Leading Bordeaux estate to host vintage tasting in Hong Kong

(courtesy of Château Mouton Rothschild)

The Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte's David Ornon will host an elaborate wine tasting dinner at the Mira Hotel in Hong Kong on December 9, the latest event in the city's ongoing love affair with Bordeaux.

The Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, once known as an underdog in the Graves region, has become a leading estate, and is keen to grow in the Asian wine market.

A tasting event organized by the prestigious Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, during which about 100 Chateaux presented their vintage 2007 wines to Hong Kong tasters in May, was an astounding success and set the tone for Hong Kong's reputation as a "Bordeaux town."

Recent record-shattering wine auctions organized by Sotheby's and Christie's, and the announcement of the selection of Chinese artist Xu Lei to design the label of renowned Bordeaux producer Chateau Mouton Rothschild, have further cemented the trend.

Looking to the future, an agreement signed between Hong Kong and the regional government of Burgundy, France to cooperate on the organization of wine events indicates that Burgundy is hoping to establish its own reputation in Asia.

In September, Swiss watchmaker and Bettane & Desseauve, of the eponymous French wine guide books, hosted an elaborate all-day tasting event centered around French vintages, including Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau d'Yqeum Bordeaux. The "Le Grand Day of Indulgence" event was held at the Grand Hyatt and admission cost 18,000 Hong Kong dollars ($2,317).

The one-night Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte tasting event will be held on Decemeber 9 at 7 p.m. Wines served include Hauts de Smith Blanc 2008; Chateau Haut-Lafitte Blanc 2008; Chateau Haut-Lafitte Rouge 2007 and 2000; Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge (Magnum) 2008 and Mascaron Sauternes 2005.

To reserve: +852 2315 5999, $1,588 Hong Kong dollars (approx $200) includes a five course set menu dinner.

Not to be outdone, Burgundy List wine importers is holding a free Burgundy tasting on December 7, which is already over capacity and not accepting anymore guests.