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Pharrell Williams- Louis XIII 100 years – A track that won’t be heard for a century

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Pharrell Williams- Louis XIII 100 years – A track that won’t be heard for a century

On November 13th 2017, LOUIS XIII Cognac premiered “100 Years”- The Song We’ll Only Hear If We Care – a unique musical composition created by Pharrell Williams that will not be released until 2117.

LOUIS XIII partnered with Pharrell on this innovative project due to a shared dedication to environmental issues. The original song is a creative expression of the delicate relationship between nature and time, and the effect humans have on their environment.

Each decanter of LOUIS XIII represents the life achievement of generations of cellar masters, so LOUIS XIII must always think a century ahead. Pharrell’s exclusive track was recorded onto a record made of clay from the chalky soil of the Cognac region, and stored in the cellars of LOUIS XIII in a state-of-the-art safe specially designed by Fichet-Bauche that is only destructible when submerged in water. If sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, scientists project that in 100 years, a portion of the world’s land might be underwater. The only way to guarantee this original piece of music will be heard again in 2117, one century from now, is if we address the consequences of global warming – if we do not change our way of living, future generations will never be able to hear this song.

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“100 Years” by Pharrell Williams will be out in 2117, but only if we care. “I love the fact that LOUIS XIII thinks a century ahead”, said Pharrell Williams. “We should all do the same for the planet. We have a common interest in preserving nature for the future. Pharrell has long been passionate about preserving our environment and how important human action is to addressing climate change. “100 Years” premiered during a private listening party in Shanghai, where Pharrell presented the song one time only. The one hundred lucky guests in attendance were not allowed to record the once-in-a-lifetime experience, so the song remains a secret for the next century. LOUIS XIII and Pharrell aimed to inspire these guests and the rest of the world to take action.

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Wine tasting for Cisco at Trident, Gurgaon

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Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Private Bin, 2015 Marlborough New Zealand

This intense Sauvignon Blanc is alive with a myriad of flavours dominated by gooseberry, passion fruit, fresh citrus, melon and herbaceous aromas. The wine has an enticing palate with a juicy flavour profile, purity and concentration, finishing crisp and clean with an interwoven thread of acidity.

Yalumba The Y Series Viognier, 2014 South Australia 

This wine is corn silk in colour with green hues. It expresses aromas of honeysuckle and jasmine, with poached quinces and apricot. The palate includes grapefruit, lemongrass and stone fruit, and the texture adds layers of fruit persistence. The added aging on lees and wild fermentation deliver a rich and silky mid-palate, whilst maintaining its freshness, making it a pleasure to drink. Pairs perfectly with harissa chicken or crispy rice pancakes with potato and chickpeas.

Dr. Loosen Reisling, 2014 Mosel Germany

This estate-grown Riesling showcases the mineral-driven style of the steep, blue slate vineyards in the middle Mosel. It comes from parcels owned by Dr. Loosen in the villages of Bernkastel, Graach and Wehlen. It is bright and vibrant with the classic white peach fruit and floral, flinty minerality that is so typical of this terroir. This wine makes an elegant aperitif and is an excellent match for seafood and spicy Asian cuisine.

Gaja Ca’Marcanda Promis Toscana IGT, 2013 Tuscany Italy

A delightful wine that combines elegance and suppleness of Merlot and Syrah with the austerity of Sangiovese. Balanced and approachable in its youth with considerable aging potential of 5 to 8 years.

Montes Alpha Merlot, 2013 Colchagua Valley Chile

Handsome ruby-red color. Outstanding nose of red berries, black cherry, black pepper, with hints of tobacco. These elements come through on the palate, revealing a full-bodied wine. Mid-palate is round and velvety, with an added touch of vanilla and toast, followed by a long and smooth finish.

 Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Columbia Valley USA

The aromas offer notes of boysenberry, herb and barrel spices, with the Syrah blended in (11%) showing itself. The blue and black fruit flavours are lush and fruit forward, with soft tannins, a silky mouth feel and a sustained sense of balance. It drinks best at a cool 62 degrees. Fresh and expressive, deftly balanced and juicy, with raspberry and cherry flavours supported by hints of cinnamon and pepper. The finish persists against nubby tannins.

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Wine Tasting for Cisco at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

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Masi Levarie Soave Classico DOC 2014, Veneto, Italy

Pale straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. Good intensity on the nose with hints of flowers and tropical fruit, particularly pineapple. On the palate, a refreshing acidity is well balanced by creaminess with melon and ripe pear flavours. Ideally served as an aperitif or with hors d’oeuvres, soups, pasta or simple rice dishes with Mediterranean flavours or with fish dishes.

Chateau de Parenchere Superieur Bordeaux Blanc 2015, Bordeaux, France

This blend contributes directly to the balance of the wine. The Sauvignon produces aromatic strength and freshness, while the Semillon complements this with a certain degree of roundness on the palate. The Muscadelle adds intense white flower notes to the aromatic range of the finished wine. A white wine with intense white and citrus fruit aromas, which is both fresh and round on the palate.

Selbach ‘Incline’ Riesling 2015, Mosel, Germany

Vinified in stainless steel, with just a hint of residual sugar, this wine vividly represents all that Mosel wine should be – Fruity with vibrant acidity, clarity, and precision; all highlighted by intense slate-driven minerality. Fresh-tasting, with snappy green apple and ripe citrus flavours flanked by plenty of savoury and herbal notes. Lemon drop accents show on the finish

Allan Scott ‘Hound’ Pinot Noir 2015, Marlborough, New Zealand

Hints of cherries, black plums and a maple on the nose. The ripe and sumptuous concentrated fruit is supported by subtle notes of oak. The wine finishes very smoothly with refined ripe, light tannins providing structure and a smooth silky long flavourful finish. Aged for 12 months in new French Oak.

Torres Altos Ibericos Tempranillo 2013, Rioja, Spain

Opaque cherry red. Rich cherry, black plum jam aromas with spicy green peppercorn and smoky notes. Intense, warm, with firm tannins nicely structured by oak aging and a backbone of subtle fruit acidity. Excellent with all kinds of tapas prepared with fresh ingredients; red meat, oil-rich fish and cheeses. Exquisite with cured pork.

Rolf Binder ‘Halliwell’ Shiraz Grenache 2013, Barossa Valley, Australia

The bouquet of this wine is filled with the abundance of berry fruit. The subtle use of both old and new oak combined with soft tannins comes through on the palate. Strong full bodied characters last right through to the back of the palate and linger. The wine boasts of ripe fruit characters.

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Swiss – Indian Wine Tasting

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De Mauler, Cuvée de Réserve Brut 2000, Môtiers Neuchâtel, Switzerland: Elegant, mellow yellow robe. Fresh fruits dominated by roasted notes of grilled bread. Full bodied with a beautiful, harmonious structure and very fine pearls.

Badoux Aigle les Murailles 2013, Vaud Chablais, Switzerland: Beautiful lemon yellow. Fine and delicate on the nose, with aromas evoking lime blossom, minerality and chalky character typical of the gypsum veined soil. The palate is elegant and fruity, with flavors of mango, linden flowers, accompanied by a subtle mineral touch.

Reveilo Grillo 2017, Nasik, India: The wine greets you with a bouquet of citrus, lemon, orange and grapefruit. It is a medium bodied wine with crisp acidity and a long mineral after taste.

Dézaley de l’Evêque Grand Cru AOC 2015, Vaud Lavaux, Switzerland: Complex nose of floral aromas. A soft attack on the palate with strong mineral expression. Full body with flavors of toasted almonds and caramelized apples. Balanced and harmonious.

Fratelli Vitae Chardonnay 2015, Akluj, India: The wine has notes of brioche, vanilla and butter on the nose while the palate is clean with a distinguished minerality, notes of tangerine and citrus, completed by a long finish at the end.

Domaine Les Perrières Cabernet Sauvignon, Peissy Genève AOC 2017, Geneva, Switzerland: Dark red with cherry and blackcurrant on the nose with coffee, gingerbread, blackcurrant and elderberries on the palate.

Sula Cabernet Shiraz 2017, Nasik, India: A smooth, medium-bodied red wine accentuated by ripe cherry and plum notes, black pepper aromas and soft, silky tannins.

San Domenico Merlot del Malcantone Ticino DOC 2013, Malcantone, Switzerland: Deep garnet red with aromas of wild berries and sour cherries, spice and light vanilla notes. Full-bodied, delicious, warm and harmonious, soft and well-integrated tannins.

Charosa Reserve Tempranillo 2014, Nasik, India: Dark ruby red in color, this wine is filled with rich coconut, vanilla, chocolate and raspberry aromas. A medium-bodied wine which has an excellent concentration of warm red fruit flavors like raspberry, strawberry and plum, distinctly ripe and fleshy. Well-balanced with a perfectly round and soft finish.

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Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2017 – Winners of Asia’s most trusted wine competition announced

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Winners of Asia’s most trusted wine competition announced

decanter

The list of results is complete with full wine details, stockist information and tasting notes – a trusted source of wine recommendations for wine consumers in Asia.

A total of 3,235 wines were tasted in the Decanter Asia Wine Awards 2017 (DAWA 2017), the most since the competition launched in 2012. Fifteen wines have been awarded the Platinum Best in Show medal – the highest accolade.

“The sole purpose of the DAWA is to recognise and award quality. Originality and terroir are the most important for a wine to win an award.”, said Steven Spurrier, DAWA 2017 Chair. A majority of judges are based in Asia and include top sommeliers and Masters of Wine from 11 countries.

The Results

Australia continued its success from last year’s competition by taking the lead with two Platinum Best in Show medals for the Best Single White-Varietal and Best Chardonnay, both won by McGuigan. Australia has won Best Chardonnay for the second year, plus seven Platinum Best in Category and 26 Gold medals.

Argentina performed extremely well this year with three Platinum Best in Show, including one for the Best Red Bordeaux Varietals, one Best in Category and four Gold medals.

China performed well too, with Shanxi’s Grace Vineyard winning the Best Red Single-Varietal

China won 142 medals in total at DAWA 2016, compared to 12 medals two years ago.

France remained a strong winner with Bordeaux, Champagne, and Rhône winning a Best in Show medal each.

Italy also received a top medal for Best Red Italian Varietals for a red wine from Campania.

Spain won a Platinum Best in Show for Best Red Spanish Varietals, while Germany won one for Best Dry Riesling.

South Africa shone amongst Old World contestants by winning a Platinum Best in Category for Best South African Red Bordeaux Varietals.

The USA also scooped two medals for Best USA Red Bordeaux Varietals and Best USA Sweet in Platinum Best in Category.

Decanter’s tasting director, Christelle Guibert, said: “We gather some of the best and most influential wine experts across Asia to join our judging panel to find the very best wines for consumers.”

Where to taste the DAWA winners

New winners will be promoted at both trade and consumer events this year.

Wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste a selection of 2017 winning wines in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul this winter, including the Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter on Saturday 18 November. DAWA wines will also be featured at retail stores, restaurants and hotels across Asia.

About DAWA Judging Week

Over 50 top wine experts from across Asia joined our judging panel this year, led by Chair Steven Spurrier, Decanter’s consultant editor, and vice-chairs Ch’ng Poh Tiong, Shinya Tasaki, Gerard Basset MW MS OBE, Michael Hill Smith MW, Andrew Jefford and DecanterChina.com columnist Li Demei.

Joining this year’s line-up is Sonal Holland, India’s first Master of Wine; Tan Ying Hsien, Singapore’s first Master of Wine; and Adrian Zhang, Director of Wine at the Park Hyatt Shanghai. Most judges work at top establishments in Asia.

Judges gathered together in Hong Kong on 5-8 September to blind taste wines through organised flights.

How the wines are tasted

Decanter gives every single wine tasted an individual score.

Wines that meet the required quality are given a seal of approval (commended), or a bronze, silver, or gold medal. All gold medal-winning wines within each category are re-tasted and a platinum medal is awarded to the best wine in each category.

Each platinum medal winner from around the world is then pitted against each other to win the Platinum

 

About the DAWA

  • Launched in 2012 by Decanter magazine, 2017 is the sixth edition of the competition
  • All wines are judged blind in the best possible tasting environment and each wine is discussed on an individual basis by the panel
  • Find and taste DAWA winning wines
  • Kindly sponsored by Riedel glasses and San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna water

 

DAWA 2017 Results

  • 15 Platinum Best in Show medals
  • 41 Platinum Best in Category medals
  • 55 Gold medals
  • 609 Silver medals
  • 1,656 Bronze medals

DAWA 2017 Platinum Best in Show winners:

  • Best Dry Aromatic: El Esteco, Don David Reserve Torrontés, Calchaquíes, Salta, Argentina 2017
  • Best Red Bordeaux Varietals: Bodega Norton, Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina 2015
  • Best Red Blend: Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, 1884 The President’s Blend, Mendoza, Argentina 2015
  • Best Chardonnay: McGuigan, The Shortlist Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia 2016
  • Best White Single-Varietal: McGuigan, Bin 9000, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia 2007
  • Best Red Single-Varietal: Shanxi Grace Vineyard, Tasya’s Reserve Marselan, Shanxi, China 2015
  • Best Sweet: Château d’Arche, , Sauternes, Bordeaux, France 2010
  • Best Red Rhône Varietals: Grandes Serres , Carius , Cairanne, Rhône, France 2016
  • Best Sparkling: Piper-Heidsieck, Rare Brut, Champagne, Champagne, France 2002
  • Best Dry Riesling: Hans Wirsching, Iphöfer Julius-Echter-Berg Riesling, Grosses Gewächs, Franken, Germany 2015
  • Best Red Italian Varietals: Rossovermiglio, Aglianico, Sannio, Campania, Italy 2015
  • Best Sauvignon Blanc: Yealands Family Wines, Babydoll Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2017
  • Best Pinot Noir: Craggy Range, Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir, Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2015
  • Best Sweet Fortified: Henriques & Henriques, Single Harvest Boal, Madeira, Portugal 2000
  • Best Red Spanish Varietals: Bodegas Olarra, Erudito, Rioja, Mainland Spain, Spain 2015

DAWA 2016 Platinum (Best in Category) winners:

  • Best Chilean Red Bordeaux Varietals: Viña Casablanca, Nimbus Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipó Valley, Chile 2015
  • Best Chilean Red Rhône Varietals : MontGras, ANTU Syrah, Colchagua, Chile 2015
  • Best Chilean Red Blend : Santa Alba, Grand Reserve Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon, Curicó, Chile 2014
  • Best Chilean Red Single-Varietal: Apaltagua, Envero Grand Reserva Carmenere, Apalta, Colchagua, Chile 2015
  • Best USA Red Bordeaux Varietals: Rocca Family Vineyards, Grigsby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, California, USA 2013
  • Best South African Red Bordeaux Varietals : Leopard’s Leap, Culinaria Collection Grand Vin, Western Cape, South Africa 2015
  • Best New Zealand White: Paddy Borthwick, Pinot Gris, Wairarapa, New Zealand 2016
  • Best Australian Sparkling : House of Arras, EJ Carr Late Disgorged, Tasmania, Australia 2003
  • Best Australian Red Blend : Tyrrell’s Wines, Vat 8 Shiraz-Cabernet, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia 2014
  • Best Bordeaux Right Bank: Château Cantenac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France 2015
  • Best Bordeaux Left Bank: Excellence de Belliard, Margaux, Bordeaux, France 2015
  • Best Australian Red Rhône Varietals: Ulithorne , Frux Frugis Shiraz, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia 2014
  • Best Australian Red Bordeaux Varietals: Wolf Blass, Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia 2015
  • Best Barolo: Casa Vinicola Fratelli Casetta, Nicolello, Barolo Riserva, Piedmont, Italy 2009
  • Best Sweet Regional Italy: Gemma di Luna, Moscato, Vino Spumante di Qualità di Tipo Aromatico, Italy NV
  • Best White Languedoc-Roussillon : Bernard Magrez, Passion Blanche, IGP Côtes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2013
  • Best Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Domaine de Nalys, , Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France 2015
  • Best Northern Rhône Red: Delas, Domaine des Tourettes, Hermitage, Rhône, France 2015
  • Best Argentinian Red Blend: Bodega Norton, Privada, Mendoza, Argentina 2015
  • Best Central & Eastern Europe Red: Georgian Wines, Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Kakheti, Georgia 2015
  • Best Central & Eastern Europe White: Vaziani Company, Makashvili Wine Cellar Khikhvi, Kakheti, Georgia 2016
  • Best German Sweet : Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof, Goldtröpfchen Riesling, Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel, Germany 2013
  • Best Central & Eastern Europe Sweet : Szent Tamás, Aszú, Tokaj, Hungary 2013
  • Best Fortified Portugal : Bacalhôa, 10 Anos, Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal, Setúbal, Portugal 2003
  • Best Red Rioja Reserva : Bodegas Ondarre, , Rioja Reserva, Mainland Spain, Spain 2014
  • Best Red Rioja Gran Reserva : Bodegas Corral, Don Jacobo, Rioja Gran Reserva, Mainland Spain, Spain 2004
  • Best Ribera del Duero : Condado de Haza, Alenza , Ribera del Duero Gran Reserva, Mainland Spain, Spain 2006
  • Best Red Portugal : Fundação Eugénio de Almeida, Cartuxa EA Reserva, Alentejano, Portugal 2015
  • Best Sweet Loire : Château La Variere, Les Guerches, Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru, Loire, France 2015
  • Best Red Languedoc-Roussillon: Château de Lascaux, Les Nobles Pierres, Languedoc Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2013
  • Best Regional Italian White: La Canosa, Servator Passerina, Offida, Le Marche, Italy 2016
  • Best Southern Italian White: Quintodecimo, Exultet, Fiano di Avellino, Campania, Italy 2016
  • Best Chianti : Rocca di Castagnoli, Poggio a’Frati, Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy 2013
  • Best Red Tuscany : Caccia Al Piano 1868, Ruit Hora, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 2014
  • Best Amarone: Cesari, Il Bosco, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy 2011
  • Best Sweet Southern Italy : Ferruccio Deiana, Oirad, Isola dei Nuraghi, Sardinia, Italy 2015
  • Best Australian Riesling: McGuigan, The Shortlist Riesling, Eden Valley, South Australia, Australia 2009
  • Best Barbera: Poderi Elia, Vi Veje, Barbera d’ Alba Superiore, Piedmont, Italy 2012
  • Best Australian Pinot Noir: Curly Flat, Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges, Victoria, Australia 2014
  • Best Australian Sweet: De Bortoli, Black Noble, Cross-Regional Blend, Australia NV
  • Best USA Sweet: Dr. Loosen, Riesling Ice Wine, Washington State, USA 2013
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Hellyers Road Peated, Single Malt Whisky

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Aged in American Oak (ex-bourbon) and distilled using peated grain sourced from Inverness – Scotland, this single malt was recognised as the nation’s best at the Malt Whisky Society of Australia Awards for Excellence in 2010. True Scotch lovers will be in awe of this delightful Tasmanian crafted drop. 46.2% alc/vol. Presented in a stunning canister.

A whiff of burnt fern smokiness greets the nose with typical hints of citrus, lemon and orange presenting through the haze. The palate is further complimented by a citrus sweetness with overtones of malt presenting. A lingering aftertaste conjures fresh forest regeneration with layers of smoke and pepper omnipresent.

Hellyers Road Peated, Single Malt Whisky

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Hellyers Road Pinot Noir, Single Malt Whisky

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Hellyers Original Single Malt Whisky, aged in American Oak (ex-bourbon) finished in French Oak (ex-pinot noir) to provide a tantalising point of difference for single malt lovers. Imaginative and unique, this delightful spirit evokes all the complexities of a Tasmanian rainforest. Judged a Global Whisky Master and one of the World’s Ten Best Value Whiskies in 2015 (United Kingdom).

The nose is immediately drawn to crisp summer citrus, lemon and orange that obediently withdraws on the palate to manifest a sweet, gentle layer of pepper and spice – a persuasion of the red wine cameo. Burnt blackberry sauce lingers in the aftertaste foreclosing a treasured confusion of the senses.

Hellyers Road Pinot Noir, Single Malt Whisky

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Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is distilled, aged and bottled at the most award-winning distillery in the world. Made from the finest corn, rye and barley malt, this whiskey ages in new oak barrels for years in century old warehouses until the peak of maturity. The taste is rich and complex, with hints of vanilla, toffee and candied fruit. The smooth finish lingers on the palate. This will never change.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey