I’m currently in the AA Flagship Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, taking the opportunity to sample the wines available here. Although I’m flying economy, my status allows entry into this impressive lounge, and there’s quite a selection of wines to explore.
Stoller Pinot Noir 2022, Dundee Hills, Oregon: This wine is light and supple, with a delightful core of sweet cherry fruit and a hint of spice and tannin. The balance is excellent, making it a solid choice for those new to Pinot Noir while maintaining a touch of seriousness. Rated 91/100, it retails for around $40 in the USA, which seems justified given the scores from major critics.
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé 2023, Paso Robles, California: Bright with a core of sweet strawberry fruit and a zesty lemon note, this Rosé also brings hints of orange peel and has a juicy energy. It finishes dry but offers a pleasant texture and sweetness, earning a score of 91/100 and priced at $28 in the USA, which is a fair value locally but might seem expensive in Europe.
Matanzas Creek Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Sonoma County, California: This highly aromatic wine presents a nose filled with pear drops and elderflower. On the palate, it is mouthfilling with citrus flavors of mandarin and lime, rated at 88/100. It costs $25 in the USA, which aligns with its value proposition, though it may not appeal to international markets at that price.
Walt Chardonnay 2021, Sonoma Coast, California: A classic rich Californian Chardonnay, it combines toast, honey, vanilla, and nuts with rich peach and pear fruits. It finishes with a touch of sweetness, scoring 87/100. However, its $40 price tag may not offer the best value.
Kettmeier Pinot Bianco 2023, Alto Adige/Sudtirol, Italy: This wine is refreshing, with lively notes of mandarin and lime. It exhibits bright fruitiness with a hint of saltiness and is rated at 90/100, priced around $20, making it a decent value.
Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo 2022, Piemonte, Italy: Offering a juicy profile with a subtle green edge to its cherry and plum fruit, this Nebbiolo is grainy and nicely grippy. While it may not be extraordinary, it’s quite typical, rated 90/100 at an approximate price of $20, making it a fair buy.
Three By Wade Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, California: This collaboration between Dwayne Wade and Pahlmeyer presents a sweet, soft profile with savory notes of tar and clove. Despite its easy drinkability, it has a slight bitterness on the finish, rated 86/100. Retailing for $28, it seems aimed at attracting a new demographic to wine.
Overall, the selections at the AA Flagship Lounge provide a varied and enjoyable tasting experience, showcasing wines that appeal to a range of palates.