I’m currently on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong, experiencing the novelty of posting mid-air. While I typically shy away from in-flight internet, the complimentary service tempted me this time.
The wine selection is surprisingly decent, featuring a section titled "Discovery Wines," showcasing Chinese wines. Of the three options offered, I opted for one due to availability.
The wine I’m sampling hails from the Tiansai winery, located in the Xinjiang region near the Gobi Desert. This estate spans 187 hectares of organic vineyards and was established in 2010 by Chen Lizhong, with Li Demei as the consulting winemaker. The previous vintage received a commendable 95 points from Decanter, earning a Gold medal, but I’d rate this current offering as commendable but not quite at that level.
Tiansai Skyline of Gobi Marselan 2018, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, delivers a contemporary and polished profile. It features vivid flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry, enhanced by a distinctive green twist. The wine strikes a delicate balance between ripe and green, concluding with a refreshing finish. My rating: 90/100.
For more information on the winery, visit Tiansai.