Hi Reddit!
A while ago, I posted about the wines served on my recent Emirates First Class BOS-DXB flight. Unfortunately, I forgot to include tasting notes, and the post was deleted by the moderators before I had a chance to respond to any comments. I’ll be sure to repost it with tasting notes and also share a post about the second leg of the trip (DXB-HKG), so stay tuned!
In the meantime, here are three wines I tried at the Emirates First Class lounge at Dubai Airport. My connecting flight was at 10 a.m., so my travel companion and I weren’t planning to drink much. However, as we walked by one of the many bars by our gate, we noticed these bottles casually sitting on display and decided to do a quick tasting before our next flight.
The wines were:
2012 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley
2012 M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage, Les Varonniers
2008 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Cru Classé
Of the three, the Penfolds really stood out. It made me wish I had more time for another glass, but I knew there would be plenty of wine on the next flight.
If you’re ever at one of the business or first-class lounges in Dubai, take a moment to explore their wine selection. They often display their bottles casually, no matter how high-end they are.
Aside from these three, I remember the lounge also serving standard Moët (both White and Rosé), as well as two vintage Moëts, though I can’t recall the exact years.
Hope you enjoyed reading, and feel free to ask if you have any questions!
by jimbonnard
4 Comments
2012 Penfolds, RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley:
Flavor profile: Dark blackberry, leathery spice, hints of smoky cedar and chocolate
Texture: Bold, velvety, with a layered, juicy richness
Finish: Lingering, with a touch of charred wood and earthy cocoa
2012 M. Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage, Les Varonniers:
Flavor profile: Ripe blackberries, violet, cracked pepper, and a whiff of smoky meatiness
Texture: Full-bodied, structured, with a velvety richness and a touch of minerality
Finish: Long, with a warm, peppery kick and subtle savory complexity
2008 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Cru Classe:
Flavor profile: Black currant, cedar, graphite, and a touch of tobacco
Texture: Elegant, with refined tannins and a plush, silky mouthfeel
Finish: Long and polished, with earthy depth and a hint of dried herbs
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Cru Classé is amazing. I have had a few bottles of the 2010. Amazing wine.
That’s a good lineup for a lounge!
Had the same vintage Smith HL onboard a couple months ago, as well as the Penfolds Shiraz. Both a delight.
I do love flying Emirates First 🙂