Business Class, Singapore Airlines

Probably the best way to enjoy all the trappings of Singapore Airlines’ new Business Class is to hop onto the longest possible flight, none other than the all Business Class direct Singapore-New York return route on an Airbus A345, especially if someone else is footing the bill.

Charles Hiedsieck Brut Reserve, on board SQ22 all Business Class direct to New York. Pale golden. Highly pungent nose (really!). Almost shitty. Medium-bodied, lively on the palate, but too dry for my liking. Faint yeasty finish. I much prefer Bollinger.

2007 Geyser Peak Chardonnay (Alexander Valley), on board SQ22 all Business Class direct to New York. Pale golden. Quite expressive on the nose – good level of minerality, vanilla of sweet American oak, white flowers. Rather sharp on the palate initially due to its cutting acidity, lending it a crisp finish, but it opened up very nicely after a short while, becoming much smoother with substantial body. Very good. I enjoyed it.

2007 August Kesseler Kabinett Riesling, on board SQ22 all Business Class direct to New York. Light clear golden. Very attractive aromatics – some nectarine supported by citrus, lime, and chalky minerality with a floral lift. Medium-bodied, great acidity ensuring fresh and lively finish. Has more substance than a Dr Loosen, I imagine. Very good.

2006 Rive Barbera d’Asti Il Cascinone Araldica Piedmont, on board SQ22 all Business Class direct to New York. Deep red, with a highly aromatic nose of mature dark fruits and blackcurrant, quite lifted and complex. Medium-full with great grip and density on the palate, the concentration of the nebbiolo fruit coming through easily, though it hasn’t acquired any significant complexity. Slightly spicy on the finish. Awarded 5-stars by Decanter, and I can see why. Quite excellent.

2005 Ch Baret, on board SQ22 all Business Class direct to New York. This grand cru classe from Pessac-Leognan is surprisingly good. Deep garnet red. Bouquet of dark berries, cool ripe fruit, shot through with earthy notes and a faint pungence. Medium-bodied, good grip and density, fresh, slightly spicy finish with well-managed tannins. Very similar in character to L’arrivet Haut Brion and Carbonnieux of the same vintage, though lagging somewhat in depth and intensity. A very good table wine, nonetheless.