Got a sec?

Pretty cool that while you might reasonably opt for the "Best wines for Asian cuisines" at merely $22, you can still get your 1999 Pavie on for $7500 if you need to.

I also appreciate the unusually finicky pricing of the Argiolas wines.
 
originally posted by Erwin Dink:
Got a sec?I wonder if I could get some quick reactions to the prices on this wine list...?

I'll provide context after.

Forget the prices, I was too busy noticing the way Europe (and France) came ceremoniously Last on the List.

Perhaps there are better places to drink in Vietnam?
 
Perhaps there are better places to drink in Vietnam?
I'm supposed to be picking up a couple cases for a wedding. These prices are very high for Hanoi but this place and the one other wine bar I've found mostly cater to expats and tourists.

The challenge is this: the wedding party is made up of mostly locals who, I'm told, will be happy to drink the home grown Vang Dalat, which can be had for $3-5US. I tried some last night and it was surprisingly tolerable but not something I want to drink more of if it can be avoided. They accepted my offer to help with the wine selection but, as a guest, I am not allowed to pay for anything. Sounds great but then I also have to keep the cost down.

I might be drinking scotch at the bar.
 
One of the other challenges here is finding wine that has been stored properly. I found these reasonably priced wines at a reliable store with a very small selection.

Vincent Saintcrit, 2001
Chateau Chenau-Laffitte, 2005
Chateau Cont Vert, 2000 (I think this name isn't right)
Cuvee Prestige D'Avanne, 2007

Faiveley Grand Ordinaire, 2006
Faiveley Moulin-A-Vent, 2006

I've enjoyed some Faively in the states but haven't heard of the others, nor can I find much info online about any of them. Any comments?

The food being served is traditional but entirely wheat free (no Pho or other noodles). Mostly meats, seafood and green vegetables like fresh dill and sauteed spinach.

I've got a couple more stores to check out...
 
Do you need more than 5 cases, and do they all have to be the same?

If no and no, I would say go with the Dalat and then supplement as necessary.

If no and yes, try the Sofitel gourmet store; there's also another wine bar/shop whose name escapes me now.

If yes, then try getting a foreign broker to help. For those based in Singapore, I can recommend Vinum and Estima. UK, both Seckford's and Fine&Rare are pretty good. Pernod-Ricard and LVMH both have a presence in Hanoi as well.

Also, if Vine-Wine is the place just off West Lake (I can't be sure, was last there more than a year ago) they have good connections to the local scene, and might be able to broker something. Nice people.
 
originally posted by Yixin:
Do you need more than 5 cases, and do they all have to be the same?

If no and no, I would say go with the Dalat and then supplement as necessary.

If no and yes, try the Sofitel gourmet store; there's also another wine bar/shop whose name escapes me now.

If yes, then try getting a foreign broker to help. For those based in Singapore, I can recommend Vinum and Estima. UK, both Seckford's and Fine&Rare are pretty good. Pernod-Ricard and LVMH both have a presence in Hanoi as well.

Also, if Vine-Wine is the place just off West Lake (I can't be sure, was last there more than a year ago) they have good connections to the local scene, and might be able to broker something. Nice people.

Only two cases are required but it has been requested that all bottle be the same. I guess we're avoiding any politics over who gets a better wine, accurately perceived or not.

It seems most of the wine bars and stores are near West Lake, as is the wedding. Vine is on my list but I hadn't heard of Sofitel. Thanks for the tip. Will check it out (and some of your other suggestions as well).
 
originally posted by Cory Cartwright:
Everytime I look at this post I think that Thor missed a good title oppurtunity.

I was expecting SFJoe to pick that one up -- why bother with the sec's ....what's a wedding with out a little RS?
 
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