Singapore Airlines Business Class (Aug 2011)

I was pleasantly surprised at being upgraded to Business Class (first time I’ve had such a privilege) when I flew to Munich on 23 Aug 2011, so another chance to sample its offerings.

The Bollinger NV Special Cuvee remained available, a staple nowadays for SQ Business Class, it seems. Fairly complex on the nose and palate – nutty, toast with a bit of burnt and almonds with excellent minerality without being acerbic. Very good body and balance. Probably the best tasting note for Bollinger on board.

Next, I tried the 2008 Joseph Drouhin Chablis Reserve de Vaudon which, for me, was too one-dimensional, stuffed with loads of limey citrus and sharp minerality, almost bruising my palate. It settled down after some food, but it still came across as rather bland, lacking in real depth. Perhaps its a wine that needs plenty of time to aerate.

The ubiquitous Dr Loosen (2008) was available, but I chose instead to try the 2009 Balthasar Ress Haltenheimer Schutzenhaus kabinett riesling which impressed immediately with its highly attractive, perfumed bouquet – dense, smoky with plenty of petroleum character. But unfortunately, the wine carried less weight on the palate than suggested, some hollowness evident in the mid-body, remaining unremarkable all the way to its finish.

There was a choice of Bordeaux for the reds, both of which I tried. The 2007 Ch Paloumey had been favourably mentioned in a previous note in June 2011, and it remained the better of the two on this occasion as well. A lovely ruby red with lifted, almost scented, notes of red fruits, vanilla and oak, slightly dry in character which suited the wine well. Undeniably attractive. An astute choice by the airline. In contrast, the 2007 Ch La Garde was dark and muted. Soft at the edges with quality fruit that was apparent after some coaxing, albeit with a touch of greenness, leaving behind a slight alcoholic trail. Ultimately lacking in real charm and concentration. A pity, as I had held out high hopes for the Pessac-Leognan.