Recently, I was lucky enough to score a place with 37 other like-minded wine souls on the Grands Crus Classés 1855 tour of Bordeaux. This was an experience of a lifetime. An opportunity to catch up with some old mates and to make a bunch of new connections. Here's my story.
Long day of traveling, hot and somewhat humid weather plus hours of exploring around begged for something quick and simple. What's quicker and easier than a BBQ and salad? Salad mixed leaves, about 2 handfuls, torn by hand a twig or two of mint, parsley, and coriander, chopped 1 very ripe, unrefrigerated tomato (so you …
Continue reading Recipe: Simple Dinner of Pork Chops & Salad
I recently got challenged to open a bottle of wine, taste a little every day, leave the wine resting in the bottle and do this for at least a week. Unrefrigerated. A white table wine, made from the goddess of all whites - Riesling. Now, I've done similar things before however, never really from the …
Standing in a bottle shop, swirling yet another insipid new age styled Grenache with too much VA or nail varnish and my mind can't help but wander and look around. Seeing some tall skinny bottles and I wander over. There amongst the Rieslings from around the world, a lone bottle of Muscat from Alsace and …
Made a wonderful discovery while travelling in Penedes, Spain. A region famed for Cava, Spain's alternative to Champagne except with more of a twist using native varietals like Xarel.lo, Macabeo and Parellada. Each contributes it's own unique quality to the blend, with Xarel.lo giving freshness and acidity, Macabeo giving delicate florals and texture when aged …
I have been very much into the burgundian grapes lately, my chardonnays and pinots have come from Australia, New Zealand and their homeland Burgundy. Nothing too flash like DRC (who can get one, let alone afford it?) but plenty of beautiful expressions with diverse styles and totally hedonistic delights. Some have been young, some much …
Beautiful day in Sydney, towards the end of winter with the sun shining and some shopping to do I headed out to the markets with a french braid and bright red lippy! My new favourite local bakery, very French, make these amazing parisien sourdough baguettes right on the premises throughout the day. Sometimes you get …
Old wine is a lottery. Has it survived? Is it still drinkable? What are the chances its a gorgeous stunner of my wine dreams? A: Medium gold, clearly showing some age N: medium intensity, with attractive aged characters of butter and toast. There is still life in this old girl - apricot, honey, pear but …
There are some wines that, once tried, are impossible to get enough of. This is one of them. It doesn't matter the time of day, or night, occasion or event - it always goes down well. The magic of vintage and maturation - it serenades me. A: medium yellow of a peach N: luscious temptress …
A tasty treat mid-week while the weather goes wild and we all hide inside... A: pale straw in the glass N: perfumed and rather attractively inviting - white flowers, bit of flint, yellow stone fruits (peaches, apricot) and some pear skins. P: a welcoming drink, even after one sip. All yellow stone fruit and texture, …
Life in a glass 