Occasional Notes on the wines I drink.

Apsley Gorge Vineyard

Pinot Noir 2006

£24 from Philglas & Swiggot

(found it for 16 at Justerini and Brook)

This is quite possibly the most Burgundy like wine I've had that did not actually come from Burgundy. Earthy but perfectly integrated, clean and has a texture exactly like Northen Burgundies like Gevrey Chambertin where the winemaker Brian Franklin worked before starting Apsley Gorge.

Occasional Notes on the wines I drink.

John's Blend by John Glaetzer, No29 Langhorn Creek, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002.

£23.99 from Philglas & Swiggot

I am not usually a fan of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon which I usually find to be overripe and unstructured. This is not one of those... At 8 years of age it has had the time to mature and turn into a very fine rich Bordeaux style wine. I can't help wonder what it would be like with the addition of a bit of cabernet franc.

Occasional Notes on the wines I drink.

Kooyong - Estate Pinot Noir 2007, Mornington Peninsula.

£25.25 from Philglas & Swiggot

The best Australian Pinot Noir I have had, would compete very favourably with the best Kiwi Pinot Noirs. Very well structured and complex palate the growers own notes claim a note of rhubarb which I'm not too sure about.