Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mystery Wine - Moulin A Vent Cuvee Prestige 2003 !



We are delighted to thank Georges Duboeuf for this delightful surprise wine which spiced up the exciting evening. It received positive reviews from everyone present.


In the words of Lisa-Perrotti Brown, "It had the soft, silky tannins of Grenache and more of an earthy, gamey character then you find on most Gamay. Because it was 2003, the acid wasn't as crisp either as is typical of Beaujolais. And I thought it had quite a spicy character. A real treat."



Tuesday, October 28, 2008

An Event Coverage by eRobertParker.com

With a Master of Wine qualification, Lisa Perrotti-Brown was one of the many distinguish guests who was present at Les Fruits de la Vigne 2008. She writes for eRobertParker.com and you can read more about it in the link below:

"Les Fruits De La Vigne is the brainchild of wine entrepreneur Soo Hoo Khoon Peng, founder of Hermitage, a shop and fine wine merchant business based in Singapore. The event is aimed at giving locals the opportunity to be immersed in the experience of wine tasting and to be educated by world-recognised wine authorities. I’m happy to report that it over-delivered on both of these goals." (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 2008)


Click here to read more about it...

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

A Great and Successful Event Like No Other

For the second year, Les Fruits De La Vigne, held in the premier, private main dining room of The Tower Club, Singapore brought guests through a journey of senses starting with aesthetic artwork from our special guest, International Wine Consultant, Anna Pakula during the cocktail session. While enjoying Champagne Devaux- Cuvee Ultra D and Bollinger Grande Annee 1999, guests were treated to a visual and sensory experience through the slide show of outstanding photographs detailing the art of wine marketing.

During the dinner, guests were served with 10 amazing wines that were specially paired by our honorable guest , Robert Joseph and food creatively prepared by talented St. Pierre Restaurant’s Chef Emmanuel Stroobant.

It was never a dull moment that evening. The atmosphere only got more exciting when a surprise wine was brought out for our guests to blind taste. Managing Director of Red & White International, Nicolas Olivry made the blind tasting a fun and enjoyable session for the evening when he got the guests to participate actively in the guessing. Guests attending this event were not only able to indulge in an ambitious wine menu, they were also able to learn more about each of the wine from Robert Joseph and Nicolas Olivry.


A big thank you to our guests, media partner Cuisine Wine Asia, our special guests and The Tower Club management and staff for this extremely unique and one of kind night of indulgence.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Profiles of the Wines for the Evening


Champagnes

Champagne Devaux - Cuvee Ultra “D” - NV

http://www.champagne-devaux.fr/

Founded in 1846, the Champagne of Devaux was taken over by Madam Auguste Devaux, one of Champagne’s great characters who ran their companies with as much energy as skill. The company was renamed “Maison veuve A.Devaux” on her death.
Each Cuvée endorsed by Devaux owes its character to the 1,400 hectares of vineyard situated in the heart of the Côte des Bars which produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the whole Appellation. In this attractive countryside of hills and valleys, 750 vignerons use the skills of their ancestors to produce the flavours and character of great Champagne.

Tasting Notes:
• Color: A beautiful pale yellow-gold. A gracious and delicate sparkle.
• Nose: The nose combines freshness with full expression of maturity and complexity. A development towards notes of shell nuts followed by spicy notes..
• Palate: Great vivacity and vinosity. Warm generosity, fruity notes.


Bollinger Grande Annee 1999

http://www.bollinger.fr/

The history of Bollinger is that of a family in the Champagne region of France over centuries. For five generations, Bollinger has remained a family House.

Madame Jacques Bollinger, who was familiarly called “Aunt Lilly”, took over the reins in 1941 following her husband’s death. She succeeded in giving the firm new impetus whilst maintaining extremely strict rules regarding quality. Her efforts have been carried on by her nephews Claude d’Hautefeuille, Christian Bizot and now Ghislain de Montgolfier.

La Grande Année is the Prestige Cuvée of Champagne Bollinger. It is only produced when exceptional quality harvests occur, and is the expression of Bollinger’s know-how. More than the illustration of the vintage particularity, La Grande Année is the result of the Bollinger style, of its exceptional "terroir" and traditional wine making techniques. La Grande Année develops a beautiful rounded structure and combines rich, complex and intense aromas, the expression of which changes according to the characteristics of the vintage.

The grapes come exclusively from Grands and Premiers Crus. 17 villages have entered in the 1999 blend, 82% from Grands Crus and 18% from Premiers Crus. The blend of La Grande Année 1999 is composed of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay



White Wines

CAPANNELLE – Chardonnay 2006

http://www.capannelle.com

Capannelle, wine producers in Gaiole in Chianti, Siena, extends over about 20 hectares (16 of Vineyard) and produces about 70.000 bottles of wine a year. The owner is James B. Sherwood, founder and shareholder of the Orient Express Group Hotels.

The history of Capannelle wine production dates back to 1974, when Raffaele Rossetti, a 40 year old business man in the field of laminated plastics in Rome, with experience at the Enrico Mattei's ENI, decided to purchase an old XVI century farmhouse in the heart of Chianti.

Chardonnay variety were grafted to the base of the Trebbiano and Malvasia Bianca vines. So in 1988 Capannelle’s Chardonnay was born, fermented and refined in barrique.


Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet Les Referts 2002

http://www.etienne-sauzet.com/

The white wines of Puligny-Montrachet are probably the most famous and most widely acclaimed in the world. This is undoubtedly due to the local microclimates and the clay, siliceous sand and lime contents of the soil. The domaine of Etienne Sauzet is made up of 26 acres, much of it in the heart of the premier crus vineyards of Puligny-Montrachet. Gérard Boudot, owner and winemaker of Domaine Sauzet, is seeking "maximum finesse and an individual expression of the climat." M. Boudot, who married the granddaughter of the late Etienne Sauzet, runs the domaine and has modernized and improved the vinification, making the wines of this domaine among the most sought-after white wines of Burgundy. The estate has been bottling 100% of its production since the early 1950's. Since 1975, the domaine has been selling the entirety of its production in bottle. M. Boudot ferments and ages 100% of the premiers crus and grand crus in small oak, one-third of it being new French wood. The average age of the vines is 30-35 years. "This is one of the most serious estates in Burgundy. The wines are usually among the very best made... They are textbook white burgundies, brimming with flavor, yet elegant and well-balanced." Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate


Bonneau Du Martray – Corton Charlemagne 1996

http://www.bonneaudumartray.com/


Jean-Charles de la Morniére is an architect by training, yet in 1993 he forsook his practice and returned to the family property to run what is one of the leading white wine domaines in the Côte D`Or. The domaine has 11 hectares of vines, all in one continuous holding located on the Pernand side of the great Corton hill. Yields are severely restricted and in the cuverie as many as 16 different parcels of grapes are vinified separately in order for their respective "terroirs" to be reflected in the wine.
Fermentation begins in stainless steel and finishes in casks to which it is transferred 5-6 days later. They are matured in oak barrels (33% new) for 12 months and the separate cuvées are then assembled in stainless steel before being returned to cask for another 6 months prior to being bottled. Bonneau Du Martray also produces a small quantity of red Corton

Tasting Notes:
Color: Medium golden radiant color.
Nose: Awesome nose. Rich, powerful deep and broad. Tons of mineral, steel, wet stones and white fruits [pears, apples] aromas. By now the nose reveals it all. Worth waiting.
Palate: Mouthfilling, rich, concentrated wine wonderfully structured yet completely yielding by now. Mineral flinty flavors abound. On the palate this Corton Charlemagne is so intense that it had no problem coping with and complementing the rich in flavors and even spicy oriental dishes.


Red Wines

John Forrest Collection – Pinot Noir 2004

www.forrest.co.nz/

From the first wave of European settlers in Marlborough, the Forrest family has grown deep roots in the region. This historical connection and tradition drew Drs John, Brigid and family back home to Marlborough in 1988 from successful international careers in biomedical research. Vintage 1990 saw the first Forrest wine, and immediate success with their 1990 Cabernet Rose that was awarded the Directors Trophy for Champion Rose/Blush at the 1990 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. Many more gold medals and trophies have followed, both national and international, including the title of New Zealand’s Winemaker of the Year being awarded to John at the 2001 Royal Easter Show.

Tasting Notes:
Deep crimson red with a purple-black core. Concentrated bright red fruit and new leather with a whiff of charcoal on the nose and an amalgam of pepper, liquorice and allspice in the palate with cherry, plum and blackberry fruit swimming in chocolate liqueur and a musky rose petal character to the finish. An extravagant wine with powerful yet smooth tannins and beautifully integrated cedary oak. Screwcap. 14% alc..



Felton Road – Block 3 Pinot Noir 2006

http://www.feltonroad.com/

Felton Road wines is located in Bannockburn, Central Otago in New Zealand, the most southerly wine growing region in the World. Here, vineyards are nestled into small macroclimates totally surrounded by high mountains, many of which are snowcapped all year round. Though the location is on the edge of sustainable viticulture these macroclimates consistently combine hot days, cool nights and long dry autumns: perfect for the creation of fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. The latitude of 45 degrees south is similar to the Willamette Valley in Oregon and some of the finest wine regions of France.
H.S. Wine Spectator Insider, USA. February 8, 2006:

Tasting Note:
“Deep brooding nose of earth, leather, cocoa and dark fruits. The palate explodes with concentrated Damson plum interlaced with layers of Indian spices and mocha. The tannins offer considerable generosity while remaining succulent, lush and refined. Certainly a wine that will celler well for several years.”


Yering Station - Reserve Pinot Noir 2003

www.yering.com/
Victoria's first vineyard, Yering Station, was originally planted in 1838. This historical wine estate was purchased by the Rathbone family in 1996, marking the beginning of a new era, with the construction of a state-of-the-art winery and award-winning wine tourism destination.

Yering Station claims its historical significance and is complimented by one of the most innovative and modern winery facilities. Yering Station winemaking employs traditional, old-age techniques with new world style and sophistication.

Tasting Notes:
Colour: Bright red.
Nose: Intense and intricate, this wine is perfumed with red berries, black cherry, plum and some chocolate
and kirsch aromas with foresty hints. Fine French oak adds charry, smoky complexity to the wine.
Palate: Richly peppered with layers of berry, chocolate and licorice this wine has concentrated flavours with great elegance and fine, silky tannins. It has a lingering finish.


Bass Philip Pinot Noir 2001





Established by Phillip Jones in 1979, the vineyards are located in prime dairy country near Leongatha, South Gippsland, at the southernmost part of Victoria, not far from Phillip Island and Wilson's Promontary. Named after early explorers of the region, George Bass and Arthur Phillip, Bass Phillip lies close to the sea, but far enough inland to experience a continental climate ideal for grape growing. "The difference between good and great Pinot Noir is texture!" -Winemaker Phillip Jones
Bass Phillip»

Distinguished Langtons Classification. Phillip Jones has been producing icon Australian Pinot Noir from the cool climes of Leongatha at Gippsland for over two decades. "Phillip Jones is a perfectionist and crops his fruit at incredibly low levels, an almost insane passion and attention to detail, has resulted in the most exquisite of Australian Pinot Noirs!" -Andrew Caillard MW, "Painstaking site selection, ultra-close vine spacing and the very, very cool climate are the keys to the magic of Bass Phillip and its eerily Burgundian Pinots!" -Wine Companion.com.au



Domaine Dujac – Clos St Denis Grand Cru 2004



http://www.dujac.com/

Louis Seysses, biscuit manufacturer and gastronome, had a taste for good food and fine wines. His son Jacques Seysses quickly came to share his father's passion, and he decided he would not only like to drink the wine but make it as well. With the help of his father, Jacques began his career in wine with an apprenticeship with Gérard Potel at the Domaine de la Pousse d'Or. He spent two harvests there during which time he was lucky enough to talk and listen to the famous


Burgundian winemakers of the times whom he greatly admired.
In 1967, he seized the opportunity to purchase the Domaine Graillet and renamed it Domaine Dujac. Trying to blend what he admired in traditional winemaking with modern techniques, Jacques went on to refine a style of his own. Although the first vintage made at Dujac (1968) is the worst known in the last forty years, the following vintage more than made up for this difficult start (1969 remains one of the most superb vintages made at Dujac).
The Domaine Dujac wines did not go unnoticed long. In 1974, they were discovered by Gault & Millau. Thanks to favorable press and his father's connections in the world of gastronomy, Dujac wines were soon to be found in prestigious restaurants throughout France.
A hint of reduction partially hides the aromas of earth, underbrush and a certain animale quality though the rich, full-bodied, refined and notably elegant flavors possess a subtle and understated complexity and considerable grace. Very much like the balance here and this could surprise to the upside if it adds a bit of weight.



Domaine Ponsot Chapelle Chambertain 1999



www.domaine-ponsot.com/

William Ponsot was born in St Roman in Cote d’Or. On his return from FrNCO-Prussian war, he purchased a vineyard in Morey-St Denis where he made his home in 1872. Already at this time, his most important parcels were Clos des Monts-Luisants and a parcel of Clos de la Roche. He also grew other appellations, such as Gevrey Chambertin Les Combottes. Hippolyte Ponsot took over the estate in 1920. Joined by his brother, Hippolyte Ponsot substantially increased the area of Clos de la Roche vineyard.


Domaine Serene Oregon – Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir 1996



www.domaineserene.com/

A passion and commitment to produce the world's best Pinot Noir led Grace & Ken Evenstad to Oregon in 1989. They founded Domaine Serene in the Dundee Hills located in the North Willamette Valley, where Oregon Pinot Noir began and where its heart remains. Domaine Serene owns 3 vineyard estates totaling 462 acres. 150 acres are planted exclusively to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and the remaining property has been left in its natural state . Vineyards are dry farmed using sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices for extremely low crop yields which produce consistently elegant, concentrated, award winning wines. Robert Parker, famous wine critic, rated Domaine Serene as one of only two outstanding producers of Pinot Noir in Oregon.

Slight bricking on the edges, nice black cherry nose followed by cherry and blackberry flavors, medium intensity, nice long finish. After an hour in the glass this wine started to dry out and turn bitter. I'd recommend drinking up.











Thursday, September 25, 2008

Announcement on the Wines and Food to be Featured at the Dinner!

Les Fruits De La Vigne
Friday, 10th October 2008, 7PM
“The Mystery of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir”


We are delighted to confirm the outstanding wines and menu composed by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant for the 2008 Les Fruits De La Vigne. A night of indulgence and delight, we invite you to join us on the 10th October for this one of a kind celebration of terroir and winemaking.

Wines:
Champagne Devaux – Cuvee Ultra D, NV ~ Bollinger Grande Annee 1999 ~ Capannelle Chardonnay 2006 ~ Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montracet Les Referts 2002 ~ Bonneau Du Martray Corton Charlemagne 1996 ~ John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir 2004 ~ Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2006 ~ Yering Station Reserve Pinot Noir 2003 ~ Bass Philip Premium Pinot Noir 2001 ~Domaine Dujac Clos St Denis Grand Cru 2004 ~ Domaine Ponsot Chapelle Chambertain 1999 ~ Domaine Serene Oregon Evanstead Reserve Pinot 1996 ~

Canapés
Spanner crab, sable potato and seaweed spherification, Blow-torched “green school prawn’
Tempura of nori crusted red mullet, Momotaro tomato and iberico ham
Sherry vinegar ceviche of blue fin tuna and piquillos

Coquille St. Jacques - Ravioli of scallop sashimi with hazelnut oil, roasted fennel salad and green crab consommé

Flash-grilled tiger prawn with brunoise of black olive, edamame and olive oil, confit of cherry tomato and homemade langoustine essence

Saumon Fume “Maison” green tea smoked Scottish salmon, brioche crouton, yuzu scented avocado mousse and fresh herb jelly

Pillow of wagyu beef carpaccio and foie gras terrine, micro cress, instant pickled cucumber and rice wine-soy dressing

Black cod matellote with pearl onion, wild Japanese mushroom, bone marrow and pomme mature

Kurabuta pork belly roasted for 36 hours, warm salad of green lentils and mirin caramelised ika

Assorted farmed burgundian cheese, marmalade of fresh figs and toasted poilane bread

Coffee and tea with mignardies

The Tower Club, Singapore
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire


Tickets are SG$380 per guest (+ prevailing GST).
Corporate Partnership is available with the purchase of 5 tables (50 tickets) or more.
Tower Club members may purchase their tickets through The Tower Club.
While non-members please contact:
Josephine@hermitagewine.com

Monday, September 15, 2008

Our Official Media Partner: Cuisine Wine Asia.

We are proud to announce that Cuisine Wine Asia have confirmed their participation with Les Fruits De La Vigne 2008 as official media partner!

Since its inception in 1996, Cuisine & Wine Asia (CW Asia) has grown from strength to strength and has evolved to become an internationally recognised F&B publication. Its goal is to serve as a dynamic and premium medium that strengthens and enhances communication among F&B and hospitality professionals, chefs and industry partners.

Endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) in Asia, and as one of the supporting official publications of many gourmet and specialty events such as Alsace Meets Asia 2008, FoodHotelAsia, Singapore Food Festival and World Gourmet Summit; CW Asia boosts interaction and affiliations that ultimately benefit all parties in the future.

With an expanded wine coverage and renowned wine personalities like Serena Sutcliffe, David Peppercorn, Jancis Robinson, James Halliday and Andrew Caillard as the magazine’s regular wine contributors in 2008, Cuisine & Wine Asia is fast becoming the wine magazine of choice for wine connoisseurs, wine distributors and wineries.

Cuisine & Wine Asia not only gives you a unique opportunity to penetrate the Asian and worldwide market, but also to maximise your advertising dollar with its value-added packages and benefits. These range from advertisement and advertorial development, cookbook consultancy, menu design, product packaging design, as well as in-house photography services.

Also be sure to make use of the available banner space on the publication’s website (asiacuisine.com), complete with a hyperlink to respective advertisers’ websites. With all this and more, you can be sure that CW Asia’s communication services are tastefully and professionally executed to your satisfaction.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Our honoured guests for Les Fruits De La Vigne 2008

We are pleased to provide you the profiles of our honoured guest chef , guest host & showcased artist for the Les Fruits De La Vigne 2008:



Chef Emmanuel Stroobant

The “Chef in Black”, Emmanuel Stroobant's beginning was vastly different from others. He started his culinary career washing plates in a restaurant and aspired to be a lawyer. However, the will of heaven was not to be defied, at the age of 18, he enrolled in a culinary institute and the rest was history. Working in 3-Michelin-star awarded restaurants, Stroobant built up his foundation which allowed him to experiment so much with his creativity and courage in the later stage of his career and bring the life into French cuisine.


French Cuisine does not stop at France when dining at Saint Pierre, with Stroobant’s modern French Cuisine with a hint of Japanese influence - Saint Pierre has been conferred with the “Most Innovative Menu” and “Best Dish Award” at Singapore’s 2001 Gourmet Hunt, and was a two time recipient of the Christofle New Restaurant of the Year award at the Awards of Excellence 2002 and 2003.



Robert Joseph

Robert Joseph is a well known British-born wine expert and writer. In 1984, with Charles Metcalfe, he launched Wine International Magazine and the London International Wine Challenge, which grew to become the world's biggest wine competition.
Since then Joseph has also launched International Wine Challenges in Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, India and Hong Kong) and Russia.

Robert was also the wine correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph for sixteen years, until 2001, and is the author of more than 28 books, twice winning the Glenfiddich award for wine writing. He wrote an annual Robert Joseph Good Wine Guide (published by Dorling Kindersley) which in 2004 was named as best Wine Guide in the world by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.


While most recently Joseph has participated in the International Symposium at Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2008 « Understanding Wine Trends: More than Branding vs. Terroir » as Moderator and launched his own range of outstanding wines under R-Wines.

Robert is the author of the Joseph Report and has been voted one of the 50 most likely people to influence the way people drink in the 21st century.

Anna Pakula

Anna Pakula is a renowned international Wine consultant, wine photojournalist - wine reporter and creative visual culture of wine communicator. Les Fruits De La Vigne will be honoured this year to not only host Anna as guest for the event, but also showcase some of her outstanding visual art work, touching all senses through the art of wine making through the four season around the world.

Today, Anna, who devotes a substantial portion of her time in the vineyards and cellars of some of the most highly respected wine producers in the world, International Wine Trades Shows, international wine competitions, effectively draws upon her diverse background, energy, talent and international experiences to provide a comprehensive array of services to the wine industry.

Anna will provide a visual & sensory experience for guests at the Les Fruits De La Vigne 2008 at the cocktail prior to dinner. With photography of the finest terroir and vineyards from around the world inspiring guests exploration and inspiration.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The 2008 Les Fruits De La Vigne! 10th October 2008

We are delighted to announce the second annual Les Fruits De La Vigne event will be held on the 10th October 2008!
To build on the major success of the inaugural event in 2007, Les Fruits De La Vigne 2008 will remain adventurous in its spirit of providing guests rare and much sought after wines and paired food in a prestigious environment, while distinguishing itself this year, with a particular focus on a special theme of ‘terroir exploration’.

The theme “The Mystery of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir” will take guests on an exploration of the legacy of Burgundy’s most recognized varietals; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

While extracting the hidden jewels of global terroir with the finest selection of the most outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reserves from around the world.

To be held in the prestigious Tower Club Singapore, the menu will be prepared by Guest Chef Emmanuel Stroobant, from the highly awarded St. Pierre Restaurant, Singapore.

The night’s wine pairing will be guided and discussed by honorary guest Mr. Robert Joseph, World acclaimed wine expert and writer and key winemakers yet to be announced.

Finally, to emphasize the intimate relationship between art & wine, in such a prestigious setting, we are honored to also host, Anna Pakula, International Wine consultant to feature her outstanding photography within the event’s ballroom.
Please contact info@redandwhite.net should you be interested to attend, or simply find out more!

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Photos from the 2007 Les Fruits De La Vigne




Champagne Devaux Cuvee ‘D’ Brut, 1996, Bollinger NV





Yering Station, Reserve Chardonnay 2002



Service of the Château Leoville-Las Cases, 1985




Borgogno, Barolo Riserva, 1961






Guests enjoying Mr. James Halliday & Jose Manuel Ortega (O.Fournier Wines) commentary.




Mr. James Halliday trying on of the 18 fine wines served with the degustation meal.


Chef Emmanuel Stroobant preparing the St. Pierre Signature Black Cod.



The 24-Hour Roasted Wagyu Beef with Extract of Black Olive, Almond and Coffee

An Event Like No Other!


Hermitage Wine’s inaugural “The Fruits of the Vine” , was a wine event like no other, surprising and entertaining almost 100 guests on Thursday 29th November 2007.

Les Fruits De La Vigne, held in the premier, private main dining room of The Tower Club, Singapore provided guests with a journey of senses - surrounded by the striking artwork of surprise guest artist, Dr. Rajinder Singh, each guest was served 18 tasting glasses of rare and unique wines paired for contrast and comparison by the expertise of Mr. James Halliday (guest host on the evening), and Mr. Robert Joseph.

Vintage Wine highlights included:

The Chateau Doisy Daëne, 1953 from Sauterne/Bordeaux, France. Followed by the stand out, Yering Station, Reserve Chardonnay, 2002, Yarra Valley, Australia paired with the Domaine Leflaive, Pugliny Montrachet, 2003, Burgundy France.


The Rubicon Estate, Rubicon 2003, from Napa Valley, USA paired with the Parker Estate, First Growth 1998, Coonawarra, Australia and Château Leoville-Las Cases, 1985 from St. Julien/Bordeaux, France.


While the O.Fournier, Alfa Crux, 2002 from Medoza, Argentina and Marques de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva 1998, Rioja, Spain surprisingly, delighted guests by outshining the Vega Sicilia – Unico Blend (1985/1988/1990), Ribera del Duero, Spain.

Guests attending this event were able to indulge in this ambitious wine menu, whilst listening to Mr. Halliday and featured guest wine makers, Darren Rathbone – Technical Director, The Rathbone Wine Group and Jose Manuel Ortega, President of O.Fournier Wines discuss and debate both their own wines featured and the compelling pairings. There was even reminiscing to be shared between Iain Riggs - Chief Winemaker and Managing Director of Brokenwood Wines and James Halliday, over the Brokenwood, Graveyard Shiraz, 1998, from the Hunter Valley, Australia, the mythical “La Chapelle” from Jaboulet and their adventures together at the Brokenwood vineyard.

This indulgent night would not have been complete without St. Pierre Restaurant’s Chef Emmanuel Stroobant and his exciting degustation menu. 8 courses were enjoyed with highlights including the Lobster Bavarois with Atlantic Crab Salad and Avocado Mousse, and the 24-hour roasted Wagyu Beef with extract of Black Olive, Almond and Coffee – all serve with great efficiency by The Tower Club management and staff in the face of an extremely unique and one of kind, program.

The night was sent off with a grand note of charity, with Dr. Rajinder Singh auctioning one of his award winning masterpieces to a Les Fruits De La Vigne guest, raising SGD$7,000 for the M’Lap Tapang New Day Centre in Cambodia. A resounding finale shared by all, with Portuguese, Dow’s Vintage Port, 1977 as the evening wrapped up in the early hours!
An Event like no other…


(Pictures will follow!)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Surprise Guest Artist!

Hermitage are proud to announce the presence of extremely talented and globally recognised artist Dr. Rajinder Jit Singh at Les Fruits De La Vigne!


Dr. Raj Singh will be both displaying and creating his amazing artwork pieces live at Les Fruits De La Vigne, one of his pieces from the Faces series is inserted to the right:


About the artist
Visual artist, Rajinder Singh, lives and works in Singapore. He was born in Ipoh, Malaysia and lived in United Kingdom for a big part of his life, before moving to Singapore in 1995. He has been painting since an early age and won the first accolade for his work at the age of 12. After an intense tutorship under a veteran English artist, James Holdsworth in 2002, Rajinder made his comeback to painting.

Rajinder has been painting, sculpting and making films for several years now. He has had several successful exhibitions and his art has been purchased by prominent households and businesses from around the world. Major patrons of the artist are Farouk Khan of Malaysia, Baron Gonzalve Bich (of BIC conglomerate) and Franck Duboeuf (of George Duboeuf wines). He is represented by the prestigious Artfolio@ Raffles and Darling Muse@Bukit Pantai galleries in South Asia.

Rajinder has had a successful academic career with five academic degrees including a PhD in Engineering Mathematics. His background in Mathematics is the driving force behind his successful art practice. Rajinder hosts a popular Singapore art blog (http://sightoracle.blogpsot.com) which runs a commentary on the Singapore art scene with reviews, interviews and philosophical discourses and has been the unofficial site for the Singapore Biennale 2006. His work has been shown in contemporary, international art portals such as SPUNK and DUUDLE and has been described as modern and carries a message of change.

Rajinder is presently doing his postgraduate studies in Philosophy of Art. He has recently been selected as one of the top 20 emerging artists from Asia in a juried competition in Hong Kong which will be launched in London in 2008. He is also the artist ambassador for the super-premium wine from Tuscany, Cappannelle and a winner of the highly sought after Marina Mandarin artist residency program in Singapore. In 2007, Rajinder will be showing in London France, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Korea, New York and Argentina in 2007/2008.

Official Event Partners

The Tower Club – Official Event Host & Venue:

Opened in January 1997, Tower Club Singapore is a subsidiary of City Developments Limited and has been established as the nation’s premier private business club, it is situated on the 62nd – 64th penthouse floors of the award-winning Republic Plaza building, in the hub of the business district.
It is here that the prestige and value of international networking and the exchange of information is at its height. It is here where you’ll be proud to entertain.


Lexean Magazine – Official Media Partner

Lexean Magazine will participate in and support Les Fruit De La Vigne, this media company publishes a prestigious, intellectual and lifestyle magazine, which will provide pre and post-coverage of the event.




Schott-Zwiesel - Official Glass Partner

Schott Zwiesel: The "glass for professionals" - for everyone's enjoyment
The Schott Zwiesel brand has become established as the world market leader in top-class bars, hotels and restaurants











The Hidden Host – Official Event Organizer:

A boutique event management company based in Singapore. With several years experience throughout Asia, The Hidden Host deliver diverse events ranging from small private functions to large scale corporate dinners – Hidden Host’s featured Chef Rob Staedler will be present on the evening .

Monday, October 29, 2007

Official Sponsors


M’Lop Tapang New Day Centre – Selected Charity:
M'Lop Tapang was created with the goal of giving street children access to the learning tools, resources, and opportunities they need to empower themselves and become productive members of society. We do this by offering regular meals, shelter, medical care, education, counseling, and protection from all types of abuse.
M'Lop Tapang strives to provide a safe haven for all of the street living and street working children of Sihanoukville.



Bravo Lifestyle – Event Sponsor:
As distributors for premium golf and lifestyle products Bravo Lifestyle provide the Singapore consumer with quality and innovative technology in line with the today’s sophisticated Asian golf player.

Kitchen Culture – Event Sponsor:
Kitchen Culture are the retail outlets for KHL Marketing’s imported kitchen cabinetry and major appliances. Kitchen Culture provide state of the art, and the service the constant changes in kitchen technology and design to their clients. Often regarded as the kitchen architects in their industry – Kitchen Culture provide the environment and design for enjoy life’s finer things.. Particularly food and wine!