Gaja Magari 2006 and Montevetrano 2005

29 July 2010: Dinner at W52, Wyndham Street, Central, HK. We got there early for drinks and at HK$ 52 a glass (including 10% service charge and a buffet of tasty snacks and gorgeous parma ham), it was a great happy hour deal - so we loaded up on pinot grigio! Therefore, at dinner, we went straight for the reds. I had ordered 2 different reds, a 2006 Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) and a 2005 Montevetrano (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Aglianico). The 2006 Gaja Magari was a wonderful expression of the Tuscan sun, soil and ripe fruit. A deep ruby colour, the wine showed a profound richness and rounded character, complexity based on black fruits, liquorice and Mediterranean herbs, blended into a whole, with intensity and concentration. 17/20





The 2005 Montevetrano was new to me. I had heard so much about it that I could not resist ordering a bottle to see if it's deserving of its cultish accolades! I dare say we were not disappointed. A deep ruby colour, medium bodied wine, balanced with vivacious acidity and grippy fine tannins. A complex and intense bouquet comprising black cherries, blackberries, layered with spicy and savoury character, together with the attractiveness of chocolate, coffee, liquorice and vanilla. The volcanic minerality of Campania had not gone amiss and it seemed to have added a level of austerity to add to the complexity and structure. The wine had spent 8 - 12 months in new oak and it spent 6 months in bottle prior to its release. A lengthy finish and a truly memorable wine. Perhaps too young to drink, and it will surely evolve to reveal its full potential in complexity and finish. 17.5/20

I had thought both wines very expressive of the terroir and the grape varieties, both extremely well made in quite different styles. The Magari concentrated, rich and powerful. The Montevetrano perfumed, intense and intellectual, in some ways slightly more elegant.

The vin santo was a little disappointing....just a little too rancio for my liking.





I saw some very delicious looking côte de porc (for two) being served at next door tables....definitely coming back here with Richard.....I have always found that the service at W52 could do with a little improvement.....well, if the food is good, the wine divine and the company excellent, what more would you need??!! Food 4/5; Service 3/5; Ambiance 4/5; Price 4/5