Category: Food and Drink

  • Brokenwood – Shiraz (2002)

    McLaren Vale, Padthaway and Beechworth the grapes from this passable Shiraz hail from. Together in the bottle and oak a decently spicy with fruity hints seem to remain. While its not something to rave over, it is enjoyable and goes well with good food. M

  • Majella (Coonawarra) – Cabernet (2001)

    This is one nice Cabernet, its earthy, deep even somewhat mushroomy with hints of bite. It would go well with almost any mediterranean food, or even standard european continental food. At 30-40 a bottle its not cheap, but well worth it. M nwld

  • Pangaea – Manuka, ACT

    Post the exploration event today Nat, Clare, Dave, Belinda and I had a bite to eat at Pangaea in Manuka this evening. (We picked Belinda up on the way) The specials were all seafood and the regular menu had? a somewhat Italian inspiration, with a style all of its own (decidedly not Italian). The service…

  • New Experiences : Krispy Kreme – Glazed Doughnuts

    While food and drink section might be a little too ambitious for this topic, I had my first Krispy Kreme doughnut today. And they are wrong, evil, bad wrong. They need to be placed on controlled substances lists globally. For mass produced donught generica these are damn nice. I am scared what might happen when…

  • Barossa Valley Estate “Epiphany” – Shiraz (2002)

    This wine while relativly young, has character, its fruity, yet has a subtle hint of earthy oaks, and a nice spicy finish. Nestling in the 12-17 price range, its a not a bad drop for when friends pop over. I like this one enough that I think it will become my “house red” – the…

  • Stepping Stone (Padthaway) – Shiraz (2003)

    A relatively nice Shiraz that is designed to be drunk about now (2006). Its not overly complex and relies on oakey flavours for the bulk of its tastiness. Its overall not a bad drop, an enjoyable drink to be shared with friends. Remember please that alcohol should only be consumed in moderation, and if you…

  • Hardys Oomoo – Shiraz 2004

    This wine hailing from the Mclaren Vale in South Australia is an insult to the region and they should get upset with their label designer. They mis-spelled the name – swap the M for an N and you have it right, oonoo this is one horrible vinegar tasting wine. AVOID IT! ’nuff said M

  • Platypus Lane – Shiraz – 2000

    This wine hailing from Western Australia is a wonderful drop, the vibrancy of berries jumps out at you – this Shiraz has flavour all of its own, not relying on the wood from the barrels it is aged in, nor the tannins from the grapes, it is somewhat lighter than the typical shiraz, but it…

  • Oyster Bay (Hawkes Bay) – Merlot – 2005

    From the land of the sheep shagger this wine arrives, I would characterise this as having strong tannins, but overall somewhat bland and uninspiring. Perhaps it is the age of the wine, but it seemed to rely on the tannins (which provide it with its deep purple colourings) as the basis of the wine. I’d…

  • Shiraz Challenge – Challenge Results

    Shiraz Challenge – Challenge Results A most interesting site that lists the results of various wine judging. Some interesting prices in the top 10. Looks like you dont have to spend a fortune to get a decent wine.