

Cheers!

MFM

Jean Fillioux Cognac Seminar- Hong Kong-May 28th

2010-05-28T15:30:00.066+02:00

Dear Cognac Lovers,

(My friend Airey Wong on the left side, behind her Jean Fillioux cognac Vintage 1990)

After this enormous show as Vinexpo Asia, the next day I had the chance to give a seminar regarding Cognac which is my roots and where my family is coming from to Hong Kong journalists and Ponti Food & Wine Cellar staff.

Seminar or product training about cognac is always for me a great joy to share what makes cognac so different compared to other brandies.

Jean Fillioux Cognac Vintage 1990, Cep D'Or, Très Vieux and Réserve Familiale

But, remember this Cognac is the best brandy in the world that money can buy, Yam Sing! MFM

Elite Selection W & S Booth-Vinexpo Asia- Hong-Kong- May 25th-27th

2010-05-27T15:12:00.121+02:00

Dear Wines Lovers, Champagne Lovers, Cognac Lovers, Armagnac Lovers and Scotch Whisky Lovers,

For an event like this, a Wine & Spirits fair of this scale, it was most important to show you we were reliable in this huge market like Asia. That's why we've decided to have a booth with our exclusive brands in Asia such as J-De Telmont champagne, Cuvelier Wines, Gelas armagnac, Jean Fillioux Cognac and Michel Couvreur whisky.

You will see our booth below divided into 4 sections.

-Cuvelier Wines & Grands Crus Classes Counter-

- J-De Telmont Champagne counter -

-Gélas Armagnac Counter-

On the front side of the booth was J-De Telmont champagne counter, then left side Gelas armagnac counter, right side Cuvelier wines counter and in the middle our VIP lounge where it was displayed Jean Fillioux cognac and Michel Couvreur Whisky.


- Jean Fillioux Cognac & Michel couvreur Whisky -

For us, we can admit this Vinexpo Asia HK was the most intense by number of visitors and business activities since the organization decided it will take place in Hong Kong. Of course, we were exhausted after these 3 days in a roll. Thanks again to all friends, chateaux owners and clients who visited us during the show.
Warm Regards. MFM

First J-De Telmont Signature Lounge & Bar in Hong Kong- May 26th

2010-05-26T18:05:00.077+02:00

Dear Champagne Lovers,

(left to right: Pong, Olivier, Michel, Paul, Club Owner, Bertrand and Celine)

Since early May, there is the first signature lounge of De Telmont champagne in Hong Kong Island. On May 26th, we've stopped by to celebrate this opening of the first Champagne Bar.

(Left to right: Garry, Pong, Club Owner)

Great night and warm welcome, where De Telmont champagne was the only drink and champagne served that night. At the end, we opened a 1735 OR Vintage 1999 which is very unique for its taste and rare due to the small quantity produced every good vintage and aged in oak casks.

OR 1735 Vintage 1999

Many thanks and santé! MFM

Induction at La Commanderie du Bon Temps Dinner-Grand Hyatt Hong-Kong

2010-05-26T11:03:00.151+02:00

Dear Friends,

I am very proud to announce you I was inducted at La Commanderie du Bon Temps Medoc et Graves, Sauternes et Barsac as "Commandeur d'Honneur" by Mr. Emmanuel Cruse (owner of Ch. D'Issan in Margaux estate and Chief Master of La Commanderie du Bon Temps) and by Mr. Olivier Cuvelier (co-owner of Chateau Leoville-Poyferre St-Julien estate and president of H.Cuvelier & Fils) at The Commanderie Dinner during Vinexpo Hong Kong on May 25th in Grand Hyatt hotel.

The dinner was excellent with a great selection of wines from Bordeaux. We were seated at Chateau Leoville-Poyferre table with Didier Cuvelier, Didier's brother Olivier and his wife Stéphanie.

(from left to right: Olivier Cuvelier, Fion Tam and Michel F-Martell)

Thank you very much for this marvelous night! MFM

Elite Selection W&S- Private Dinner at The Regent Hotel during En-Primeurs 2009

2010-04-01T01:31:00.044+02:00

Dear Friends,

What a great souvenir! After this wonderful week of En-Primeurs 2009 with private visit & tasting the best vintage of this century, we wanted to thank our Asian friends who responded to our invitation in Bordeaux by a private dinner on Thursday, April 1st at The Regent Hotel.

My wife "Sylvie" and myself (left side) invited Philippe Gélas (owner of Gelas Armagnac, second right side) and Bertrand Lhopital (owner of J-De Telmont champagne, first right side) to share a fantastic and enjoyable moment.

Yam Sing!
MFM

Life Weekly-Beijing De Telmont champagne

2010-03-25T00:04:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share that our champagne J-De Telmont got a full page on Life Weekly in Beijing the past month as the champagne of the Month.

Santé!!!
MFM

Prestige Instant with De Telmont champagne-March 2010

2010-03-19T15:47:00.128+01:00

Dear Champagne Lovers,

We were last week-end (March19-21) in Champagne. To really get into champagne world, Bertrand (owner of De Telmont house) decided to organize for us a total visit of his region where he grew up.

In the morning, after a magnificient dinner the day before with my wife and friends we had the exciting moment to taste 3 different Grand Couronnement Cuvée from 1999-1996-1990 vintages.
For De Telmont house, the best expression of chardonnay is always coming from Avize and Chouilly villages.
In a way, they are the best two terroirs and the best chardonnay you can get from "Cotes des Blancs". This cuvée is always 100% chardonnay.

1- Grand Couronnement 1999-12°C
a) Color: light yellow
b) First and second nose: fine with ageing hints, then really elegant with some freshness.
c) Mouth: nice maturation, excellent blend of terroirs (60% Avize and 40% Chouilly), pleasant with a light acidity.
d) Suggestion : good for aperitive and will go nicely on a carpaccio of sea scallops...

2- Grand Couronnement 1996- 12°C
a) Color: light gold
b) First and second nose: good balance, discret with a certain complexity
c) Mouth: rancio, walnut, nuts, butter and hints of wood and vanilla
d) suggestion: good for an entree such as goose liver...

3- Grand Couronnement 1990- 12°C
a) Color: deep gold
b) First and second nose: good acidity, very elegant and well-done
c) Mouth: roasted, rancio, hints of cacao and coffee with a very light menthol finish
d) Suggestion: will go very well with a "creme brulée"

To finish this tasting, I will tell you these 3 vintages of Chardonnay were incredible and let you think that you can always combine your champagne with any dishes that you like to share with your friends!!!
Remember everybody has its own perception how to enjoy a champagne...and best thing is to respect it.

Sante!
MFM

Capital Magazine- February Issue 2010- De Telmont Champagne

2010-02-15T14:46:00.013+01:00

Dear Champagne Lovers,

We are very pleased to anounce De Telmont champagne Grand Vintage has been chosen by Capital Magazine for their February issue.

De Telmont Grand Vintage Brut

a) Grape variety: 40% Chardonnay, 20% pinot Noir and 40% Menier.

b) Tasting: fine bubbles, a good mousse and an unbroken string of bubbles.
A buttery, brioche note can be discerned in the initial nose. When swirled, the nose is more developed and present, with almond and toasted bread notes and hints of aniseed, cinnamon and spices.
The attack is strong and sumptuously fresh, with an elegant subtlety. It has a good length in the mouth, when almond and spice (cinnamon) notes return with a hint of aniseed. A beautiful harmony!

c) Suggestion: This is a champagne for grand occasions, delightful as an aperitif and at the end of the meal.

d) Wine advocate rating: 92 points for Vintage 2001
Cheers!
MFM

Esquire Magazine - February Issue 2010 -De Telmont Champagne

2010-02-12T11:53:00.003+01:00

Dear Champagne lovers,

We are pleased to show that Esquire Magazine have decided to feature De Telmont Champagne -Grand Rose for Valentine's day!

Grand Rose- Brut

a) Variety of grapes: 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir thus 15% are reserve wines.

b) Tasting:
-The color is raspberry pink with light salmon reflections. Nice, long-tasting mousse with fine bubbles.
- The initial nose reveals citrus fruit notes (grapefruit and lemon).
- When swirled, berry notes emerge (strawberry, raspberry and grape), with cherry eventually dominating.
- In the mouth, the taste buds really explode as if biting into a Morello cherry. There is a good attack with remarkable subtlety and an extraordinarily long finish.

c) Suggestion: A champagne for aperitifs, first courses and above all romantic moment!

Cheers!
MFM

Gelas Armagnac - video

2010-02-09T09:25:00.007+01:00

Hello Armagnac Lovers,

Indeed, Armagnac is a pure and refined spirits that pleasure will convince you to buy.
In the link, you'll see a video of Philippe Gélas, owner of Gélas house, explaining you what are the characteristics of his Armagnac and what makes his Armagnacs from Bas-Armagnac region the most recognized and undeniable the best you can find on the market nowadays!

Also, Gelas house is only house of Armagnac who can offer you the largest selection of vintages in stock from 1875 until today . During the video, you will see him inside of one of his cellars, tasting with his master blender Dominique (on the left at the beginning) one this magnificient Armagnac direct from the oak cask.

Philippe, we're listening. Please log on to the link below to enter to this great world:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPKp_P8CMYQ
Cheers!
MFM

Champagne De Telmont - Tasting of OR 1735 2000 & Consecration 2000

2010-02-03T14:19:00.100+01:00

Dear Friends,

Early this February, I was in Champagne region. Bertrand, the owner of champagne house, prepared two surprises for me.
First surprise was at the end of the morning, we've tasted a vintage 1998 Brut. It was amazing and fantastic with a lot of freshness and a long finish. That was the first vintage that Bertrand made and we can in a way said a new style of J. De Telmont started.

In the afternoon that was the second, we did a comparison tasting between the two top cuvée prestige of J. De Telmont:

a) O.R. 1735 Brut 2000
Nose: toasted, woody, brioche flavor.
Mouth: complexity, round, long finish.
It tastes like a wine if you decanted it will be even better.
My advice: 15 minutes in a ice bucket just before pouring and it will go very well on seafood.

b) Consecration Brut 2000
Nose: light and discrete.
Mouth: fresh, elegant with a great finesse.
My advice: it will be a great combination with white meat.

Santé!
MFM

PRIME Magazine- December 2009 N°60 - Chateau Le Crock & De Telmont Champagne

2009-12-23T16:14:00.113+01:00

Dear Wine and Champagne Lovers,

We are very pleased to announce that Cuvelier properties wines (Ch. Leoville-Poyferre, Ch. Moulin Riche, Pavillon-Poyferre and Ch. Le Crock, La Croix St-Estephe) and De Telmont champagne are getting more and more popular in Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong markets.

Indeed, you will see below during the Wine & Gourmet Fair in Macau this year, Olivier Cuvelier (left, President H. Cuvelier & Fils negociant) with a bottle of Chateau Le Crock (Cru Bourgeois, St-Estèphe) and Bertrand Lhopital (right, Owner, De Telmont champagne house) with a bottle of OR 1735 (100% Chardonnay).

Cheers and Our best wishes for this New Year Coming!!!
MFM

ESQUIRE Magazine-December 2009-J-DE TELMONT Champagne

2009-12-21T10:04:00.016+01:00

Dear Champagne Lovers,

We are honoured to announce De Telmont champagne are getting more and more recognized as a best boutique quality champagne in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China markets.

You will find below our editorial part in Esquire magazine December 2009 issue, Bertrand Lhopital (left) and Michel F-Martell (Right).

Santé and Merry Christmas!

Michel F-Martell

International Wine & Spirits London 2009-JEAN FILLIOUX COGNAC

2009-10-06T00:15:00.006+02:00

Dear Connoisseurs,

The best brandy that money can buy is for sure Cognac! It is our pleasure to announce Jean Fillioux cognac received the Silver Medal for its category "Très Vieux" in IWSC 2009 in London.

However, please see below all our awards and International press comments about Jean Fillioux:

LA POUYADE : Recommended by Cognac magazine ( edited by the famous Whisky magazine)- December 2008. One of the youngest tasted cognacs and the alone to be “ highly recommended”.

Guide Hachette 2010.

Guide Gault & Millau 2010 – « coup de cœur – love at first sight ».

NAPOLEON : Cognac guide – Axel and Bibiana Behrendt “ An amazingly forthright cognac with a buttery, oily aroma

( walnuts, marzipan) offset by slight yeasty notes; explodes on the tongue with vanilla, caramel, nuts and spicy notes. Very long finish”.

CEP D’OR : recommended by the famous French economic magazine LE POINT – November 2005

Cognac Guide – Axel and Bibiana Behrendt. “An altogether delightful experience”

STAR GOURMET : recommended by the famous French economic magazine LE POINT-december 2008 “cognac with a great personality, we can recognize through the usual finesse of the Jean Fillioux eaux de vie”.

TRES VIEUX :

“ The Brandy of the year” – Spirit Journal - USA ( Paul Pacult is the most famous spirit journalist in USA) – 1998.

“The Ten best brandy I’ve tasted : 1991-2000” – Spirit Journal –USA ( Paul Pacult)

The very famous english magazine DECANTER has chosen our quality XO Imperial ( Très Vieux) for “The Decanter Vintage Dinner” – November 2001.

Cognac guide –Axel and Bibiana Behrendt “ Very full, noble cognac”.

Recommended by the famous culinary french magazine Cuisine et Vins de France “ some great bottles”. January 2005

“10 Cognacs that you should know about” highest Recommendation – Wine Enthusiast –USA ( Paul Pacult) – April 2007

Recommended by the famous culinary French magazine REGAL – March 2009

NUMBER 1 in the famous german magazine Der Feinschmecker – January 2009

IWSC ( International Wine & Spirit Competition) – London 2009 – Silver medal.

Guide Hachette 2010 *

Guide Gault & Millau 2010 – “Coup de Coeur” ( Love at first sight)

CIGAR CLUB

Recommended by the famous French cigar magazine CLUB CIGARE – December 2000

Recommended by the famous german magazine VINUM – 1998 ( we have launched this cognac in 1997)

Recommended by the famous French magazine – La Revue du Vin de France – January 1999 “The only one in its Cognac & Cigar category worthy of a grand Puro, Bravo!”.

Trophy of the packaging in 1998

EXPERT COLLECTION – (XO Grande Reserve - Spéciale Amateur 44%)

Spirit Journal – USA (Paul Pacult) Superb - highly recommended « in a word, scrumptious » -september 2004

RESERVE FAMILIALE

Cognac Guide – Axel and Bibiana Behrendt “Noble distillate”

Wine Enthusiast –USA (Paul Pacult) – august 2001 – the Reserve Familiale has been classified in the category “Superb – Highly recommended”.

HAVANA CLUB – Cuba in February 25^th 2005 – “The Britain’s Bjorn Eriksson, cigar sommelier of Claridge’s Bar in London, today snapped up the title of Habanosommelier 2005. His combination of a Trinidad Robusto Extra Cigar and a Jean Fillioux Reserve Familiale Cognac earned him an outstanding 94% scored in the competition from the international panel of judges”.

Recommended by the famous French magazine Club Cigare – Reserve Familiale has been tasted with a Cohiba Sublimes

“ the combination of these two monsters is a true feast for the palate”.

In december 2006/January 2007, the very famous French wines and spirits magazine La Revue du Vin de France, after a tasting with the big cognac houses, the middle size and the small one has declared our Reserve Familiale, was the best cognac in the category Extra.

As we always said: Yam Sing!!! MFM

Champagne De Telmont

2009-09-11T18:11:00.005+02:00

Dear Champagne Lovers,

As everybody knows, in Champagne region the harvest already started. So, just to refresh you memory and to give you a little appetite, we do invite you to visualize the video of our exclusive house of champagne in Asia "De Telmont house" located in Damery and owned by Bertrand Lhopital, 4th Generation of Lhopital Family. Santé! MFM

Chee Tea Liquor-Life in Force!!!

2009-07-17T15:06:00.002+02:00

Hello there!
I know it has been a long time. We just want to share with you our Chee-Tea White and Black Liquor is now listed since few months at Sky Connection in all duty-free chains in Hong Kong.

See picture below.

La Coupole restaurant-Great memory!!!

2009-06-28T17:07:00.008+02:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you never had a chance to meet my sister Alix (seated on the left and Business Associate at Elite Selection Wines & Spirits Co) , after two days in Champagne we enjoyed a great dinner with our friends Terence, Paul, Sarah (from left to right)at the famous "La Coupole restaurant" in Paris. As we said, Campei and Yam Sing!!!.

De Telmont Champagne-visit June 26-27th

2009-06-27T10:00:00.004+02:00

Dear De Telmont lovers and future ones,

We were very enthousiast to show to our friends how Lhopital family improved their quality champagne through 4 generations. Thanks a lot, Bertrand!

Fête de La Fleur June 25th- Ch. D'Issan

2009-06-25T15:36:00.009+02:00

Dear Friends,

Great evening and magnificient château, this year Fête de la Fleur dinner was taking place at château d'Issan (3rd Classified growth of Margaux Estate) owns by Mr. Emmanuel Cruse, as every two years after Vinexpo we have a privilege to invite our best customers at the black-tie dinner for Bordeaux but above all they are very good friends!!!

See below my very good friend Paul from Macau who was "intronised" and he is now a Commander of La Commanderie du Bontemps Médoc, Graves, Sauternes & Barsac.

Château Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion tasting - June 22nd 09

2009-06-22T10:27:00.009+02:00

Dear Lovers of Pessac,

During Vinexpo 2009, we had the pleasure to visit and to taste Chateau Haut-Brion 2004 and Château Mission Haut-Brion 2004 (see below)

Picture of my good friend Serena from Hong Kong.

Vinexpo 2009 - June 21st-25th 2009

2009-06-21T08:30:00.005+02:00

Dear Customers,

This year we can not tell that Vinexpo 2009 was busy compared to two years but we did have some great meetings more efficient in a sense. Two of our houses were presented De Telmont Champagne house and Gelas Armagnac house. See pictures below:

A) De Telmont champagne booth:

B) Gelas Armagnac booth

Jean Fillioux Grande Champagne visit

2009-06-20T10:00:00.007+02:00

Dear Cognac lovers,

Everybody knows because of my roots, I do love cognac but only good ones!!!. Here, we are in presence of Pascal Fillioux (owner of Jean Fillioux house). Thank you so much Pascal!

Château Lafite-Rothschild - Private visit&tasting June 19th, 2009

2009-06-19T18:40:00.009+02:00

Dear Pauillac Lovers,

Just before Vinexpo 2009, we took our friends to a private visit of Château Lafite-Rothschild and followed by a special tasting (see left and right).

Thanks again for this excellent and rare time sharing with connoisseurs. Santé! MFM

Château Leoville-Poyferré- visit & tasting- June 19th

2009-06-19T14:19:00.004+02:00

Dear all,

As always the warm welcome and generosity of Mr. Didier Cuvelier (owner) is at the level of this superb Château Leoville-Poyferré (2nd Classified Growth- St-Julien estate). Thanks again, Didier!!!

Gelas Armagnac - June 18th

2009-06-18T00:00:00.001+02:00

Dear Armagnac Connoiseur's,

We enjoyed our visit and tasting in June with Philippe Gélas and also our great lunch!
I do realize even today armagnac is noble as cognac...and deserve more attention than before.
Thank you Philippe!

Château Petrus - April 2008

2009-04-30T11:21:00.006+02:00

Dear Petrus lovers,

What can we say..., Château Petrus owned by Mr. Jean-Francois Moueix will always be one of the finest pomerol you can have!!!

Thanks a lot Elizabeth for your kindness, as it is always a pleasure to meet again people who used to work at Martell Cognac house!!!

After such a good souvenir and emotion, we had to celebrate the end of this great week together by opening a Jeroboam 1998 Blanc de Blancs of De Telmont champagne!!!

Hong Kong Wines lovers!!!

2009-04-29T10:58:00.008+02:00

Hello my Friends,

What a great memory we had after this En-Primeurs 2008, we were pleased to host our Hong Kong wine lovers and experts of Bordeaux end April.

We had a privilege to visit and to taste different vintages (2008, 2007, 2006) at château Vieux Chateau Certan (Pomerol) with Mr. Alexandre Thienpont (owner).

What was next that day? Of course, we went to Château Le Pin (Pomerol) and there we were honoured to be received by Mr. Jacques Thienpont (owner).

And, voila Mr. Jacques Thienpont a truly gentleman generously opened up a bottle of Le Pin 2006!!! That was extremely enjoyable....

En-Primeurs Bordeaux 2008

2009-04-01T10:02:00.004+02:00

Dear Bordeaux lovers,

True this campaign wasn't an easy one for anybody but it will reveal some excellent wines and above all from different estate.

We host some of my goods friends Peter, Chor Hwa and Kelvin from Singapore during 1st week of April. Here we are, opening a Jeroboam of De Telmont Champagne Blanc de Blancs 1998 to celebrate this great week of private tasting and visit we had together.

Korea Visit

2008-12-18T19:17:00.004+01:00

Dear Friends,

Back to Seoul, great city and good night life thanks to your warm welcome Hyung Soo and to your celibrity friendsTo Good Life! MFM

Singapore visit

2008-12-12T18:56:00.007+01:00

Dear Friends,

What a lovely memory and great time as usual in Singapore with friends there:

(Clinton, on the left and Philippe, Gabriel and Peter on the right enjoying De Telmont Vintage 2001)

In addition, I would like to thank my friends Derek, Albert and Sean for their great welcome.

And as well Kenneth, Kelvin and Grayson.
Yam Sing!!!
MFM

Malaysia Visit

2008-12-09T19:08:00.005+01:00

Dear Friends,

Kuala Lumpur will always stay a great place to be but what a country Malaysia so I would like to thank you my friends Sean and his family (left) and Chris and Lionel (right) below:

and, above all my friend KC.
Thanks to all and Yam Sing!!!

Guangdong Province Visit

2008-11-10T18:26:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks like I really enjoyed my time with you Andrew.
Also, I would like to thank you Summer and your husband for the great time I did have with your entire team.
Cheers! MFM

Guangxi province visit

2008-11-08T18:14:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends,

After all, I had a privilege to travel to South West China to visit my friend Peng (below) Julien (below) and I would like to thank for their warm welcome in the coffee capital. Thanks a lot and see you soon for more singing and yam sing!!! MFM

Shenzhen visit

2008-11-08T17:59:00.005+01:00

Dear Friends,

Great visit in Shenzhen and thanks to my friends Johnson and Gary for their warm welcome.And also, I won't forget our sake night with my friend Eric and Felix.
Yam Sing!
MFM

Graves estate - Chateau Grand Vin de Crabitey

2008-07-04T10:12:00.005+02:00

Dear Wine Lovers,

Graves Estate is always well-known but probably less than Pessac-Leognan which is part of it. Everybody knows that finest wines of this appellation are concentrated there. Believe or not, Mr. Arnaud de Butler (above) is brother in law of Olivier and Didier Cuvelier owners of Ch. Leoville-Poyferré which means Mr. de Butler as his brothers in law is devoted to his wines and maintained the same quality level for each wine "Ch. Grand Vin de Crabitey, Chateau Trébiac and Chateau Des Graves" (below).

Enjoy!
MFM

Vinexpo-Asia/Hong Kong 2008

2008-05-23T14:24:00.007+02:00

Dear all,

Vinexpo-Asia was for us a tremendous success for everything. Only 4 of our houses were represented Champagne De Telmont, Cuvelier & Fils (Vignobles & Signature), La Passion des Terroirs and Gelas armagnac (below, Ms. Martine Sans and myself/Gelas booth left and right De Telmont booth). Thanks to all customers ans visitors!!!MFM

Private Visit and Tasting in Bordeaux - Spring 2008

2008-04-01T14:21:00.004+02:00

Dear Friends and Wines Lovers,

We were pleased to host some of our customers from Asia during primeurs campaign April 2007 in Bordeaux city. They were coming from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore.

Here's below, we had a great time with Mrs. Bérénice Thomas-Lurton owner of Château Climens (Barsac Estate) during the visit of her Château.

Cheers!
MFM

Back to Michel Couvreur Whisky secrets

2008-03-13T02:08:00.021+01:00

Dear Whisky Lovers,

Back around mid-March in Burgundy, I had the privilege to visit and to stay at our Michel Couvreur's place.

We decided to start over by a tasting of 6 whiskies with Michel Couvreur and Jean-Arnaud Frantzen:

1- Overaged Malt Whisky, 43% alc/vol:
nose: smooth, suave and smokey.
mouth: round, floral and powerful.
remark: blending of an incredible selection of single malts aged between 12 and 27 years old. Excellent for aperitive on the rocks.

2- The Transition, 45% alc/vol (20 years old):
nose: floral and hints of vanilla (coming from its american cask)
mouth: liquorice, doloroso, aniseed and very long after taste.
remark: after dinner drink with a churchill.

3- Fleeting Single Cask, 45% alc/vol, 750 btls only (15 years old, distilled in September 27th 1993):
nose: toasty, woody and vanilla
mouth: long finish and menthol taste.
remark: great served straight or with ice cube.

4- Blossoming Auld Sherried, 45% alc/vol, single cask whisky (over 17 years old) :
nose: round, spices (peppar)
mouth: mellow, fresh, souple and concentrated.
remark: very similar as old rum or a good whiskey from Tenessee.

5- The Very Sherried, 45% alc/vol (over 26 years old):
nose: creamy and smooth
mouth: a lot of finesse and well-balanced
remark: a perfect fit with a nice torpedo Cuban cigar.

6- Dis'closure, Malt, single cask whisky, 50% alc/vol (10 years old):
nose: iodine flavor and very parfumed
mouth: Liquorice, heavy but very mild and very nice finish.
remark: after lunch drink.

Thanks again for your hospitality at Bouze-les-Beaunes!!!
MFM

Small owners of Armagnac by Gelas House

2008-03-05T01:45:00.015+01:00

Dear Connoisseurs,

Early March, I went to see Philippe Gélas in Gers county to discuss more about his selection of different domains called Gelas Estates in Armagnac region.

We started our tasting with Dominique Marsan (Master Blender of Gélas house) by:

- Domaine du Bruch (vintage 1990, 48.8% alc/vol) 100% Ugni Blanc, unchilfiltered and bottled in 2002:
nose: splendid with some hints of cacao and caramel
mouth: some spices at the beginning, liquorice, candied fruit and long finish
remark: great for aperitive

- Domaine du Moussoulet (vintage 1989, 48.1% alc/vol) 50% Baco and 50% Ugni Blanc, small batch, natural cask strenght and bottled in 2007:
nose: smokey, creamy and thick
mouth: almond, liquorice, nice start but goes up after and reveal all its finesse.
remark: excellent with a chocolate dessert.

- Domaine de Lacaze (vintage 1982, 45,4% alc/vol) 50% Ugni Blanc and 50% Colombard and bottled in 1999:
nose: round and mellow
mouth: very well balanced and extremely on the roundness.
remark: after dinner drink with an excellent Cuban robusto or double corona.

- Domaine de La Prade (vintage 1983) 100% Ugni Blanc, Tenareze growing area and bottled in 2000:
nose: curry and prune
mouth: floral as rose flower and light rancio
remark: after lunch drink with a Dominican robusto

I would like to thank again Philippe for his warm welcome. Santé!
MFM

Château Mission Haut-Brion/Grand Cru Classé de Graves/Pessac-Leognan

2008-02-06T01:11:00.016+01:00

Dear Readers,

Everybody will admit, we can not avoid to speak about Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion even if Chateau Haut-Brion is in fact cross the road.

On the 2nd of November 1983, Domaine Clarence Dillon S.A., already owner of Chateau Haut-Brion, bought Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion from the descendants of the Woltner family. Twenty years later, under the presidency of the Duchesse de Mouchy, daughter of the Hon. Douglas Dillon, former Ambassador to France and Secretary of the Tresury under President Kennedy, Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion pursues a lengthy program of quiet renovation. A new cuvier that was built in 1987, the chateau which has been entirely modernized and a new chai worthy of La Mission, all bear witness to this desire for perfection.
Today, a new generation watches over the destiny with his mother, the Duchesse de Mouchy, oversees the management of the properties belonging to Domaine Clarence Dillon S.A..

We have a chance to visit their cellar ahd they use only new casks at 100% every year in the winemaking process.
The average time for ageing is 22 months.
Vine varieties:
Merlot noir 45%
Carbernet Franc 7%
Cabernet Sauvignon 48%
Average age of vines: 19 years old.

Tasting room at Ch. La Mission Haut-Brion below:

Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion 2004: intense by the nose, complex with notes of smoke, tobacco and roasted coffe grains but still a pleasant fruit. A well-balanced wine and a great seducer for this vintage.

Thank you very much for this great visit. Sante,
MFM

Château Haut-Brion/1er Grand Cru Classé/Pessac-Leogan

2008-02-06T01:10:00.013+01:00

Dear Pessac-Leognan lovers,

Here, we are in February 2008 and extremely pleased to visit one of most well-known and recognized chateau of Pessac-Leognan estate "Chateau Haut-Brion". Today, the continuity and presence of the Dillon family are ensured, for the next generation, by Prince Robert of Luxembourg who watches over the destiny of Domaine Clarence Dillon S.A. alongside his mother, the Duchess de Mouchy.

We started by their cellar on your left. At Chateau Haut-Brion, all the first wine is put into new casks for a period of twenty months. This use of new barrels goes back to the beginning of the 18th century, to a time when the old, poorly maintained casks used to contaminate the new wine and irreparably spoil it.

Ch.Haut-Brion 2001 tasting: a very good year (weather conditions were fairly similar to those 2000), dense and youthful color and for a young wine, the aromas jump out of the glass.

Thanks again for your warm welcome. Cheers!
MFM

Château Latour/1er Grand Cru Classé/Pauillac

2008-02-05T23:33:00.018+01:00

Dear Bordeaux Connoisseurs,

Early February, I had the privilege with Cuvelier house to visit some of greatest vineyards started with"Château Latour", 1st classified growth of Pauillac, Bordeaux . The history of château Latour began in 1378. In 1670, Ségur family bought its great domain and kept it until 1963. From 1963 to 1993, the domain was owned by the British. And, in 1993 the Château went back to the French as it was bought over by Mr.Francois Pinault.

We saw the different steps for making process of this prestigious wine.

Above all, the paradise cellar will astonish you by the reserve of very old vintages.

Then, we ended-up by the tasting room surrounded by the vineyards (below) where we tasted their 3 wines (Pauillac de Latour 2006, Les Forts de Latour 2003 and Grand Vin de Château Latour 2001) conducted by Ms.Sonia Favreau.

*Pauillac de Latour 06:
49% Cabernet Sauvignon,
45% Merlot,
6% Petit Verdot.

Average ageing (vineyards): 10 years old

Floral and fruity.

*Les Forts de Latour 03:
78% Cabernet Sauvignon,
22% Merlot.

Average ageing (vineyards): 35 years old

Fresh, dense and complex.

*Grand Vin de Château Latour 01:
79% Cabernet Sauvignon,
18% Merlot,
1% Cabernet Franc,
2% Petit Verdot.

Average ageing (vineyards): 50 years old

Very pure and very elegant, not its usual strengh but an interesting suppleness.

We would like to thank you for your warm welcome.

Cheers!
MFM

Château Lafite-Rothschild/1er Grand Cru Classé/Pauillac

2008-02-05T14:45:00.022+01:00

Dear Friends and Pauillac connoisseur,

The first known reference to Lafite dates to 1234 with a certain Gombaud de Lafite, abbot of the Vertheuil Monastery north of Pauillac, Lafite’s mention as a medieval fief dates to the 14th century.

The name Lafite comes from the Gascon language term “la hite”, which means “hillock”. There were probably already vineyards on the property at the time when the Ségur family organised the vineyard in the 17th century, and Lafite began to earn its reputation as a great winemaking estate. Jacques de Ségur is credited with the planting of the Lafite vineyard in the 1670’s and in the early 1680’s. In 1695, Jacques de Ségur’s heir, Alexandre, married the heiress of Château Latour, and they gave birth to Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur. The fiefs of Lafite and Latour were thus unified at the beginning of their estate legacy

On 8 August 1868, Baron James de Rothschild purchased Château Lafite, which had been placed under public sale through the inheritance of Ignace-Joseph Vanlerberghe.

The Barons de Rothschild recovered possession of Château Lafite Rothschild at the end of 1945, and Baron Elie was responsible for recovering the estate’s business. In 1975, Baron Eric de Rotschild, nephew of Baron Élie, took his place. Today, Charles Chevallier is the technical director of the Domaines.

We started our tour by the room of this big oak vat and followed by first cellar. Don't forget, The barrels are all made at the Domaine’s cooperage.

The ageing phase of the wine begins in the chai, which takes between 18 and 20 months. Here, it is below. We are inside the famous cellar which could be used for an Opera.

We ended-up by an extraodinary tasting with a comparaison of two vintages 1994 and 2006.

*Château Lafite-Rothschild 1994
99% Cabernet sauvignon
1% Petit Verdot
Average ageing (vineyards): 30 years old
Pure and fresh.

*Château Lafite-Rothschild 2006
82% Cabernet sauvignon
16% Merlot
2% Cabernet Franc
Fine and elegant.

We would like to thank you for this great visit and tasting.

MFM

Château Margaux/1er Grand Cru Classé/Margaux

2008-02-05T13:38:00.009+01:00

Dear Margaux lovers,

Here we are, in presence of 1st classified growth of Margaux: Château Margaux. We can not start a visit without a little history about this wine of excellence.
At the end of the 17 century, Château Margaux became part of the nascent elite "First Growths" long before established officially by the classification of 1855. Today, it is linked most closely to the work of Mr.André Mentzelopoulos who became the owner in 1977. After he passed away, his daughter Corinne Mentzelopoulos took over and she and her team still devote the same deep for this magnificient place.

First, we went through their enormous oak vats where a fermentation process will take 3 weeks. Then, the cellar of ageing the wines (beside) for a period of 18 to 24 months in a new oak barrels.

Above, the other cellar below which was trully an experience due to its size and architecture.

Finally, we finished our visit by a tasting conducted by a young lady Ms. Marie Meunier.

Château Margaux 2004:
Cabernet sauvignon 75%
Merlot 20%
Petit verdot and Cabernet franc 5%

Average ageing (vineyards): 35 years old.

Floral, dense and a classic margaux

Once again, we would like to thank for your welcome.

MFM

Château Mouton-Rothschild/1st Grand Cru Classé/Pauillac

2008-02-05T00:14:00.018+01:00

Dear Pauillac lovers,

Yes, after this great visit we ended-up our tour by one a famous 1st classified growth in Pauillac: Château Mouton-Rotschild.

Back to the legacy of this very well-known and influent family in the Bordeaux scene, this is mainly what you should know:

In 1853, an English member of the Rothschild family, Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, purchased the property then called Chateau Brane-Mouton and renamed it Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.
In 1922, his great grandson, the legendary Baron Philippe, took its destiny into his own hands, and gave it a new start.
The sixty years of his ownership bear, the stamp of his strong personnality, his entrepreneurial flair and his sens of innovation.
In 1924, he initiated the hitherto unusual practice of bottling all production at the Chateau. This innovation brought with it the need for more storage capacity.
In 1926, he built the famous 100 meter long "Grand Chai".
In 1945, Baron Philippe conceived the original idea of crowning the Mouton label with a work of art created for this purpose by famous artists: Miró, Chagall, Braque, Picasso, Warhol, Bacon, Balthus, among others.
In 1962, he created at Mouton the "Museum of Wine in Art" which displays a priceless collection of art works relating to wine and the vine.

After a twenty-year battle, Baron Philippe obtained a revision of the 1855 Classification and in 1973, Mouton-Rothschild became officially a Premier Cru Classé.
Since her father's death in 1988, Baroness Philippine has assumed control of Mouton-Rothschild, enhancing still further its quality and reputation around the world.

Of course, we have at least to give an overview about this incredible history. During the visit, we went to see every steps of making

We also had these two special moments during this exquisite visit:

First one, when we arrived inside the paradise reserve where they kept a fantastic selection of vintages.

Second one, when we did taste the vintage 2006.
87% Cabernet Sauvignon
13% Merlot

It was really on the fruit, pleasant and very elegant.

We would like to thank you for your warm welcome again.

Cheers!

MFM

Gaja Family Estates

2008-01-25T22:59:00.015+01:00

Dear Italian wines defenders,

As some of you probably noticed, I was in Italy this month of January 2008. This time, I took along with me a great translator "Rosella Sabouraud" (below) I couldn't find better tranlastor than a native speaker which is my mother and she is from Torino to meet some differents wineries mostly in the Piedmont region.

In fact, we will focus into one "Gaya". We arrived in the afternoon at Gaya winery in the center of Barbaresco village and Mr.Stefano Canello (Mr. Angelo Gaya relative's, right side) conducted the visit.

Going back to their history, you have to know that Gaja family settled in the piedmont region in the northwest Italy in the mid-seventeenth century. Four generations of Gajas have been producing wines in Piedmoont's Langhe hills since 1859, the year Giovanni Gaja, a local grape grower, founded the Gaja Winery in Barbaresco.

Today, The Gaja winery owns 250 acres of vineyards in the Barbaresco district (Barbaresco and Treiso) and the Barolo district (Serralunga d'Alba and La Morra). In 1988, they acquired a 30 acre vineyard in one of Serralunga's best areas and named it Sperss, which means in Piedmontese for nostalgia. It refers to the Gaja family's nostalgia for the powerful character of Serralinga wines. So, this wine is Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 94% Nebbiolo and 6% Barbera. We are in presence of a deep structure, the nose is pure and very focused fruit with a touch of truffles. Ageing will be 12 months in barriques then 12 months in large Oak casks.
In 1994, the Gayas acquired their first wine estate in Tuscany, Pieve S.Restituta in Montalcino. The property's forty acres of vineyards produce two brunello di Montalcino wines: Sugarille and Rennina.

In 1996, the Gaya family purchased a second property in Tuscany, Ca'Marcanda, located in the bolgheri district in the commune of Castagneto Carducci. New plantings of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Sangiovese cover 250 acres. The wines produced at Ca'Marcanda are Promis, Magari and Camarcanda (below). The 2000 vintage is the first release of each of these wines.

This is wine is Bolgheri DOC, 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is very complex and well-structured, nose with rich fruit. Ageing 18 months in new barriques, then at least 12 months of bottle ageing.

We would like to thank you for you warm welcome.
Saluti and Grazie!
MFM

Château d'Issan/3e Grand Cru Classé Margaux

2008-01-22T00:46:00.000+01:00

Dear Margaux lovers,

I had the privilege to meet Mr.Emmanuel Cruse owner of Ch. D'Issan (right above), 3rd classified growth in Margaux. Chateau d'Issan is located at the entrance of the village of Cantenac.
In 1945, the Cruse family purchased the property and since then Issan revealed its true potential. Today, the heirs of Emmanuel Sr and Marguerite Cruse run the estate with the true passion and continue to make improvements in both vineyards and the technical aspects of winemaking.

After a wonderful lunch at the chateau, we started our visit through the cellars conducted by Mr.Cruse, himself.

Following vinification, the wines are meticulously tasted and barrels are set aside for blending, one batch at the time.

And so begins the slow ageing of the wine during 18 months in oak barrels.Château D'Issan has become synonymous with the Charm, Suppleness and Finesse which are the hallmarks of its great terroir of 300 acres. This is an authentic Margaux (65% Cabernet-Sauvignon-35% Merlot)

In 1995, a second wine was born Blason d'Issan made from the youngest vines on the property blended with juice from fully mature vines. It will be perfect for those who wants to get a first step in the world of great Margaux.

I would like to thank again Mr.Emmanuel Cruse and his staff for their warm welcome.

Santé!
MFM

A day at the right bank of Bordeaux

2008-01-16T16:01:00.000+01:00

Dear Readers,

Wednesday January 16th, a very cold, windy and rainning day in Pomerol estate, we went with Laure Chavaroche (Export manager of H.Cuvelier House) to meet Mr. Nicolas Despagne, one of the owner with Gerard Despagne of Chateau La Rose Figeac and Chateau Hautes Graves Beaulieu.

In the morning, we arrived at Ch. Maison Blanche in Montage Saint-Emilion area where everything takes place after the harvest made by hand every year. As you can see below the vinification is also traditionnal with a control of temperatures which will be about three weeks. (below)

The whole production (13.25 acres) of Ch.La Rose Figeac does age in French oak barrels during 12 to 15 months and for the second wine Ch. Hautes Graves Beaulieu is about 12 months. We ended-up this visit by a tasting of 2004, 2005 and 2006 .

Both wines were very delicate but Ch.Rose Figeac was more complex and well-balanced compared to the second wine.
Don't forget H.Cuvelier & Fils has the exclusivity of Hautes Graves Beaulieu since 2003 vintage.

After, we took the direction to Saint-Emilion estate to visit Ch.Angélus (1st Grand Cru Classé B, St-Emilion) owned by Mr.Hubert de Boüard de Laforest. This mythic and fantastic premium wine is also associated to perfection and tradition because seven generation have been involved and maintained the same style through these years among 58.5 acres of vines.

The wines ageing part is a minimum 20 months but can go 28 months in oak barrels, this will depend on the vintage.

We had the privilege to have the visit done by the headtaster.
Then, we finished by a tasting of 2004 vintage which was a classic with a slight touch of black fruits, moka, liquorice and new french oak. A lot of finesse and a long finish.

He indicated to us this one will be matured between 2010 and 2025 but he insisted as well their wines can be accessible younger and they will still reveal an intense and rich taste of fruit.

Then, following our lunch in Saint-Emilion village we had an appointment with Mr.Francois Despagne, owner of Ch.Grand Corbin-Despagne (St-Emilion Grand Cru). His vineyards are about 66.35 acres and located at the boundaries of St-Emilion estate. Since 1998, there is a second wine called Petit Corbin-Despagne.

Mr. Despagne (below) conducted himself the tasting but he showed us the great cellar behind the tasting room.

Of course, after viewing those magnificient format and selection of old vintages, we finished our day by the tasting Ch.Grand Corbin-Despagne 2004. For him, the wine is a truly classic with very rich fruity taste but with elegance and finesse.

I would like to thank you all Chateaux owners for their warm welcome and for sharing their passion with us.

Cheers,
MFM

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey/1st Cru in Sauternes

2008-01-11T09:17:00.000+01:00

Dear Sauternes connoisseurs,

This premier cru in Sauternes growth used to be part of Cordier negociant, today is owned by Suez group. The vineyards are about 98.80 acres and divided in three parts. The first one is located north of the chateau, second part is very near to the bottom of Chateau Yquem (Premier Cru Superieur) and close to Chateau Suduiraut (Premier Cru) and finally last one is in Bommes area.

This castle is just full of surprise. It has been totally renovated by Suez group for the pleasure of the best customers which have the privilege to stay. (check this typical castle atmosphere in the living room on the left, and special reserve of 1945 Ch.Lafaurie-Peyraguey on the right)

Well, going back to what we're delighted and interested in Ch.Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Mr.Eric Larramona, Director (see picture below) invited me early this month of January to learn more about the extreme and intense work that must be done to be one of the most delicious sauternes of its growth.

After visiting the cellar, Mr. Laramona conducted a remarquable tasting on 3 vintages 2004, 2005 and 2006.

- 2004: Bottled in June 2006, ageing 18 months in a oak cask, is a classic vintage, well-balance less fresh than 2002 but with litlle spices in the mouth.
- 2005: Bottled in June 2007, same ageing, too young, fruity and complex. Comparable to 1997 vintage.
- 2006: will be bottled in June 2008, same ageing, long harvest and hand picked, the nose can already reveal some passion fruit and woody taste.

And, again Eric I would like to thank you for your warm welcome and I would say to our wines lovers: "open your mind to Sauternes region as many times we forget about such jewel excists!!!

MFM

Jean Fillioux Single Cask tasting and Marthe Cognac Discovery

2007-12-05T00:06:00.000+01:00

Dear Epicureans,

In December 2007, I finally had a chance to take some time to go back to Jean Fillioux cognac house in Charente county after a long trip in Asia right in the heart of Grande Champagne vineyards.

At the end of the morning, we finished our discussion by a great tasting with Pascal Fillioux (Fourth Generation, see picture below).

We began with Cask N°76 which was in a certain way corresponding to the vintage year 1976. I should say great nose, fine in the mouth and with a very nice finish at the end, a typical Grande Champagne cognac (see below).

Then, just followed by the cask N°70, just to compare if they were any difference noticeable in between two cognacs from the 70's (right side).
Imagine a second, the bottle was n°523 of 540 bottles, you can still tell master blender or head taster is capable to maintain and to reveal the same extreme finesse with a long after-taste to each one.

Well, we just had a wonderful family's lunch with Mrs.Monique Fillioux and their son Christophe. And, early afternoon I had the privelege to taste Cognac Marthe collection(see below) which is also owned by Pascal Fillioux. The history from this cognac, it is a lovely story. But, to make it short the cognac was made for Mrs. Marthe Chevrolet (yes, the famous car dealer Chevrolet) who falled in love with Cognac region end of nineteen century and decided to establish herself with a Fillioux family member.
The range is for connoisseur and for artist because each color will remind you the palette of a painter. The "Aquarelle" XO (average 18 years old, Grande Champagne cognac 100%) in blue on left side, center "Fauve" Extra (average 23 years old, Grande Champagne cognac 100%) and "Sepia" Very Rare (average 30 years old and in limited quantities, Grande Champagne cognac 100%). This cognac is sold to key accounts in duty paid in Europe and in United States and also in some Duty Free chains. You will be very surprised by this quality cognac.

I would like to thank you for your warm welcome and to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Great finish for this end of the year with a glass of Reserve Familiale and a great cuban cigar!

MFM

Back to Michel Couvreur atmosphere in Burgundy/ October 2007

2007-10-10T23:42:00.000+02:00

Dear Whisky connoisseurs and friends,

I should say back to Michel Couvreur's land instead of Burgundy region even if Michel Couvreur's house is located not too far from Beaune city.

(above Michel Couvreur and myself just before going down to his cellar)

I had the privilege to visit him a couple days there in mid-October. Mr. Michel Couvreur kindly invited me to stay in his lovely guest house just above the cellars. Do not ask me, but at night is almost a travel to Scotland because all the ingredients are combined to feel it. (see below)
Next day, we made a special selection with Mr.Couvreur for a tasting conducted by Mr.Jean-Arnaud Frantzen(head taster, on the left) and assisted by Mr.Cyril Deschamps (son-in-law of Mr.Michel Couvreur, on the right)

First, we started with 10 years old "Fleeting Single Cask".
Nose: roasted, vanilla, floral and fresh
Taste: elegant, round and good start with a long finish.
I will definitely recommand this one during Spring season.

Second, it was the "Blossoming auld sherried", 18 years old.
Nose: floral, aromatic and fruity
Taste: old cognac, very long in the mouth and touch of quince at the end.
I will say we are getting to another stratosphere.

Third, extreme and magnificient "For Ever Young Pristine, 35 years old"
Nose: light amber, floral and blond tobacco
Taste: finesse, great finish with a long aftertaste.
I will give one word to this whisky "Quintessence"

I almost forgot during our tasting I did ask to Mr.Couvreur and to Mr.Frantzen if they had something extremely special and unique they never offered to anybody. And, I had the honor to sip from the Cask 69 (April 1969) Malt whisky of 38 years old, (see below). I will keep for me my tasting notes on this one due to its rarety but I would only add it is strickly coming from Mr.Couvreur paradise cellar.

I would like to thank again Mrs. Couvreur and Mr.Couvreur and their team for their always warm welcome.
Cheers in Bouze-les-Beaune!
MFM

Lucien Lurton family/September 2007

2007-09-27T17:11:00.001+02:00

Dear Bordeaux Lovers,

During the harvest season and last week of September 2007, I had a privelege to visit several chateaux of the Lurton family, Chateau Gruaud-Larose (2nd growth of St-Julien), Ch.Haut-Bages Libéral (5th growth of Pauillac) , Ch.Camensac (5th growth of Haut-Medoc) and Ch.Chasse-Spleen.

(Ch.Gruaud-Larose, Mr.Francois Villars on the right)

Lurton family is the largest independent Estate and Chateau owner family in the Bordeaux region. Lucien Lurton gradually acquired 11 estates : Ch.Brane-Cantenac (2nd growth of Margaux owned by Henri Lurton), Ch.Haut-Nouchet (Pessac-Leognan, organic wine owned by Louis Lurton), Ch.Climens ( 1st growth of Barsac owned by Bérénice Lurton), Ch.Dufort-Vivens (2nd growth of Margaux owned by Gonzague Lurton), Ch.Camarsac (Bordeaux superieur owned by Bérénice Lurton), Ch. Tour de Bessan (Cru Bourgeois of Margaux owned by Marie-Laure Lurton), Ch.Bouscaut (classified growth of Graves-Pessac-Leognan, owned by Sophie Lurton), Ch.Duplessis (Cru Bourgeois of Moulis, owned by Marie-Laure Lurton), Ch.Desmirail (3rd growth of Margaux, owned by Denis Lurton), Ch.Villegeorge (Cru Bourgeois Superieur of Haut-Medoc, owned by Marie-Laure Lurton) and Ch.Doisy Dubroca (2nd growth of Sauternes, owned by Louis Lurton).

After the visit of the cellars and tasting of 2006 vintage of Gruaud-Larose and 2nd wine Sarget (above) we went to see Mrs.Claire Villars-Lurton owner of Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral (below)

Following this visit done by Mr.Stefano Ruini (wine maker of Ch.Haut-Bages Libéral), we went down of Pauillac estate to meet Mr.Jean-Pierre Foubet owner of Ch.Camensac and Ch.Chasse-Spleen in Saint Laurent Médoc who conducted an amazing tasting of vintage 2006 of his two wines (see below).

I have to admit I was astonished the richness of these wines. Well, we went back to Margaux to see Mr.Gonzague Lurton owner of Ch.Dufort-Vivens and we did a stop at Ch.Ferrière too owned by Mrs.Claire Villars-Lurton ( below)

(Mr.Gonzague Lurton, left side in the cellar Ch.Dufort-Vivens)

(Vinification process and great cellar atmosphere at Ch.Ferrière)

To end-up, this great and fantastic time we finished by the visit of Ch.Brane-Cantenac in Margaux owned by Mr.Henri Lurton and Ch.Desmirail owned by Mr.Denis Lurton (below).
(Vinfication process and cellar at Ch.Desmirail)

I would like to thank you everybody for their warm welcome especially during the harvest period. Sip responsibly..... MFM

QI Liquor or Chee Liquor/September 2007

2007-09-17T10:10:00.000+02:00

Dear Connoisseurs,

QI liquor or Chee (meanning: Life force in all things) is made from a super-premium selection of Chinese tea with a base of chardonnay brandy will give you an extreme sensation of flavors when you'll drink it on ice or with different types of cocktails. It is right now the most popular drink in the US, as it is very often used by bartenders in their creation of NEW exotic cocktails.

Two recipes:

- Happy Ending

2 parts Qi White

1 part Vodka - Citron

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon. Finally, a cocktail with a happy ending!

- Tiger Woods

1 part Qi Black

1 parts iced tea

1 parts lemonade

Pour into a tall glass over ice. Mix and garnish with lemon. Wow!

* M, St. Helena

Here below is Mr.Laz Kaufman (president of LK Consultants, left side)
in New York pouring on his terrasse with a wonderful view of the big apple skyline a glass of Qi Black liquor.
Mr. Kaufman built up Jagermeister in the US market and was part of the success of Grey Goose (Vodka). Today is helping Mr. Brian Backus to develop Qi Liqueur in the US market.
Enjoy! MFM

Vinexpo/June 2007

2007-06-30T10:49:00.000+02:00

Dear all,

Here, it was taking place in Bordeaux city from June 17-21 the world famous wine and spirits exhibition "Vinexpo 2007". Four of our producers/suppliers were presented during these five days. It was great to host our customers and to meet new ones. You'll notice too I have personally given a brief recap of each houses below:

1- De Telmont Champagne House (Hall 3.V346)

Family house in the grande Champagne tradition since 4 generations, Champagne J. De Telmont proposes cuvées of an exceptional quality, due to a constant search for perfection and experience of vines and wines.

Cuvée O.R. 1735 (Vintage 1997)

2- Gélas Armagnac House (Hall 3. T321)
Gélas created in 1865 is the specialist of vintage Armagnacs and it presented a range of fine wine spirits from the Bas-Armagnac and Tenareze regions.

3- H.Cuvelier & Fils/Vignobles & Signature (Hall 1. A97)

The H. Cuvelier & Fils company distributes, both in France and all over the world, on an exclusive basis, the CUVELIER properties: Chateau Le Crock and Chateau Moulin Riche,
as well as classified growths and a middle range Chateaux.

Gelas armagnac/June 2007

2007-06-01T22:43:00.000+02:00

Dear Connoisseurs,

Here, we are at Gelas house founded in 1865 by Baptiste Gélas, Pierre's grandfather. Going back to Mr.Philippe Gelas father's, we can say he had youthful energy and enthusiasm to go on when he went up to Paris, following World War II, to open a distribution agency.

Then , following the retirement of Louis, his father joined Gersoise Company in 1952. Passionate about wine, Pierre in the sixties decided to innovate by carrying a complete range of wines from all over France. He is the first winemaker-merchant to present a range of Armagnacs from 25 different producers. All bottled on the estates where they are produced, these Armagnacs are 100% folle blanche and 100% baco 22A.

Early June, Mr.Philippe Gélas (Pierre son's) and president of Gélas Company today invited me to discover more about his family and his armagnac in Vic-Fezensac. (above)

Paradise cellar

Tasting room.

For instance, we had the privilege to taste an old vintage selection 1908, 1927, 1937, 1957 and 1967 below, we can call it a nice treatment.

3 years ago, Mr. Philippe Gélas launched a selection of 3 types of Armagnac made from one variety of grapes at 100% : Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc and Baco with an ageing of 18 years old

After this wondeful passage in Gers county, I would like to thank Mr. Gélas for his warm welcome and Santé!!!
Michel FM

Michel Couvreur Whisky/May 2007

2007-05-30T16:23:00.000+02:00

Dear Readers,

It is with pleasure that I would like to introduce you to Mr. Michel Couvreur(below). At the end of May, I had a special day with him at his house not far from "Beaune" in burgundy region.

Actually, we are in Bouze-lès-Beaune. Pure coincidence Mr.Couvreur would tell you. In fact, he started in 1951 as Burgundian wine dealer, set himself up in London in 1959 before emigrating to Scotland in 1964.

Of Flemish ilk and nicknamed The Last of the Mohicans named by the Danish media in 1988, he found himself spellbound by the mystique of whisky to the extent that he immersed himself in the production process from the choice of the most ancient strain of cereals through to that of the sherry casks -the real key to the worldwide thrimph of Scotch. He added to Scottich practice and tradition an uncompromising respect of "ancient and honest usages" instituted by the French laws concerning the "Appellations d'Origine Controlee" and became the epitome of excellence despite the obstacles created by the rapid industrialisation of the production process of whisky. For him whisky is the most refined spirit of the world!

Let's enter to "Paradise" in the depths of the Bouze-lès-Beaune shed where lay under glass the very old whiskies, at the heart of Burgundians rocks, where the greatest wines of the world are taking roots. What can I say, just listen this dream.....but it is real.

After this walk, I felt I was in Scotland but 150 years ago especially with the atmosphere of the cellars combined with an excellent rate of humidity.
After the ageing part in oak sherry casks, the immensly precious residuum is then sealed into large demijohns or giant bottles where it will indefefinitely stay intact. (see below)

Then, we had tasting with Mr. Jean-Arnaud Frantzen(below left) who is trully the second head taster and an extreme connoisseur in term of blending at Michel Couvreur's house.

We started with the Grain Whisky which aged 4 years in oak casks. Slight iodine fragance with a hint of almond.
It is superb on ice (below right side)

After we tasted the Single Malt Couvreur's Clearack which is a vatting of malts distilled in Scotland and aged in pristine casks of very old sherry then reduced at bottling to 43% alcohol by volume with Loch Katrine water. When you sip, you can find the dry fruits and elegant grassy freshness with the spicy. Needs to be served chilled.

Of course, something else was brought to me as a new born of Michel Couvreur's series The Blossoming Auld Sherried. An exact replica of the best Victorian era malt: unforgettable roundness and strengh, together with some freshness only barley can yield. Grand Bas-Armagnac style enhanced by Scottish craftmanship. 45° a truly signature of unusual style but if you are curious you won't be disapointed!

Finally, we have the chance to taste two rarities the Very Sherried which was distilled on the 26th November and aged over 24 years in a Sherry cask. Dark, amber robe with some ruby reflects. Fascinating tropical-style sensuality, vanilla, almond and sherry with very long finish. 45° (see on the left)

To end up my day, I had some Ever Young Prisitine
with the master blender. Astounding : juvenile strenght within very old age! Distilled on the 23rd May 1970 limpid ruby colour with golden glints, caressing aroma, long warm sherry flavours. Total production 350 litres at 49° bottled only in 50cl to satisfy demand.

I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome.
Cheers! Michel

J.De Telmont House/May 2007

2007-05-29T01:13:00.000+02:00

Bonjour, we are in Champagne region at J.De Telmont house. Family business from generation to generation since 1912 in Damery.

The Damery vineyard lies on the banks of the Marne, 5km from Epernay. The 200 hectares of slopes, with their appellation controlled label, receive an exceptionnal amount of sunshine, which sublimates the grapes' flavour and bouquet. Surrounded by forests, this terroir draws its unique character from its soil, a savoury mixture of plant life, chalk, and sand, where the precious varietals of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier reveal all their secrets.

At the end of May, I was in Damery with Mr.Bertrand Lhopital (below) to understand more about his marvelous champagne and the legacy of his family.

The Cellars!!!

After my arrival, Mr.Lhopital took me directly to the heart of J.De Telmont just below their office the "paradise reserve".

The ageing part goes to 3 years up to 10 years in their cellars for instance the prestige cuvée as Cuvée O.R. 1735 goes to 10 years.

In the morning, I have the chance to meet their cellar master Mr. Dominique Jondreville who was doing a selection of white chardonnay for their white wine Insolite (100% Chardonnay, production only 2,000 cs a year)

With the company of Mr. Parinet (brother in law of Mr.Lhopital) we went through the best cuvée during the afternoon.

O.R. 1735 (Brut) combines all savoir-Faire of champagne through the selection of terroirs, the expression of Chardonnay grapes grown in the best best villages and a long ageing process in our cellars under cork. This cuvée represents 200 years of Champagne history.

I will say this champagne is only for special occasion.

Cuvée Grand Couronnement is made exclusively from white Chadonnay grapes from the best Côte des Blancs crus.

After a meticulous choice of the finest grapes, only the premiere cuvée obtained from the first pressing was used in its composition. The nobolity of its origins, its slow production in the purest Champagne tradition and an ageing process bringing up to its apogee all make this an exceptional vintage that "Crowns" their production, and gives it a place of honour among the top Champagnes.

I will say it is reserved for the most dedicated connoisseurs.

Cuvée Consécration is the perfection from the finest selection Chardonnay grand crus in Chouilly and in Avize.

A complete vinification in oak casks brings out the final expression of these two terroirs.

I will say this champagne is only for champagne lovers looking for an exclusive cuvée.

Grand Rosé, one of the finest, they attain this sensation of fruit through their selection of old Pinot vines, a partial "Saignée" to preserve the fruit's aromatic potential, and assembly with Chardonnay grapes.

This is a champagne to share with friends.

As, Mr. Lhopital said to me "you only make a saignée when it is really good year vintage otherwise it is no point to do it"

I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome.

Cheers! Michel

Moleca Cachaca/May 2007

2007-05-29T00:41:00.000+02:00

Buem Dia readers,
The truly authentic spirit of Brazil is capture in the "Moleca", a sensual young woman who enjoys life at the fullest. Rio de Janeiro is the field where Brazilian Moleca invite us to merge with this country magnetic environment.

Here's the distillery located in the south of Brazil.

Mr. Silvio Leal (below) is behind the brand with my brother Laurent F-Martell (in charge of Europe) but he is also the president of Leading Edge Brands in Miami, Florida.

Moleca Silver shows the freshness of newly cut sugar canes and open fields after a morning breeze, and therefore it's excellent for mixing fruit cocktails, such as the caipirinha (Brazil's national drink).

Moleca Gold has been aged for at least 3 years in white oak barrels (above), which gives it the sweet properties found in wood. Ageing longer than 3 years results in too much absorption of the oak barrel "woody" elements and would hide the characteristic flavor of the sugarcane juice so typical of the cachaca flavor.

It's being promoted in the trendy bars and nightclubs in Miami, New York, Paris and very recently in Cannes during the Film Festival's at the Nikky Beach as the perfect drink to have straight up (like a super premium Tequila).
First came Gin, then Vodka, Rum and Sake. Now, it's Moleca's turn to contribute to the Martini's spectrum by representing the smoothest freshest and most exclusive fruit martinis ever created. And, they recently received the Gold Medal in San Francisco during the World Spirits competition as the best cachaca so don't wait too long to sip it!
Good to see you Silvio and Laurent in Paris last May, Salute!!!Michel

•

Chateau Leoville-Poyferré and Chateau Le Crock/ Visit May 2007

2007-05-25T23:06:00.001+02:00

Dear Readers,

Here we are in St-Julien Beychevelle small town located 45km north-west of Bordeaux in the heart of Medoc region with a jewel dating back to 1638: "Chateau Léoville-Poyferré" (2nd cru classé in Saint-Julien estate since 1855).
The Chateau was acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family, wine merchants in Lille since 1804. In 1947, one of the partners from north of France settled in Bordeaux and opened a second wine merchant business.
Today his son, Didier Cuvelier is still running the vineyard since 1979.

At the end of May 2007, the visit was conducted by Mrs. Anne Cuvelier (above holding the magnum of LP) and the tasting was done by the Cellar Master Mr. Didier Thomann (below)

Of course, I have also tasted Chateau Moulin Riche (second wine) which benefits from the same careful attention as its big brother Chateau LP. It displays similar qualities: balance, elegance and finesse. Faster evolution makes this wine enjoyable in its youth. And, finally we tasted Pavillon-Poyferré (third wine) which can be tasted young, received the same careness as its elder: Moulin Riche and has good potential for more than 5 years of ageing.

What a cellar!!! Now, we moved to another great Chateau acquired by Cuvelier family in Saint Estèphe in 1903: Chateau Le Crock (Cru Bourgeois Supérieur).

Le Crock is wine estate of 32.5 hectares, situated between the classified growths of Chateau Cos d'Estournel and Chateau Montrose.

I met over there, Ms. Isabelle Davin (Oenologist) who told me Chateau Le Crock produces wines with solid tannins but with a delicate bouquet. Full-Bodied, these wines will age perfectly for years to give finally raced and complex wines.

And, to end up our visit the baby brother of Chateau Le Crock is Chateau La Croix St-Estèphe (second wine) same style as its elder, well-balanced and complex but you can drink it a bit earlier than Le Crock.

I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome during that special day.
Cheers! Michel

Jean Fillioux Cognac/ Visit May 2007

2007-05-23T01:20:00.000+02:00

"Cognac is the best brandy that money can buy", I am sure that eveybody heard about this sentence. It is true but especially when savoir-faire and passion are added to it.

In May 2007, I had the privilege to taste and visit during an entire day the house of Jean Fillioux located in Juillac-Le-Coq (heart of Grande Champagne estate) with Mrs. Monique Fillioux (above) and her son Christophe (below) who recently joined the family business.

The house of Jean Fillioux belongs to a select group of traditional family estates who have successfully defended their upper quality niche over several decades by producing consistently authentic Cognacs that rest on century-old traditions, patience and love to become the masterpieces true connoisseurs appreciate.

What I can say, the house of Jean Fillioux has not simply been producing Cognacs since 1880 from Grande Champagne 1st cru of cognac region but it is the cognac for connoiseurs only!!!

I would like to thank you again for sharing your philosophy and your passion during my visit.
Cheers! Michel