QF quality quaffing questionable?

[docjames]

Ok, apologies for the title but it attracted you to the thread didn't it?


In light of these comments in the linked thread:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer...n-qf-lounge-thread-66536-34.html#post1628528]
in the LAX F Lounge, and what happened to the Wine List, I thought tis was the place where Australia got to show our stuff. Very disappointing
2014 (yes 2014) Sauvignon Blanc from the mecca of SB, NAPA (who knew) retail $9.99
A Matua Rose which retails at $9.99 (credit where credit is due it is 2016)
a 2014 Caneros Chardonnay that tastes like it has been in barrel since wine was invented and (retails at $10.99)
a 2015 BV Riesling which is sweet as a lolly and worst of all -------retails at $6.99--------

COME ON REALLY, THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE GONE, F$%^&#@ DISGRACEFUL, I am embarrassed

I don't even want to look at the reds, I'm scared

now I know you cant judge a wine buy the retail price , but really, really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It made me wonder if we had retrospective data to look at QF's wines and if they indeed have gone backwards.

My own impression over the last 10-15 years is that QF wines have gone from excellent to really quite mediocre (to the point I now rarely drink wine onboard or in the lounge). That includes in J and F!

I tried finding TRs that had wine listings but due the "enhanced" (read: hopeless) search function on AFF i found it way too difficult to find any representative samples. On top of that, essentially much of it is in photos (which aren't really searchable) or on menu printouts is listed as "A selection of Australian wines". Not specific enough.


BUT this is AFF, and i'm sure members have pics, notes or other from menus, lounges and on board. It would be useful to note both prospectively and retrospectively:
- Date (approx month/year is ok)
- wine (as much detail as possible)
- lounge/travel class where you "found" the wine
- other notes


Others with more wine knowledge can chime in on what they liked, what they didn't etc, and estimates on retail pricing etc.

Salut!

 

[La Mouette]

As a current reference point, the QF F lounge currently has:

CHAMPAGNE
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Taittinger Brut Reserve
G.H. Mumm Rosé
WHITE WINE
Saltram 'Mamre Brook' Riesling 2015, Eden Valley, SA
West Cape Howe Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Mount Barker, WA
Levantine Hill Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2015, Yarra Valley, VIC
Risky Business Pinot Grigio 2016, King Valley, VIC
St Huberts Chardonnay 2014, Yama Valley, VIC
RED WINE
Tyrrell's 'Special Release' Pinot Noir 2016, Hunter Valley, NSW
The Other Wine Co Grenache 2016, McLaren Vale, SA Hesketh Bonvedro 2015, Barossa Valley, SA
Levantine Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Yama Valley, VIC
Eden Road 'The Long Road' Syrah 2013, Hunter Valley, NSW
DESSERT WINE
Penfolds Cellar Reserve Viognier 2013, Barossa Valley, SA
Wolf Blass Gold Label Botrytis Semillon 2011, Barossa Valley, SA

These look to retail from around $15 to $80 for the LH cab sav, which seems like a big range to me. Most are around $20.

I usually ask for the decanter, though

I'll be at LHR this week, so I'll see what the CX F lounge has in comparison.

 

[docjames]

There's not much "special" or "F" about a $20 bottle of wine......


Wonder if anyone has some old listings?

 

[levelnine]

A very simple way of 'enhancing' QF that is not easily visible to customers. I'd be surprised if it had not occurred.

 

[oz_mark]

Qantas changed the way it selects wine about two years ago. That may have resulted in some changes.

https://www.qantas.com.au/WineTasting/WinePanel.do

 

[docjames]

Here's a (really dodgy) pic from the F Lounge (MEL) from Oct 2014 showing the wine selection (sort-of).

 

[kermatu]

Quality of wine in general on QF has been very ordinary for the past few years. My first F experience about 3 years ago was incredibly underwhelming, and it has only gone downhill since then in all cabins, and lounges (don't get me started on the downgrading of spirits in the F lounges).

Ironically, I have thoroughly enjoyed several Y wines on QF link flights of late - maybe it's the plastic cups that do the trick. Not that I'm likely to buy, but a couple I've had this past week are on the Epiqure site:

https://www.qantasepiqure.com.au/p/Ferngrove-187ml-Symbols-Cabernet-Merlot-2013/187BROFERMAR18_C

https://www.qantasepiqure.com.au/p/Kilikanoon-187ml-Cello-Shiraz-Cabernet-2015/187REDKILFEB18_C

 

[love_the_life]

Here's a (really dodgy) pic from the F Lounge (MEL) from Oct 2014 showing the wine selection (sort-of).

Well the Bolle has gone for one thing. Remember it used to be in the Flounge when I was WP.

 

[Steady]

Well the Bolle has gone for one thing. Remember it used to be in the Flounge when I was WP.

And the Delamotte

 

[Lowjhg]

And the Delamotte

And the veuve and noble one too

 

[CMA222]

And the Moet and Chandon.

 

[blackcat20]

Well the Bolle has gone for one thing. Remember it used to be in the Flounge when I was WP.

First place I ever tried Bolly was the MEL F lounge...