Sense of Place - Pyramid Valley Vineyards
Pyramid Valley Vineyards was established in 2000 in North Canterbury, Pyramid Valley embodies a true "sense of place" stemming from its geographic location. Owners Mike and Claudia Weering reveal the harmonious and thoughtful approach to natural winemaking, incorporating biodynamics, hand-based viticulture and low yields.
The home vineyard has been established according to rules that Mike grew to respect and inherently to trust during his time studying and working in Burgundy. Vines have been planted on clay-limestone soils on scarp slopes, at a density 10,000-12,000 vines per hectare. In total they have only 2.2 hectares planted in 4 separate blocks, each block reflecting a specific soil type.
Managing Director Caine Thompson
On October 21, 2014, we were invited for the exclusive Pyramid Valley tasting, and Managing Director Caine Thompson came to Hong Kong personally to presented the wines for tasting.
Pyramid Valley Riverbrook Vineyard Riesiing 2010 - Marlborough WA 91
The 2010 Growers Collection Riverbrook Vineyard Riesling presents a very fragrant nose of green apple juice, lime leaves, jasmine and lemongrass with a whiff of allspice. Off-dry in the light-bodied mouth, it offers tons of refreshing citrus and apple flavour with a lovely savoury edge that comes through in the long, harmonious finish.
Pyramid Valley Eaton Family Pinot Noir 2007 - Marlborough WA 92+
There's a funky/wild character on the nose over aromas of warm strawberries and raspberries, game, earth, forest floor, loam, truffles and a whiff of dried herbs. Very crisp and tight in the mouth, this medium-full bodied Pinot gives a medium level of silky tannins with great flavor concentration and a long layered finish.
Pyramid Valley Angel Flower Pinot Noir 2010 WA 91-93
A tank sample due to be bottled within two weeks of my tasting, the 2010 Angel Flower Pinot Noir offers alluring ripe cherry and mulberry aromas over baking spices, lilacs and a touch of honeysuckle. Medium bodied with a medium level of fine-grained tannins, it has medium-high acid and long finish.
Pyramid Valley Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2010 WA 91-93
A tank sample due to be bottled within 2 weeks of my tasting, the 2010 Earth Smoke Pinot Noir gives ripe back raspberry and pomegranate aromas at this stage with hints of violets and baking spices. Generously fruited, it gives a medium-high level of very fine tannins with medium-high acid and a long, pure finish.
Pyramid Valley Howell Cabernet Franc 2009 - Hawke's Bay WA 91+
Medium-deep ruby-purple in colour, the 2009 Howell Family Vineyard Hawke's Bay Cabernet Franc is a little closed, offering delicate to moderately pronounced notes of red currants and red cherries over nuances of black pepper, moss covered tree bark and game. Ripe and rich in the medium bodied mouth, it has medium-firm silky tannins, crisp acidity and a long savoury finish.
For enquires, please visit www.altayawines.com
A merger of artistic crafts
It all started with a droplet. Here it’s ink, there it’s water, here it’s black, there it’s crystal clear. Fluid and round like a fingerprint marked on time. The droplet has inspired exceptional pieces within the limits of art and of technical expertise. Some are fine writing instruments, others are decorative objects. The droplets form an invisible link between two companies that share a passion for beauty and for excellence.
LALIQUE and Caran d’Ache have built their reputations on the basis of expertise handed down over the generations. As independent manufacturers, born at the start of the 20th century, they have always given their craftsmen a pledge of total creative freedom, constantly renewed. Their meeting brings together two vibrant heritages that are engraved on the collective memory.Their two histories are characterized by a respect for tradition and a love of daring innovation, driven by a commitment to quality and precision. In their workshops, craftsmen combine the discipline of their art with the intuition of their talent and this marriage of writing and crystal has given birth to the Crystal collection, a limited edition of writing instruments resplendent in LALIQUE.
Ever since it was founded in 1915, Caran d’Ache has drawn on its invaluable heritage of craftsmanship to preserve the art of handwriting. In the long tradition of Swiss manufacturing, it designs and produces exceptional products in Geneva with passion and rigour. Recognized around the world for their Swiss Made excellence, Caran d’Ache writing instruments are a bold combination of expertise and aesthetics. These highly personal objects are outstanding technical achievements of perfected design in original materials, ready to write each new page with refinement and distinction.
Black CRYSTAL
Its dark body in black ceramic is embellished with the motif so closely associated with LALIQUE. The droplets are applied in relief on the pen as if to punctuate its lines. A LALIQUE crystal cabochon sits atop the pen making a striking contrast between the satin-brushed and polished finishes. This large drop of crystal is set in a fine metal surround that adds a motif with an incomparable sparkle. This highly delicate technique, carried out by hand with a special tool, subtly perfects the appearance of the pen.
White CRYSTAL
The light and the material complement each other beautifully. The anatomy of the pen emerges from the droplets regularly positioned on the white ceramic body. The pattern slowly emerges in the fingers. The rhodium-coated silver trim is reflected in the LALIQUE crystal cabochon set within a ring that seems to seize the light.
A diamond solitaire on the clip acts as a majestic seal to the pen’s natural elegance.
CRYSTAL & Diamonds
The Crystal & Diamonds edition brings together noble and precious materials in an alliance of light and shade. The gold cap is coated in ruthenium with deep black reflections that complement the body carved in white gold.
The droplets spread over the instrument in a cascade of precious stones: some 341 diamonds weighing almost 3 carats bring their stunning purity to the motif. They have been chosen from the most beautiful gems of Top Wesselton WS quality and their sparking prisms flood the pen in an aura of fascinating reflections. The lighting effect is complete with the beauty of the satin-brushed crystal cabochon and ring.
A limited edition of 18 fountain pens.
EXCLUSITIVITY AND ELEGANCE
The black sycamore box is beautifully lacquered to reveal its full magnificence. Numerous coats of lacquer and several polishing stages are required to achieve the brilliant finish that protects and enhances the beauty of the wood. LALIQUE crystal cabochons positioned on the box create the Coutard motif.
For enquiries: www.Lilique.com
Venture and SPCA Join Forces ADOPT LOVE Campaign
Pets are a great source of happiness for many people and the therapeutic effects of companionship are simply priceless. However not all of them are fortunate enough to have a warm and loving home. In order to raise the awareness of animal welfare and encourage adoption, renowned photography studio, Venture Photography, is partnering with the SPCA to launch the ADOPT LOVE Charity Photography Exhibition. Featuring homeless SPCA animals, celebrity pets as well as some of the general public’s pets, their stories will be shared through heartwarming photographs captured by Venture and the stunning hand-crafted artwork will be available for sale with all proceeds going to the SPCA charity.
This three-month campaign has kicked off with an exhibition hosted at the Asia Contemporary Art Show from 2-5 October 2014 at the Conrad Hotel. The exhibition unveiled the untold stories of these beautiful but homeless animals. Photos of Miss Lizard, Mr Mouse and Lady Puppy were displayed at the Asia Contemporary Art Show, and will join force with a new batch of celebrity portraits in the coming exhibition in December 2014.
Public members interested in contributing stories of their own pets can join the Facebook campaign by Venture entitled ADOPT LOVE. The campaign, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/venturephotographyhk gives members of the public a chance to win a professional photo shooting sessions together with their pets at renowned Venture Studios.
Winners also receive a free pass to attend the opening cocktail reception alongside celebrities and SPCA supporters in mid December.
To learn more about Venture Photography, visit venturephotography.com.hk
For Enquires: (852) 2885 6262
An innovative creation - Minipresso
Don’t get rid of your daily pleasures far from home. With Minipresso, be sure to enjoy a delicious espresso anywhere, anytime. Whether you plan to go hiking, camping, boating, or stay in a hotel, Minipresso compactness makes it the ideal espresso machine to slide into your bag or backpack.
With little efforts, Minipresso helps you prepare amazing shots, with a quality close to traditional machine. Unlike all other portable espresso units the Minipresso is hand-powered, meaning there is no need to plug anything or purchase N20 cartridges. Its ease of use lies in the ingenious built-in semi-automatic piston that helps to achieve optimal extraction pressure after just a few pumps, injecting small quantities of water into the coffee adapter for a rich, flavorful drink. Unlock it from its carrying position and press it at will to control the amount of extracted coffee. A few strokes and you prepare a perfectly smooth espresso full of savors.
The minimal distance between the water tank and coffee chamber, avoids losing too much heat during water displacement. As a result of our cares to build the perfect device, Minipresso produces at ambient condition 24°C (75°F), an espresso at perfect temperature 67°C (152°F) in cup with a nice compact and persistent cream on top.
Available in both coffee grind and Caffitaly models, you don't even need to remember a cup — the cap doubles as a vessel for your drink. The whole device has been designed to be as compact as possible, measuring 17.6 cm (6.95 inches) tall and weighing 350g (0.8lbs). We recommend that users clean the cup and coffee adapter after each use, but stressed that the device is not dishwasher proof.
An innovative creation, durable, built to prepare authentic coffee drinks. Minipresso is available to pre-order for US$39 plus shipping and taxes. Units will be delivered in early 2015.
MINISPRESSO CHARACTERISTICS
Coffee basket capacity: 7g (0.25oz) of coffee grind.
Water tank capacity: 70ml (2.4oz) of hot water.
Size: 17.6cm (6.95 inches) tall.
Weight: 350g (0.8lbs).
Cost: US$39 plus shipping and taxes during pre-order campaign
For enquires, please visit http://www.wacaco.com/
The timeless styles - Step Out In Cool Comfort With UGG®
Drawing inspiration from literary characters and the timeless styles that define them, UGG® Australia has created a mens & womens collection for Fall 2014 that exudes casual elegance - and with plenty of personality to boot! Updating classic silhouettes with the rich materials for which UGG is known, the new designs boast buttery soft nubuck leather, vintage-distressed suede and sumptuous sheepskin, complemented with a warm muted colour palette to celebrate the autumn season. Expertly tailored to the highest quality, each pair of UGG’s new creations delivers the ultimate in comfort and style, making them the perfect companion for Hong Kong’s man and woman.
Editor's pick (For Gentleman): from left to right:
Ascot Tweed HK$ 1590/ Boylan HK$ 1390/ Olsen HK$1790/ Clyne HK$1700/ Larus HK$2300
Editor's pick (For Ladies): from left to right:
Mini Bailey Bow Snake HK$ 2090/ Bailey Bow Corduroy (Peacoat) HK$ 2290/ Cary Wool in Whiskey HK$2300/ Scarlett in Chestnut HK$2300/ Blayre II in Espresso HK$2100
For enquirers:
UGG® AUSTRALIA FLAGSHIP STORE – HONG KONG ISLAND
2 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay (TEL: +852-2893-1338)
UGG® AUSTRALIA STORE - KOWLOON Shop 308A, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (TEL: +852-2338-1606)
www.uggaustralia.com
First animal-inspired fine jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong
Palais Royal Paris Boutique will bring together fine animal-inspired jewellery in their first sales exhibition “Parisian Zoo”, from 4th to 15th September at Palais Royal Paris Boutique, 74a Hollywood Road, Central Hong Kong. Starting with an event for being opened up to the general public for viewing from September 6-15, 2014.
The exhibition features extraordinary collection of collectable fine jewelry inspired by the animal world, including pieces from different time periods, ranging from late 19th century up to vintage pieces from the 1950s onwards by well-known French jewelers as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Hermes, Sterlé and Boucheron.
Through all ages the animal kingdom has been a great source of artistic inspiration. From ancient times when animal-inspired jewellery was worn as amulets to protect or to empower and symbolize love, fertility and prosperity, to more recent times where the beautiful designs of animal jewellery are artistic, colourful and whimsical. Every well-established French jewellery brand has drawn inspiration from the animal world, and used all kinds of precious material, gemstones and techniques to produce their own bejeweled animal kingdom.
A diamond, Sapphire and Amethyst Turtle Brooch, by Cartier
One of the highlights of the exhibition, and a real collectable, is a brooch by Cartier dating from the 1960s. Designed as a turtle set with amethyst, diamond and a large cabochon cut natural purple Cylon sapphire, mounted in 18k gold, the piece is one of a kind - attractive not only for its artistic design but also for the outstanding quality of materials and craftsmanship. Another unique piece featured in the exhibition is an 18k gold French Art Nouveau brooch dating from the late 1890s, designed as a dragonfly, with the wings beautifully decorated with old cut diamonds and fine blue-toned translucent enamel, allowing light to pass through them mimicking the effect of stained-glass windows.
A Coral, Diamond and Emerald Deer Brooch, by Cartier
Designed as a textured 18k yellow gold deer's head and torso, set with oval-cut emerald eyes, coral panels and antlers bordered by brilliant-cut diamonds and other of pearl. 1970's
Other jewellery houses are also represented at the Parisian Zoo Exhibition; gold and enamel turtles and insects by Boucheron, an 18k gold and blue sapphire duck by Bvlgari and an 18k gold goat by Buccellati. Van Cleef & Arpels is represented by their whimsical designed 'Boutique animals”, first produced in the earlier 1950s and featuring among others lions and cats, a fox and a panda.
The French company Palais Royal Paris opened their boutique in Hong Kong on Hollywood road in 2013. They are the first ones to bring high quality French antique and vintage jewellery, labelled Collectable Fine Jewellery to Hong Kong.
For enquires: www.palaisroyalparis.com | (Tel) +852 2964 9088
Palais Royal Paris Boutique: G/F | 74A Hollywood Road | Central, Hong Kong