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South Korea

    My Column

    Jeannie Cho Lee MW - Third Best Wine Critic of the World

    Tb: What aspects you consider particularly crucial to succeed as a wine critic, and how have you succeeded in them personally?

    "I am always humbled by great wines and hopefully that appreciation helps me to be a good wine critic, someone that tries to listen to what the wine has to say even when it is a whisper.
     
    Tb: Which wine critics are you Jeannie following?

    "I admire and learn from all the wine critics who are finalists; and if I had to choose one, it would have to be someone who is not among the finalists -- Robert Parker. Whether you agree or disagree with his ratings or his methodology, you have to respect how he elevated wine criticism to another level, brought more consumers to wine and did it with passion and dedication.""
     
    Tb: How do you envision the future evolution of the wine critic's craft, and do you believe there's still a place for wine critics in a world where artificial intelligence reigns supreme? 

    "I do think there is room for wine critics because wine is still a person to person business starting with the vigneron to the merchant/sommelier and the final consumer. It is the same for doctors — we will still need specialist and experienced doctors even if AI can diagnose simple ailments better than general practitioners in the future."

     

     

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    My Today

    All of the tasting notes of the wine critic mentioned above in tastingbook, comes from press releases from wine importers and vineyards, or directly from the critic and can also be found on the critic’s own website, which can be easily accessed by clicking on the link above.

     

     

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    My Yesterday

    When I was a university student traveling through Europe, a budding foodie in search of my next flavor discovery, I stumbled upon wine. I was humbled by the wine world's complex language and an entire new realm opened up to me. I was mesmerized by wine – not just because of its complex flavors that are mercurial and fleeting but because intuitively, I sensed that wine was alive. It is connected to the earth, swaying to the rhythm of nature and reflecting the spirit of the people behind it and the culture surrounding it. All of this, in just one sip.

     

    My traditional Korean upbringing meant venturing into the wine industry was not an option I considered while I was a student. But life has a way of bringing you back to what you love and I found myself in the wine industry, first as a writer, then an author and later as a wine critic, editor, publisher and finally in 2008, becoming a Master of Wine. All along the way, my loving and generous family tolerated my indulgence and to them I owe huge thanks.

     

    What really makes me happy, besides spending time with my family and friends, is being able to turn people on to wine. Now, I spend as much time teaching, hosting wine and food television programs and speaking, or should I say preaching, to people about why wine is so wonderful and how it can transform your life. It helps slow down meals, I say. You can reach palate orgasm when you find that perfect food and wine pairing! You can become closer to cultures and places far away without ever having left your dining room. Plus, it tastes great and it makes you relaxed and happy. What more can you ask for?

     

    I was not born into a wine family nor did I grow up drinking wine or ever live near a wine region. If I can learn this, I say, so can you! Wine is a life enhancer, just like food. We need to eat every day, so why not make the most of every meal and enjoy it, with wine of course. My wine gospel goes something like this: Life is short and what makes life worth living are the people close to you and the time you spend with them. Bring wine into your life and it makes time and meals slow down; it may even make time stand still. And that is what makes wine more than just a fermented alcoholic beverage in a bottle.

    Critic

    I started to give ratings to wine starting in 1992 when I started my wine diaries. These notes were meant just for me and I never imagined then that my wine ratings would ever be published anywhere. I always found the 100 point system very helpful especially when I review my previous notes of wines tasted five or ten years ago. Often when I taste wines now, the number surfaces even before the words start to form in my mind.

    Writer

    Even before falling in love with food and eventually wine, my first love was writing. When I announced to my parents at the age of 10 that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, they replied, "That is a nice hobby dear, but that is not a real profession." But I never stopped writing and when I am not writing for magazines, newspapers or online sites I am writing journals to my daughters. To read my latest views and articles about wine, food, trends and more, click here. To buy my books in English, Chinese or Korean, click here.

    Professor

    My father's ambition for me was to be a University professor and when I told him I was appointed in 2012 as Professor at Wine at the Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management, he was even more thrilled than I was. I really enjoy teaching and get a thrill when my students' eyes light up because of a new wine discovery. 

    Interested in wine business and management? Check out the Master of Science in International Wine Management that I helped to launch in 2015 and currently teach here.

    Television host

    When TVB approached me about hosting a weekly wine program, In Vino Veritas, in early 2014, I was honored but apprehensive. I was interviewed numerous times but I was never the host! I learned the meaning of pithy and how to do five retakes and each time do it with equal enthusiasm as if it is my first time. I have a newfound respect for all entertainers in television and film. 

    To watch TVB Pearl's In Vino Veritas, follow this link or download this app: mytvb.com.

    Speaker

    Speaking about food and wine takes me around the world. Here is a link to my upcoming events as well as previous ones. You might also enjoy my Ted Talk about how wine keeps you healthy, humble and slim.

    Consultant

    I have worked with many fine wine companies throughout my career, as educational consultant, fine wine specialist and advisor to companies such Watson's Wine, Ficofi and Berry Brothers & Rudd. I have created award-wininng wine lists for numerous hotels and restaurants, always mindful of the cuisine, the ambience and the guest profile unique to each venue. On occasion, I also help to create dream cellars, host bespoke events and create memorable wine events.

    Designer

    This is pure indulgence – creating a set of wine glasses that not only meets my functional expectations, but makes me smile because they are so beautiful and elegant. A big thank you to Inhesion and Spiegelau for being such great partners and for allowing my creativity to run free. 

    To download the wine glass and decanter brochure, click here. To place an order, email or Call +852 2415 9288

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    Me

    Lee was born in Seoul, Korea and shortly thereafter moved to the United States where she later received her undergraduate degree from Smith College and a Masters in public policy from Harvard University. Since 1994, Lee has been based in Hong Kong initially pursuing a career in business journalism in Asia, writing for publications such as Asia Inc.Far Eastern Economic Review and The Asset, before contributing to international wine publications such as Wine SpectatorThe World of Fine WineWine and DineWine Business International and La Revue du vin de France. Later, in November 2010, she joined Decanter. as a contributing editor for Asia. She is also the Co-Chair of Decanter Asia Wine Awards, a sister competition to the Decanter World Wine Awards launched in 2004. In June 2015, Lee is launching LE PAN, a magazine and website on fine wine, dining and luxury living.

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    Pro Me

    Lee is also the creator and designer of the Jeannie Cho Lee Signature Wine Glass Collection, which she launched in 2014 at the Vinexpo. Later that year, she co-hosted the wine program 'In Vino Veritas', which aired on the Hong Kong broadcasting network channel TVB Pearl from October to December.

    Lee is a frequent judge at international wine competitions such as the International Wine Challenge, Decanter World Wine Awards, Royal Adelaide Wine Show, Mundus Vini and Wines of the Pacific Rim. She has also been teaching Wine and Spirit Education Trust courses since 2004 and in 2008 helped establish The Fine Wine School in Hong Kong. In 2009, she received Vinitaly's International Award, and also became a wine consultant to Singapore Airlines and Galaxy Macau.

    Lee's first book, Asian Palate was launched in November 2009. In February 2010, at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Asian Palate was awarded the 'Best Food and Wine Pairing Book in the World'. In June 2011, at the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook Awards 2011, Asian Palate won under the category of 'Wine, Beer or Spirits' category Same month, Asian Palate won under the category of 'Wines and Gastronomy' category at the 2011 OIV Awards. Lee launched her website AsianPalate.com in May 2010.

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    Digital Me

    MY TOP 10 WINES 

    1.Château Haut-Brion 1989

    2. Le Pin 1998

    3. Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1990

    4. Château Lafleur  1982

    5. Château Margaux 1990

    6. Pétrus 1990

    7. DRC La Tâche 1978

    8. Maison Leroy Mazis-Chambertin 1962

    9. Paul Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 1962

    10. Comte Georges de Vogue Musigny 1978

    (Wines are in no particular order)

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Wine Moments

Here you can see wine moments from tastingbook users. or to see wine moments from your world.

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  22 Wines  from  19 Producers 

Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2016 /
An expressive Romanee-Conti with great exuberance, intensity and complexity. This is a brilliant vintage for DRC and the Romanee-Conti in this vintage is suprisingly open at this stage. The wine combines everything one would want in a great Burgundy wine – delicacy, purity, depth, complexity, length and seductive flavors. 99 points

12d 10min ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  21 Wines  from  13 Producers 

Château Lafleur 1952 - 100 points / A gorgeous wine with layers of tobacco, leather, dried plums and hint of cacao. The palate is seductively silky with an explosion of additional spicy and dried berry flavours. Wonderful lingering finish. This wine is utter perfection.

25d 18h ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  29 Wines  from  16 Producers 

1945 Mommessin – Clos de Tart Grand Cru / Medium garnet hue with a fading rim. This wine is amazingly young and an unconvincing ’45. Sweet potpourri on the nose with hints of dried red berries. This wine is still fresh, possesses good density, firm tannins and a grippy, tannic finish. Discussions evolved around what other wine (from Africa, southern France) this bottle might contain besides Clos de Tart.(93)

3m 9d ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  68 Wines  from  42 Producers 

Overall, Burgundy 2018 will be remembered as a warm vintage with heat spikes that didn’t last as long as during 2003. Thus the red wines tend toward fruits such as figs and prunes with elevated, dense tannins that could be plush and supple or chunky and dry. The biggest challenge was getting sufficient freshness in the wines, with the dense tannins, ripe fruit and/or high alcohol trying to take center stage. In capable hands, the red wines have great power and capacity to age and the quality is very high. The high quality is not across the board, and in my experience, around 70% of the estates and wines I tasted took full advantage of this vintage and made fabulous wines, and the rest were disappointing.

7m 12d ago

Richebourg 2018, Domaine Leroy
Château Palmer 1945, Château Palmer
Château Palmer 1928, Château Palmer
Chambertin 2018, Dugat-Py
Mazis Chambertin 2018, Dugat-Py
Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche 2018, Joseph Drouhin
Charmes Chambertin 2018, Domaine Ponsot
Chapelle Chambertin 2018, Domaine Ponsot
Clos-de-la-Roche Vieilles-Vignes 2018, Domaine Ponsot
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Ponsot
Chapelle-Chambertin 2018, Claude Dugat
Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux 2018, Méo-Camuzet
Vosne-Romanée aux Brûlées 2018, Méo-Camuzet
Nuits-st-Georges 1er Cru aux Murgers 2018, Méo-Camuzet
Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru 2018, Bouchard Père & Fils
Chambertin Clos de Bèze 2018, Louis Jadot
Chambertin Clos de Beze 2018, Domaine Perrot-Minot
Chapelle Chambertin V.V. 2018, Domaine Perrot-Minot
Château Gruaud-Larose 1900, Château Gruaud-Larose
Château Gruaud-Larose 1921, Château Gruaud-Larose
Musigny 2018, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2018, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier
Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses 2018, Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier
Echézeaux 2018, Domaine Dujac
Clos-de-la-Roche 2018, Domaine Dujac
Vosne Romanee Aux Malconsorts 2018, Domaine Dujac
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2018, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé
Chambolle-Musigny Clos de L'Orme 2018, Sylvain Cathiard
Vosne-Romanée Les Beaux Monts 1er Cru 2018, Domaine Jean Grivot
Clos des Lambrays 2018, Domaine des Lambrays
Corton Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Bonneau du Martray
Corton- Charlemagne Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Bonneau du Martray
Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots 2018, Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat
Meursault Perrières 2018, Domaine des Comtes Lafon
Meursault Charmes 2018, Domaine des Comtes Lafon
Clos de Tart 2018, Mommessin
Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018, Domaine de Montille
Grands-Echezeaux 2018, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret
Volnay Premier Cru Santenots 2018, Maison Leroy
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2018, Drouhin-Laroze
Volnay 1er cru Champans 2018, Domaine Marquis d'Angerville
La Grande Rue Grand Cru 2018, Francois Lamarche
La Grande Rue Grand Cru 2018, Francois Lamarche
La Romanée 2018, Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Aux Reignots 2018, Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
La Romanée 1911, Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
Vosne-Romanée 1er cru Les Brulèes 2018, Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair
Chapelle-Chambertin 2018, Domaine Rossignol-Trapet
Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets 2018, Henri Boillot
Corton Charlemagne 2018, Henri Boillot
Clos Vougeot 2018, Henri Boillot
Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2018, Domaine de la Vougeraie
Bâtard-Montrachet 2018, Benjamin Leroux
Chambertin Grand Cru 2018, Benjamin Leroux
Corton Gran Cru 2018, Benjamin Leroux
Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2018, Benjamin Leroux
Chambertin Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Damoy
Richebourg 2018, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair
Corton-Charlemagne 2018, Domaine Pierre Yves Colin-Morey
Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru Les Beaumonts 2018, Domaine Cécile Tremblay
Clos de la Roche 2018, Domaine Arlaud
Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Arlaud
Chassagne-Montrachet La Grande Montagne 2018, Domaine Paul Pillot
Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d'Or 2018, Domaine Arnaud Ente
Mazoyeres-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Taupenot-Merme
Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes 2018, Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2018, Domaine Geantet-Pansiot
Domaine Ponsot, Burgundy, France
Maison Leroy, Burgundy, France
Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France
Domaine Cécile Tremblay, Burgundy-Chablis, France
Domaine Perrot-Minot, Burgundy, France
Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France
Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France
Château Gruaud-Larose, Bordeaux, France
Château Palmer, Bordeaux, France
Sylvain Cathiard, Burgundy, France
Domaine Bonneau du Martray, Burgundy, France
Domaine Damoy, Burgundy, France
Méo-Camuzet, Burgundy, France
Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot, Bourgogne, France
Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France
Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Burgundy, France
Domaine Leroy, Burgundy, France
Claude Dugat, Burgundy, France
Domaine Arnaud Ente, Burgundy, France
Drouhin-Laroze, Burgundy, France
Domaine Geantet-Pansiot, Burgundy, France
Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, Burgundy, France
Domaine Rossignol-Trapet, Burgundy, France
Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy, France
Domaine Jean Grivot, Burgundy, France
Mommessin, Burgundy, France
Domaine Dujac, Burgundy, France
Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier, Burgundy, France
Domaine Marquis d'Angerville, Burgundy, France
Domaine Hudelot-Noëllat, Burgundy, France
Domaine Paul Pillot, Burgundy, France
Benjamin Leroux, Bourgogne, France
Domaine Pierre Yves Colin-Morey, Burgundy, France
Domaine de la Vougeraie, Bourgogne, France
Domaine de Montille , Burgundy, France
Dugat-Py, Burgundy, France
Domaine des Lambrays, Burgundy, France
Henri Boillot, Burgundy, France
Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret, Burgundy, France
Domaine Arlaud, Burgundy, France
Domaine Taupenot-Merme, Burgundy, France
Francois Lamarche, Burgundy, France

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  9 Wines  from  1 Producers 

2005 Château Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux, France / This is a sweet opulent Palmer that doesn’t have the delicate floral notes; rather, the flavours are dominated more by primary fruit right now. The palate is explosive and shows great promise for a fantastic wine with great ageing potential. A real beauty that tastes balanced when young but with the potential to age for decades. A concentrated, very impressive wine. (98)

1y 2m ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  16 Wines  from  6 Producers 

Chateau Musar 1998 / This is a beautifully mature wine that is delicious to enjoy now. The wine has elegance, persistence and ethereal flavours of dried autumn leaves, black truffles and pu'er tea. Lovely, silky texture, supple palate and a long finish. An impressive wine that rivals the best of Bordeaux

1y 8m ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  22 Wines  from  6 Producers 

2004 Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires / Toasty and layered with wonderful depth and a long finish. This prestige cuvee offers wonderful concentration and is often under-valued in the market compared to its peers. Since 1983, the Blanc de Millenaires is only sourced from 5 villages of Cote de Blanc. 30,000 bottles made per year. Aged for 13 years on its lees and made only every 5-7 years.

2y 3m ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  29 Wines  from  28 Producers 

1982 is an iconic vintage for Bordeaux, and for many wine lovers, it’s a reference point as a modern, ripe year that was delicious from the onset. The top wines are still holding up well and show no signs of fading. However, some of the lesser wines are starting to show its age. This ripe vintage has given us a wide drinking window, regardless of the specific appellation and terroir. For those that still have some top 1982 Bordeaux in your cellar, there is no rush to pull the cork. A long life ahead awaits these beauties.

2y 4m ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  20 Wines  from  19 Producers 

My overall impression after tasting over 300 wines from across all appellations of Bordeaux is that it is generally an excellent vintage for red wines. The 2020 red wines have as much depth and concentration as the previous two vintages, 2018 and 2019, but tastes lighter, less denser on the palate. For example, the four first growths I tasted – Mouton, Lafite, Margaux and Haut-Brion were outstanding in their sculpted expression of their own individual terroirs. Anyone who really wants to understand the character and terroir of Lafite for example, should really seek out the 2020 vintage. What I loved about Margaux in this vintage is the sculpted, precise, detailed expression despite the immense concentration of flavors. Haut-Brion was incredibly layered and complex while Mouton was expressive and deep with amazing freshness.

2y 7m ago

Jeannie Cho Lee MW/ BWW2024 Finalist, Wine Writer (South Korea)  had a tasting of  26 Wines  from  19 Producers 

Château Mouton Rothschild 2016 / Gorgeous, subtle, layered Mouton with delicate and detailed flavors that linger on the palate for a long time. The density of the tannins combine with wonderful freshness and layers of flavors that range from dark berries, savory spices to cedar and earth. A glorious Mouton that has stature and concentration without any heaviness. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 1% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The latter two varieties were co-fermented.

99 points

2y 10m ago

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