Australia

I've been Aus for a few days now, and having had few days to settle in, will start a bit of posting. Already been lucky to have a few nice drops, but didn't have the wit or time to make notes.

Highlights so far were a 7 or 8 year old Rod & Spur from Rockfords, a Lindeman's Pyrus from a similar sort of age. Both very good.

Also enjoyed a few pints at the Nelson in Sydney. Three Sheets then Nelson's Blood. Great to have something a bit more ale-y than the normal Aussie beer, although served a bit cold. Small steps, eh?

In Brisbane now for a bit of cricket, which hasn't been the best so far, although it's only end of day one.

I'm staying in a motel in a district that lacks charm. Surprisingly the on site Italian restaurant is ok, and has a pretty decent wine list, unless you're drinking by the glass or half-bottle, as I am. I am left with a Wirra Wirra Church Block 2008 from McLaren Vale. A youthful deep purple, somewhat indistinct nose and sweet in taste. Average.

Heading off to Adelaide and a couple of days in the Barossa soon. Nice.

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Hermitage Les Miaux 1999

Enjoyed with Mrs RVM for my birthday dinner at Bel's Diner.
Sat in a dark corner, but a candle demonstrated a beautiful pale ruby, with fawn rim.
Nose was earthy with mushroom, before cherries came along as it opened up later. Taste followed the nose, with forest floor initially, dark fruits developing later.
Seemed to dry and flatten later but I might have been a bit tired by then.

Saintsbury 1998 Pinot Noir

Thanks to Ian & Jo for dinner, Boeuf Bourguignon was accompanied by a choice of three reds, but this was the outstanding one for me.

C: Cherry, fawn rim. Surprisingly red for the bottle age, and promised good things to come.
N: Cherry fruit immediately, but quickly followed by complex mushroom and forest floor.
T: Red fruit initially, quickly drying out giving very very prolonged middle of robust tannin before hint of cherry at back of palate.

The tannins were almost overwhelming, and I felt a bit led down after the fascinating nose. It lacked a bit of integration in the mouth, which was a shame. The fruit flavours came forward and were better integrated with food though, and despite all the above it was a really fascinating wine.

I tried to decide whether this was wine on the way up or way down. The colour said it had time, but after tasting it my neighbour at the table and I thought time was not going to help it much more. Probably best drunk soon (like I'm going to have any more to worry about).

Excellent. 17.5/20.