2016 Marchesi Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Rosso di Montalcino I have a soft spot for Sangiovese. Chianti is my fall back option, with Brunello rolled out when we feel like something a bit more complex. These Rosso di Montalicino’s, baby Brunello’s I guess, are good value and are often an excellent expression of the grape….
2014 Elio Altare Barolo
2014 Elio Altare Barolo Finally dipping my toe into the Barolo world. I am a sucker for a tale. Encouraged by this thread I started reading about the region. Early in O’Keefe’s Barolo and Barbaresco she describes a young Elio Altare, frustrated with his father using old, dirty botti to make the wine, took a…
2017 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne
I had completely forgotten about this blog. So much has happened. Relocated to Kuala Lumpur in December 2016. Finished University and now teaching in an International school. Week 4 of COVID19 lockdown. 2017 Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne Pretty wine with a medium body and good length. Sweet cherries, flowers (pretty ones) and quality oak…
Craggy Range Cellar Door Visit
1 July 2016
Wapanga Cellar
30 June 2016
Dry River Cellar Door Visit
June 30, 2016. I am recalling this visit 4 years later. Sitting in lockdown teaching online in Kuala Lumpur. A world away from this place. The guys were great. No real cellar door but they opened up for us. The wines out of Dry River are world class. Elegant, concentrated, well balanced and an excellent…
2015 Dappled Appellation Pinot Noir
Edit April 28, 2020. I met Sean Crinion way back in 2015. He had been buying grapes from good vineyard locations and making wine. He had a deft touch in the winery, producing balanced wines without too much intervention. I am not sure who put me in contact with him, but we ended up grabbing…
2013 Hillcrest Premium Pinot Noir
Edit: April 28, 2020. I remember these two bottles. Not the wines specifically but how I came to have them. Hillcrest opens once a year. They open almost their entire catalogue of wine, everything they have ever made. What a day. Sadly Hillcrest has been purchased by a Chinese affair. I have no idea how…
2006 Gerard Raphet Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux St Jaques Premier Cru
Edit: April 18, 2020. These Burgundy 1er Cru’s seemed to be regular event back in Melbourne. Incredible to think this was regular weekend drinking.