2016 Domaine Lambrays Clos des Lambrays, 2005 Leflaive Bien-Bâtard-Montrachet, 2009 Armand Rousseau Chambertin

The great SC hosted an excellent dinner on 15 September 2025 featuring Shanxi (山西) cuisine, right at the heart of Singapore at the Fenjiu (汾酒) Flagship Store. The robust flavours of northern China, spicy at times with a pastoral touch, may be challenging for wine pairing but the trio of Grand Crus that evening managed to negotiate the tricky palate. Many thanks, Sir!

2008 Champagne Dom Pérignon, courtesy of SC. Pale golden. Delicate lift of floral hues and light minerals. Almost shy with feminine restraint at first, taking its time to develop a focused high-toned intensity of clear citrus underscored by a distinct austere minerality. Still tight and somewhat restrained in depth but its distilled essence comes through.

2005 Domaine Leflaive Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, courtesy of SC. Clear golden, opening with distant yellow citrus that developed into effusive gleaming tones though it is rather slender with medium presence, underpinned by unobtrusive minerality that yield refined clarity and precision amid a bright chalky glow.

2016 Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru, courtesy of SC. Poured from magnum. Deep ruby, exuding a gentle deep rosy fragrance. Medium weight. Very classically proportioned with refined depth and layering, structured with supple tannins and slick acidity that impart fine definition and smooth intensity. Not the opulent sort.

2009 Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru, courtesy of Boon. Evolved crimson. Predominance of rose petals and red fruits well into secondary development, wonderfully fresh and delicious with a controlled succulence from its lovely depth of fruit. Classically proportioned with elegant silky tannins. Doesn’t call attention to itself. You may not even realise what you’re drinking.