Luxury airline Cathay Pacific have been busy raising the game when it comes to in-flight wines and their latest collection is a testament to their commitment to quality. Meticulously selected to pair perfectly with their impressive on-board cuisine options, there’s a bottle to suit every meal and even the most discerning of palates.
Curated by Cathay Pacific wine experts, Debra Meiburg (author and one of Decanter Magazine’s ‘7 People to watch’) and Roy Moorfield (Wine writer, broadcaster and longtime Cathay Pacific collaborator), the list includes whites, reds and sparkling wines from across the globe.
We tried out two very different reds from their latest collection from opposite ends of the planet. Here are our thoughts.
Château Vieux Robin, Medoc, France
Usage: All media worldwide
Expiry date: 16 Jul 26
This big, bold blockbuster of a red from the celebrated Mēdoc region of France is a glorious ruby red, which is typical of the area.
Dark, deep and a touch earthy, expect blackcurrant and peppercorn on the nose and a complex mix of dark fruits, Morello cherry, oak and leather on the finish. A special wine that commands repeat sips and goes perfectly with steak.
Grant Burge Benchmark Shiraz, South Australia
Another full-bodied number, this time from Grant Burge in Southern Australia, this dense and rich red has a bouquet of blackberry, and plum and black cherry and vanilla on the finish.
Aged for 18 months in both new and old French and American oak barrels to enhance the complexity of the flavour and add a smooth, mellow finish, this red goes down just a little too easily. Pair it up with some succulent lamb or game for a meal you won’t forget in a hurry.
Cathay Pacific First Class
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Expiry date: Perpetual
If you’re going all out with Cathay Pacific with their acclaimed Business Class service, here’s a selection of the wines you can indulge in during your flight.
Krug Vintage, Champagne, France, 2004
The story of the year 2004, captured by Krug. With harmonious tension and elegant radiance, Krug 2004 reveals the vibrant story of a fresh year – so much so that the House chose to give it the nickname “Luminous Freshness”. The nose offers ginger, candied citrus and lemon meringue tart. The balanced palate shows notes of brioche, honey and citrus.
Pierre Janny Puligny-Montrachet “Miroy”, Burgundy, France, 2021
An elegant symphony of zesty lemon, mint, and hints of almond and toast on both the nose and palate, accented by a whiff of floral on a lingering finish.
Domaine de Long Dai, Qiu Shan Valley, Shandong Province, China, 2020
Unlike any typical Bordeaux blend Long Dai is a medium to full bodied wine made with 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc and 20% Marselan, boasting a lively balance and freshness with precise aromas of fine spices, fresh plums, cherries, currants, minerals, hints of graphite and freshly picked flowers. Its impressive structure and rounded tannins translate beautifully to a long finish.
Cathay Pacific Business Class
Those travelling Business Class also have access to some award-winning wines from both China and further afield. Here’s our pick of some of the highlights.
BUSINESS CLASS
Usage: All media worldwide
Expiry date: 12 Oct 27
Drappier Carte d’Or Brut, Champagne, France, NV
A vinous Champagne that offers luring aromas of golden stone fruit, honeycomb, pastry and white flowers, supported by delicious stone fruit flavours, kirsch, biscuits and nuts, enveloped by fine bubbles and a wonderful acidity.
Albert Bichot Chablis, Burgundy, France, 2022
Fresh, elegant aromas of lemon, white flowers and flint opens up to a palate of vivacious citrus and almond.
Founded by Emma Gao in 2007, Silver Heights Vineyard is a fully biodynamic vineyard which embraces natural techniques in farming while following the ancient Chinese principles of Jieqi, wild yeast fermentation, no filtration and minimal sulfur. This full bodied red wine made from 100% Marselan reveals rich, flavourful aromas of crushed violets, blueberries, vanilla and graphite, with a paradoxically fresh palate of fine grained tannins.
Browse the Cathay Pacific website for your next luxury international flight and discover a world of unrivalled service, comfort and fine-dining.
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