Birthday celebrations 27 March 2016 Rachelle and I have birthdays only a few days apart. Leanda and Vishal treated us to lunch at Cumulus Inc on Flinders Lane. Celebrations were off to a flying start when the bubbly was ordered. Even Shell, who claims to dislike bubbles enjoyed this. 2007 Louis Roederer Cristal Champage Straw…
2002 Henschke Cyril Cabernet
A change from Burgundy 20 March 2016 It took some persuading for Shell to abandon Burgundy for the evening. Ox cheeks braised in red wine for most of the day was going to require something with a bit of weight. We picked this up a few weeks ago from our ‘not to be named’ bottle…
2012 Stonier Merron’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
A public holiday is reason enough. 14 March 2016 After a morning drive through Mt Macedon Shell decided we should try the wild boar we picked up at Prahan Markets the weekend before. It should be noted that before the cooking began we stopped for tea and coffee at a location Shell won’t allow me…
2011 Curly Flat Pinot Noir
An adequate substitute for Burgundy. 5 March 2016 Having finished a remarkable Chablis while cooking beef ragu, it was time for the main course. This wine was trashed by Australian critics on release. Two years later it was awarded Australian Pinot of the Year by Decanter. We purchased this wine from the Curly Flat Cellar…
2010 Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet Vieilles Vignes
Something to drink while cooking. 5 March 2016 Shell requested beef ragu. Its a pains taking process. The beef cannot be minced. Instead it must be finely diced. As with the vegetables. Diced so fine they melt. The pasta must be hand made. Kneaded by hand, rolled by hand, cut by hand. No machine, powered…
2011 Domaine Jean Chauvenet Vosne-Romanee
When Rachelle picks the wine it will be sublime. 20 February 2016 This wine was recommended by Asaf from Grand Millesime. Grand Millesime is an outstanding proprietor of Burgundy. A little on the Domaine: “Domaine Jean Chauvenet is a perfect example of the Burgundian family-run holding; restricted area (10 hectares); numerous appellations (9 in this case);…
2013 Domaine Odoul-Coquard Morey-Saint-Denis Aux Cheseaux Villages
All roads lead to Burgundy. 13 February 2016. The Aux Cheseaux straddles a road. The western half of the climat is premier cru. To the east the climat is classified villages. This Burgundy contains fruit from both but appellation laws dictate this wine is declared villages. 2013 Domaine Odoul-Coquard Morey-Saint-Denis Aux Cheseaux Villages Deep purple….
1999 Bests Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon
I draw the line at three. 6 February 2016. We opened this after the Benno disappointed. A good look at cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon and their aging potential. 1999 Bests Great Western Cabernet Sauvignon Cigar box and gentle potpourri. Sweet subtle black fruits. Dusty earth. Mouth filling with great length. Softening tannins with faded acidity….
2003 Seppelt Benno Shiraz
When one bottle just will not do. 6 February 2016. It seemed appropriate to follow the Forres Blend with another 2003 wine. A different variety, from a completely different climate was irrelevant. At one point it seemed the Benno was held in the same lofty esteem as the St Peters. Seppelt don’t even produce a…