Tatachilla 2008

Shiraz, Mclaren Vale Australia. Cool blackcurrants nose w fresh straw berries, okay. As expected, a highly-charged fruit bomb in the mouth - heavy in body, v extracted and dark. There's a nice chocolaty and spicy surprise in the middle. Ends with a robust, long plummy finish. New world in style definitely, but not too overdone. Well executed (8.0/10).

Balthsar Ress Hattenheimer Schutzenhaus 2009

Riesling, Germany. A very attractive nose of fresh-cut grass, zesty citrus and menthol. Pleasant. Palate of lemon fizz laced with honey. Acidic. Finish could be longer for more enjoyment. Whites not rated.

Larose-Trintaudon 2005

Haut Medoc Cru Bourgeois. Bright cherries and blackcurrants on the nose, q expressive. Fruit-forward, intense and attractive aromas. V good weight and rounded body on the palate. The oak and tannins still get in the way, but there're enough underlying black fruits and spices to make it a rather enjoyable offering. The finish is rather long but still a tad bitter. Textbook left-bank Medoc. Competent (8.2/10).

On Board Singapore Airlines...

Ch D'Aurilhac 2008, Haut-Medoc AOC. A rather closed bouquet, just a whiff of oak and a little fruit. The overall theme is one of under-ripe greenness. Some round-ness on the palate but the oak and tannins are all upfront now. Lean. Short finish (7.2/10).

Ch La Garde 2007, Graves AOC. This turned out surprisingly well given it's a '07. Generous blackcurrants and minerals on the nose. Mid-bodied. Spice dominates in mid-palate. Smoke and minerals - terrior typicity intact. Tannic structure v imposing at the moment, giving limited enjoyment. But when that mellows, should turn out great. Gd potential (8.0/10).

Vivens 2007

2nd wine of Ch Durfort-Vivens, Margaux 2GCC. A savoury note greets the nose, gamey and black fruit theme, but not off-putting. Velvety texture upon entry, soft and lush. Rather hollow mid-palate, but the structure started to assert itself towards the end. Decent length on the finish. The intensity is q commendable considering it's a '07. Good wine (8.3/10).

Lafon Rochet 1985

St Estephe 4GCC. Still a youthful deep garnet in color, not much aging evident. But age is definitely showing on the nose and palate. Subdued dark berries w tobacco. A rather tired wine only managing some interesting mint and roundness at the end. Fruit is all but gone. Mid-bodied, rather elegant thou. Acidic and short finish. Over the hill (7.5/10) .