February 17, 2007
Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Open to the public for the first time apparently. A wonderful day enjoyed by many. The ticket gets you access to try 18 medal winning wines of your choice and as many non-medal wines that you can handle. Also a selection of delicious cheese and dips on hand to line the stomach.
We had tremendous difficulty getting there, but made the most of our time there.
I was pleased to see Banrock Station rate well in a few categories. They would have to be my favourite producers of cheap wines. I don’t think they got any medals, but they still scored solidly.
Of the 40 or so wines I tried, the following were fantastic and I look forward to trying them more thoroughly in the future:
BIMBADGEN Estate Myall Road Semillon 2006
MCWILLIAMS Hanwood Muscat 1
MCWILLIAMS Mount Pleasant Bin 97 1997
MCWILLIAMS Mount Pleasant Lovedale 2000
YALUMBA Eden Valley Viognier 2005
YERING STATION Reserve Shiraz Viognier 2005
The sweet muscats were just incredible.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
WINE: MUMM Cordon Rouge Brut NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $60
Light to mid straw with a hint of lavender. Odd. Mousse is heavy and lively. Mineral and citrus tastes. Hints of tonic water? Rich finish.
It’s different. A good NV, but not great.
89%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $60
Light to mid straw with a hint of lavender. Odd. Mousse is heavy and lively. Mineral and citrus tastes. Hints of tonic water? Rich finish.
It’s different. A good NV, but not great.
89%
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
WINE: TAITTINGER Brut Reserve NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $75
http://www.taittinger.com/intro.html
Hmmm yeah okay. Great mousse and bead. Really great. A lot of finesse about this wine. Mid straw colour. Citrus, honey, apple. Quite good. Not good enough for the price. Still, glad I tried it.
90%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $75
http://www.taittinger.com/intro.html
Hmmm yeah okay. Great mousse and bead. Really great. A lot of finesse about this wine. Mid straw colour. Citrus, honey, apple. Quite good. Not good enough for the price. Still, glad I tried it.
90%
Monday, February 12, 2007
WINE: JACQUART Brut Tradition NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $40
Deep yellow in colour with a slight pink hue. The mousse is crazy, very fine. Bead is also pretty good. Strawberry and, not surprisingly, lemon dominate. A sweet and toasty finish which is a little surprising. Tasted better as it warmed and opened a little.
Good. Okay value.
88%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $40
Deep yellow in colour with a slight pink hue. The mousse is crazy, very fine. Bead is also pretty good. Strawberry and, not surprisingly, lemon dominate. A sweet and toasty finish which is a little surprising. Tasted better as it warmed and opened a little.
Good. Okay value.
88%
Thursday, February 08, 2007
WINE: YERING STATION Yarrabank Cuvee 2000
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Approx Cost: $30
http://www.yering.com
Yering Station symbolises something of a beginning for me. I had never been a big wine buff, until I went on a wine tour through the Yarra Valley a couple of years ago. The first stop on the tour was Yering Station. Due to a temporary sickness causing me to struggle with alcoholic beverages, many of the wines failed to impress me. That was until I tried the fortified shiraz from here. My god… Truly incredible. I took a bottle home and drank it the night I got back.
But I digress. This is quite a good sparkling wine. Yes, quite good indeed. It make it into Halliday’s top 100 wines with an impressive 95 points a year or two back and has a fairly good reputation. I think the reason is that this is an original wine. In that it doesn’t taste like many other wines.
I sip it. Toasty, with very little fruit. A touch of lemony acidity. And then the finish is just incredible. You feel the taste being sucked from your mouth. It leaves it refreshed but dry. I really don’t know if I’ll get this much again, but it certainly was an interesting experience and I wouldn’t ever mind having it again. It just lacked a certain something that warranted a return.
Interestingly, developed in partnership with the French champagne house Devaux.
89%
WINE: BANROCK STATION ‘The Reserve’ Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV TAKE TWO
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: Australia
Approx Cost: $9
Okay, last time I tried this I was blown away. For a $9 wine it was outstanding value. Not a well constructed wine but the flavour was fantastic. I was so sure that it was a mistake that I just had to go again.
And so I did.
It’s still good. But a different good. As I continue to embark on this journey into the world of wine I love how my palate keeps changing.
The taste isn't exceptional but it draws me to it. I want to drink more and more.
My initial rating was 88%, but I’ve now revised that to…
87%
Monday, February 05, 2007
WINE: MOET ET CHANDON Nectar Imperial NV
Type: Sparkling White (Demi-Sec)
Origin: Champagne, France
Approx Cost: $70
Wow, okay, this was interesting. I try another wine from the Moet range, with lower expectations that usual. The first thing to hit me is the richness of it all. Then the sweetness slowly ebbs in. This reminds me a lot of the lovely Chandon Cuvee Riche, with the important difference being the sweetness of the Cuvee Riche hit you on the palate, while the sweetness of the Nectar Imperial slowly reveals itself in the finish.
A very good wine when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Refined and surprisingly good value for a $70 wine.
91%
Origin: Champagne, France
Approx Cost: $70
Wow, okay, this was interesting. I try another wine from the Moet range, with lower expectations that usual. The first thing to hit me is the richness of it all. Then the sweetness slowly ebbs in. This reminds me a lot of the lovely Chandon Cuvee Riche, with the important difference being the sweetness of the Cuvee Riche hit you on the palate, while the sweetness of the Nectar Imperial slowly reveals itself in the finish.
A very good wine when you’re in the mood for something sweet. Refined and surprisingly good value for a $70 wine.
91%
Sunday, February 04, 2007
WINE: LANSON Gold Label Brut 1996
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: Champagne, France
Approx Cost: $75
A lot of lemon and acidity and creaminess, a touch of curd; a surprisingly classy and tasty drop from a great vintage at a good price.
92%
Origin: Champagne, France
Approx Cost: $75
A lot of lemon and acidity and creaminess, a touch of curd; a surprisingly classy and tasty drop from a great vintage at a good price.
92%
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
WINE: CHANDON ZD 2003
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Approx Cost: $30
So, the old ZD, one of the last sparkling Chandon’s to try. I cracked the crown seal and poured. As like most other Chandon wines, this looks technically good with a good mousse and bead. Dry and sharp. Hints of metal and very subtle fruit.
I was a tad disappointed by this, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that I prefer sweeter wines and this has almost none. If I was serving rich seafood, I ‘d go this in a second.
87%
Origin: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Approx Cost: $30
So, the old ZD, one of the last sparkling Chandon’s to try. I cracked the crown seal and poured. As like most other Chandon wines, this looks technically good with a good mousse and bead. Dry and sharp. Hints of metal and very subtle fruit.
I was a tad disappointed by this, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that I prefer sweeter wines and this has almost none. If I was serving rich seafood, I ‘d go this in a second.
87%
WINE: HOLLICK Sparkling Merlot 2004
Type: Sparkling Red
Origin: Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Approx Cost: $25
http://www.hollick.com/
I’ve been getting into the sparkling reds lately and finding that I’m developing a taste for them.
The first thing that surprises me about this is the way it pours. A fantastic bead for a sparkling red. Aroma of earth, grass and unripe plums. What a taste! Creamy berry flavours and a surprisingly dry finish. A real experience.
I don’t think this bottle is quite done yet though. In a few years I think I’d love this wine. Now, it’s just quite good.
89%
Origin: Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia
Approx Cost: $25
http://www.hollick.com/
I’ve been getting into the sparkling reds lately and finding that I’m developing a taste for them.
The first thing that surprises me about this is the way it pours. A fantastic bead for a sparkling red. Aroma of earth, grass and unripe plums. What a taste! Creamy berry flavours and a surprisingly dry finish. A real experience.
I don’t think this bottle is quite done yet though. In a few years I think I’d love this wine. Now, it’s just quite good.
89%
Sunday, January 28, 2007
WINE: COLDSTREAM HILLS Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir 1999
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Approx Cost: $25
http://www.coldstreamhills.com.au
I’d heard good things about this wine from James Halliday-founded Coldstream Hills, so I was looking forward to trying it. The first glass didn’t impress me, but I’m glad I went back for more. Mousse and bead are heavy and don’t last long; deep gold in colour; some very interesting flavours; the high acidity works well with the ripe, aged flavours, resulting in a crisp and refreshing drink; finish is nothing special.
Not bad. Better wines for the price. Apparently they make a good pinot noir, which I wouldn’t mind trying.
86%
Origin: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Approx Cost: $25
http://www.coldstreamhills.com.au
I’d heard good things about this wine from James Halliday-founded Coldstream Hills, so I was looking forward to trying it. The first glass didn’t impress me, but I’m glad I went back for more. Mousse and bead are heavy and don’t last long; deep gold in colour; some very interesting flavours; the high acidity works well with the ripe, aged flavours, resulting in a crisp and refreshing drink; finish is nothing special.
Not bad. Better wines for the price. Apparently they make a good pinot noir, which I wouldn’t mind trying.
86%
Friday, January 26, 2007
WINE: TOSTI Moscato d’Asti NV
Type: Sparkling White Dessert Wine
Origin:Italy
Approx Cost: $20
I’ve only had a couple of Italian dessert wines so I may not be the expert here, but I do enjoy this drop quite a lot. Easy to drink, deliciously sweet and a wonderful aroma. The bubbles are large but delicate. It makes me want to throw a dinner party with a fruity dessert. It certainly compliments the jelly beans I’m munching on. It lacks a little refinement, but very enjoyable.
89%
Origin:Italy
Approx Cost: $20
I’ve only had a couple of Italian dessert wines so I may not be the expert here, but I do enjoy this drop quite a lot. Easy to drink, deliciously sweet and a wonderful aroma. The bubbles are large but delicate. It makes me want to throw a dinner party with a fruity dessert. It certainly compliments the jelly beans I’m munching on. It lacks a little refinement, but very enjoyable.
89%
RESTAURANT: Café d’Or
Type: Lebanese
Location: 47 Burwood Rd, Burwood, Sydney
Booking Required: Sometimes.
I’ve been here a couple of times recently since it’s one of the few decent non-Asian places to eat near work. Impressed both times. The food is well priced and the servings are massive. I can put away a lot of food but both times I’ve been unable to clean the plate. The Golden Vege wasn’t bad but the Shish d’Or was great, even if some of the meat was a tad dry. Service hasn’t been bad but can be improved.
I can see why this is such a favourite for farewell lunches at work. $20 and you're stuffed.
RATING: Will return to
Location: 47 Burwood Rd, Burwood, Sydney
Booking Required: Sometimes.
I’ve been here a couple of times recently since it’s one of the few decent non-Asian places to eat near work. Impressed both times. The food is well priced and the servings are massive. I can put away a lot of food but both times I’ve been unable to clean the plate. The Golden Vege wasn’t bad but the Shish d’Or was great, even if some of the meat was a tad dry. Service hasn’t been bad but can be improved.
I can see why this is such a favourite for farewell lunches at work. $20 and you're stuffed.
RATING: Will return to
RESTAURANT: Heritage Belgian Beer Café
Type: Belgian
Location: 129-135 Harring St, The Rocks, Sydney
Booking Required: Usually.
It’s noisy, crowded and the beers appear expensive. But if you can get past that, then you’ll enjoy this place. I’ve been roughly half a dozen times and enjoyed each time. I’ve seen a lot of other reviews that slam the service of this place, but it’s never been too bad for me. Yes, it could sometimes be improved but never anything worth complaining about. The mussels are the highlight of the menu and despite the other tempting choices I usually give them a go. If you’re a pork fan then definitely book ahead and order the suckling pig. With a huge pile of mashed potato and sauerkraut next to it, it’s a massive meal and completely delicious. The desserts are all incredibly rich but equally tempting.
The beers deserve a paragraph of their own. Since I first went I’ve been obsessed with Belgian beers and rarely buy anything else. The Rochefort 10 is incredible. Also notable mentions to the Gouden Carolous, Chimay Blue and the apple beer. Yes, the beers are pricey ($10-$12) but at twice the strength and, usually, twice the taste of a normal beer, it’s definitely worth it.
Not a cheap night, but always an enjoyable one once the beer starts flowing and the mussels are downed.
RATING: Will return to.
Location: 129-135 Harring St, The Rocks, Sydney
Booking Required: Usually.
It’s noisy, crowded and the beers appear expensive. But if you can get past that, then you’ll enjoy this place. I’ve been roughly half a dozen times and enjoyed each time. I’ve seen a lot of other reviews that slam the service of this place, but it’s never been too bad for me. Yes, it could sometimes be improved but never anything worth complaining about. The mussels are the highlight of the menu and despite the other tempting choices I usually give them a go. If you’re a pork fan then definitely book ahead and order the suckling pig. With a huge pile of mashed potato and sauerkraut next to it, it’s a massive meal and completely delicious. The desserts are all incredibly rich but equally tempting.
The beers deserve a paragraph of their own. Since I first went I’ve been obsessed with Belgian beers and rarely buy anything else. The Rochefort 10 is incredible. Also notable mentions to the Gouden Carolous, Chimay Blue and the apple beer. Yes, the beers are pricey ($10-$12) but at twice the strength and, usually, twice the taste of a normal beer, it’s definitely worth it.
Not a cheap night, but always an enjoyable one once the beer starts flowing and the mussels are downed.
RATING: Will return to.
WINE: JOSEPH PERRIER Cuvee Royale Brut NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $45
Impressive mousse and bead. Straw gold. Very fruity and sweet. Hard to make out the fruits. Maybe strawberry, peach. Creamy and rich. It’s a different type of wine to a Moet or a Bollinger but I don’t mind it at all. Quite a good NV and not bad value for a Champagne, really. Still, I don’t know if I’d go back to this again if there were other choices on a wine menu. Can't see myself buying at a bottle-o.
89%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $45
Impressive mousse and bead. Straw gold. Very fruity and sweet. Hard to make out the fruits. Maybe strawberry, peach. Creamy and rich. It’s a different type of wine to a Moet or a Bollinger but I don’t mind it at all. Quite a good NV and not bad value for a Champagne, really. Still, I don’t know if I’d go back to this again if there were other choices on a wine menu. Can't see myself buying at a bottle-o.
89%
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
WINE: CLOUDY BAY Pelorus 2001
Type: Sparkling White
Origin: NZ
Approx Cost: $35
I think I’m coming to realise that I don’t like large quantities of pinot noir in sparkling wines. I dunno. This wine was okay. Apparently one of New Zealand’s best but I wasn’t really feeling it. Average mousse, good bead, tastes of citrus, rich, creamy, etc. Not for me.
Next…
83%
Origin: NZ
Approx Cost: $35
I think I’m coming to realise that I don’t like large quantities of pinot noir in sparkling wines. I dunno. This wine was okay. Apparently one of New Zealand’s best but I wasn’t really feeling it. Average mousse, good bead, tastes of citrus, rich, creamy, etc. Not for me.
Next…
83%
Saturday, January 20, 2007
WINE: MAJELLA Sparkling Shiraz 2004
Type: Sparkling Red
Origin: Coonawarra, SA, Australia
Approx Cost: $35
http://www.majellawines.com.au
Of all the wines that Australia produces, the shiraz and sparkling shiraz have to be up with the world’s best. Majella have absolutely killed it with their sparkling shiraz. Barrel fermented for a while before some liqueur is added for sweetness, they have created an excellently balanced wine. The fine bead disappears quickly and releases the aroma. From the first sip I’m loving it. Plum, over-ripe berries and a touch of aniseed. A good finish and I reach for the bottle to pour more.
Still young as well, this would taste great in another 5 years. I really need to get a cellar happening.
91%
Origin: Coonawarra, SA, Australia
Approx Cost: $35
http://www.majellawines.com.au
Of all the wines that Australia produces, the shiraz and sparkling shiraz have to be up with the world’s best. Majella have absolutely killed it with their sparkling shiraz. Barrel fermented for a while before some liqueur is added for sweetness, they have created an excellently balanced wine. The fine bead disappears quickly and releases the aroma. From the first sip I’m loving it. Plum, over-ripe berries and a touch of aniseed. A good finish and I reach for the bottle to pour more.
Still young as well, this would taste great in another 5 years. I really need to get a cellar happening.
91%
RESTAURANT: Malay Chinese Take Away
Type: Malaysian/Chinese
Location: 50-58 Hunter St, Sydney
Booking Required: No.
Probably the best laksas in the city. The menu and specials always look great but every time I go I always try a different laksa. Delicious and good value.
They have recently moved from a stuffy basement in Castlereagh St and the change has done them well, despite the sad loss of fish tanks. The place is a lot more pleasant to eat in. Still has a food court feel, but who cares when the laksas are this good.
RATING: Will return to
Location: 50-58 Hunter St, Sydney
Booking Required: No.
Probably the best laksas in the city. The menu and specials always look great but every time I go I always try a different laksa. Delicious and good value.
They have recently moved from a stuffy basement in Castlereagh St and the change has done them well, despite the sad loss of fish tanks. The place is a lot more pleasant to eat in. Still has a food court feel, but who cares when the laksas are this good.
RATING: Will return to
WINE: MOET ET CHANDON Rose NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $70
A girl who likes apples will enjoy this. I liked it a bit. Technically a good wine, tastes good enough. I’m a big fan of Moet so maybe I expected a lot, but this disappointed me a little. I mean, it was good, but, yeah. Lacking that wow factor.
It’s like going on a boring ride at a really really exciting theme park.
88%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $70
A girl who likes apples will enjoy this. I liked it a bit. Technically a good wine, tastes good enough. I’m a big fan of Moet so maybe I expected a lot, but this disappointed me a little. I mean, it was good, but, yeah. Lacking that wow factor.
It’s like going on a boring ride at a really really exciting theme park.
88%
WINE: POL GESSNER Brut NV
Type: Champagne
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $35
This wine has always worried me. The label looks like rubbish and the grapes are apparently Lanson offcuts. But, trapped in a crappy bottle shop with nothing else appealing, I decided to give it a go. After all, it had garnered some praise as a good-value wine.
Regretted it. The wine is passable, taste-wise, but that’s about it. It’s Frances answer to the bottom of the range Seppelts and Wolf Blass’. For the price I could get 2 or 3 wines that are all better.
80%
Origin: France
Approx Cost: $35
This wine has always worried me. The label looks like rubbish and the grapes are apparently Lanson offcuts. But, trapped in a crappy bottle shop with nothing else appealing, I decided to give it a go. After all, it had garnered some praise as a good-value wine.
Regretted it. The wine is passable, taste-wise, but that’s about it. It’s Frances answer to the bottom of the range Seppelts and Wolf Blass’. For the price I could get 2 or 3 wines that are all better.
80%
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