Anticipating the festivities that will occur next week in Hong Kong, Sayang Bordeaux held its own Grand Cru dinner this evening at the ballroom of the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Jakarta. It is odd how the heat and humidity of this climate changes our palates…or at least mine. The 2009s appear bombastic here and the 2007s reveal their rustic tannins. The two wines that showed the best in the afternoon were the 2008 Malartic-Lagravière, a most unusual success for vintage, and the succulent 2005 Prieure-Lichine. At dinner, the 2001 Phélan-Segur and 2000 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, served from magnums brought by Emeline Borie (who is pictured here), were my favourites. Continuing in his admiration of Karaoke, Alexander Effendie, the group's president, awarded a 1952 magnum of Clos Fourtet to the best singer present. Although I would have liked to win the bottle, it wasn't me. Comments