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• Bandreas says:

  4/22/2024 6:26:00 AM - Looking forward to cracking open a couple of bottles when you are in Europe next year! Take care Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  4/21/2024 11:54:00 AM - Hello David, I hope this finds you doing well.We are now living half our time in Zurich/Switzerland, the other half in Marbella Spain. Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed meeting you in Sydney! As a resume of my tastings in Australia I must still say that the red wines from Coonawarra are still among my all time favorites. And we much enjoyed many of the rieslings we had. Another high during our trip was the visit to Rutherglen with two days of tasting "stickies". Our favorites there: Campbell (who prepared a very nice tasting for us and gave us the opportunity to talk to the wine maker, a delightful English gentlemen) as well as Chambers. In New Zealand we had to see off Riesling as most of them were too sweet for our taste but we had some delightful Pinot Noirs. All in all: a stupendous experience...

• Bandreas says:

  1/3/2024 10:56:00 PM - Hello David, Thanks for your note and: happy New Year to you! I hope you started it well. We were in Tasmania;I discovered a Riesiling there that we rather liked: The Bream Creek Reserve Old Vine Riesling, vintage 2018. It reminded me of a good Rheingau/Alsace Riesling. Cheers Bernd

• Bandreas says:

  12/22/2023 4:34:00 PM - Hello David, thanks for your note! I will add the double decant to my tasting note.. Thanks again for keeping us company! We look forward to seeing you again either in Spain or Switzerland! Cheers Bernd + Bea

• Rote Kappelle says:

  12/22/2023 12:51:00 AM - Greetingks Herr Chatters, Please forgive my tardy reply. The run into Christmas is a time when a lot of people do unwise things or else want whatever they have been procrastinating on for months or years finished in a hurry and so I toil and slave and have no time for the better things. By all means let me know when you are coming down to Foggy Bottom and we can look to do some damage to a bottle or two. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Christmas, to the extent that the two are not mutually exclusive.

• Bandreas says:

  12/19/2023 4:04:00 PM - Good morning chatters! it was a pleasure spending the evening with you and tasting all the lovely wines you brought along. For me, the Coonawarra from Wynns was the wine of the evening and brought back many memories.... Thank you very much for digging it up and bringing it along! We'll stay in touch and are looking forward to seeing you in Europe on one of your forthcoming trips. All the very best! Cheers Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  12/18/2023 4:03:00 PM - Hello Chatters, we are much looking forward to meeting you in person tonight! In the meantime we are having a great time in your home town. Best Bernd + Bea Andreas

• Bandreas says:

  12/16/2023 2:35:00 PM - Got your message, Chatters; Looking forward to meeting you and drinking to our health and this beautiful country of yours in two days!

• Bandreas says:

  12/15/2023 3:57:00 AM - Good evening Chatters; done. we'll pick the wines at the shop you recommend : Only question is: Will we be 3 or 4 people (i.e. will you bring someone along?) Will 3 bottles be enough? Cheers Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  12/14/2023 4:55:00 AM - Hello Chatters, 6pm will work for us. Thank you for making the reservation.

• Bandreas says:

  12/13/2023 2:07:00 AM - Hello Chatters, thank you for getting back so quickly; we do appreciate your taking the time to meet with us! December 19 would work and our preference would be for Bistro Rex.Can you please make the reservation there? Will you come with your wife/ a companion? Now for the wine: Since we are on the road and don't know our way around so much with Australian wines, can you bring 3 bottles of your choice along? (Maybe 1 white, 2 reds) We will reimburse you. Much looking forward to meeting you ! Cheers Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  12/12/2023 12:04:00 AM - Hello Chatters, We are nearing Sydney in 5 days where we will stay for 4 days (arriving December 17, departing December 21) If you are around during those dates and feel up to it we would love to meet you, have a bite to eat and down a couple of glasses of wine. If you are up to it, Let me know if any of those days would work for you. We are staying at the Sydney Harbor Marriott in Pitt street. Cheers! Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  10/28/2023 9:18:00 AM - Hello Chatters, thanks for your input! I will write you once we get a little closer to Sydney (you will get an e-mail from bernd.andreas@hotmail.de); and yes: having a bite to eat with a good glass of wine sounds like the perfect idea. Looking forward to it! Cheers Bandreas

• Bandreas says:

  10/27/2023 8:58:00 AM - Hello Chatters, I am looking for some advice: I will be visiting OZ in December January. Having lived there in the early 70ies, I will go to Rutherglen to - hopefully - revive the romance I had with the regions liqueur style wines... which 2 or 3 wineries should I visit? 2nd Question : I very much liked the Wynns and Redman Coonawarra Shiraz bottling of 66 and 69. What producer should I try when in Australia? Also: Will be in Sydney with my wife between December 17 and 20.. If you have time to partake of a glass of wine during any one of these days we'd be delighted to meet you. Cheers! Bandreas

• Vintage1961 says:

  1/28/2023 10:51:00 PM - Hi Chatters, Just wanted to finally say "Hi" and thanks after reading your notes over many years and learning a lot from them. I do agree with your sentiments regarding scores, as there is a price/value/quality ratiio aspect, that a traditional tasting assessment can overlook. And opinion can be so personal and subjective. Thanks

• Stoic Warrior says:

  1/8/2023 5:58:00 AM - Like so many others here, I have appreciated many of your notes and comments. You say if one comes to Sydney to drop you a line and, if possible, meet up over a glass or three. I'd welcome that if possible ... The wife and I will be in Australia for two months, in Sydney the week of 4-11 Feb. Let me know.

• Oenecnist says:

  8/26/2021 8:03:00 AM - Chatters, I appreciate your Ste Gemme comment and your thoughtful CT TNs generally. We have numerous friends among wine researchers out your way; someday we'll get to OZ and NZ--when "normal" allows it.

• richard.presser says:

  7/17/2021 8:19:00 PM - Chatters, I just want to acknowledge you, your palate and your commitment to adding notes to CellarTracker. More and more I find myself searching for your comments and opinion on a wine. As a fellow Aussie and frequenter of PWS, there is a lot of overlap on the wines we see and what we taste, though the makeup of our cellars are very different. Thank you. Dr. Richard Presser

• Yaozi says:

  6/7/2021 7:00:00 PM - Thank you for your comment about the Girardin Gevrey. It's nice to know people read these things. There is a lot of good wine out there. Have a great day in Australia!

• COWineLover says:

  10/20/2020 8:22:00 AM - Enjoyed your 2015 Cote Rotie comparison notes. Always insightful to see horizontal tastings. Thank you. Cheers.

• bestdamncab says:

  8/30/2020 9:53:00 AM - 4 more 1983 Bordeaux Tasting Notes just posted.

• pjaines says:

  8/6/2020 3:55:00 PM - Oi Chatters. I see you are on the "Most active" board in terms of tasting notes in the last 6 months. You drinking your way through lockdown? You filthy little boy.

• richard.presser says:

  3/15/2020 3:53:00 AM - Sounds like a plan.

• richard.presser says:

  3/15/2020 2:15:00 AM - I keep running across your notes, and given we are both Aussies who both visit PWS in our respective cities and love the great wines, and given you are prolific in your notes, it's inevitable. Thank you for your willingness to share your perspective.

• Jonny616 says:

  5/19/2019 11:43:00 AM - Hi Chatters, sadly i'm not close by, but if you ever visit Scotland. It took about 3 years to find the 31 so give me a bit of notice!

• gew71walsh says:

  4/24/2019 4:52:00 PM - Wasn't sure if you saw my response to your comment on the 2004 Leoville Barton. I did decant for about two hours and then poured back in bottle to take to a wine tasting. Enjoy.

• Vinomazing says:

  12/26/2018 5:11:00 PM - Glad to be a fan and reap your wine expertise this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Chatters!

• Vinomazing says:

  10/12/2018 10:02:00 PM - Chatts...how you holding up across many many seas? May the force be with you my friend!

• Geraintvdrede says:

  8/24/2018 12:34:00 AM - Hi Chatters. With wine farms you're spoilt for choice.. Ill recommend a few from each reason with the focus on experience/location s well as quality of the wines (given that you'd also like to see our beautiful country). Stellenbosch -Rust en Vrede,DeMorgenzon, Ernie Els, Neil Ellis (Get a cheese platter), Thelema, Uva Mira, Tokara, Warwick and Waterford. As mentioned by Danjohan, good for cabs in particular! Constantia -Buitenverwachting, Constantia Glen ,Klein and Groot Constantia and Eagles Nest. The above farms are all quite close to one another so you could hit them all quite comfortably in a day. Groot Constantia has a good restaurant should you be looking for lunch. In terms of wines, you'll find a bit of everything here, generally good quality. Somerset West - Vergelegen - nice day out with good reds - Two good restaurants, with Camphors being fine dining. Morgenster - Good bordeaux blend with array of vintages. Idiom - Beautiful and decent wines. Waterkloof - Good restaurant and wines Hermanus Ataraxia , Bouchard Finlayson , Hamilton Russell , Newton Johnson , Sumaridge Let me know if there's anything else you would like to know. Cheers, Geraint

• danjohan says:

  8/23/2018 7:08:00 AM - Hi Chatters, As per Geraint's reply, there are a lot of stores in Cape Town that stock great South African Wines. Even your groceries store have quite a decent selection. However if you are looking for special wine and great service, 'Carolines Fine Wine' or 'Wine Concepts' are the places to go, however with the knowledgeable service comes a premium price. If you are looking to do some wine tastings at some wine farms, and I’d highly recommend this over going out to any store, they are relatively close to the city with many wine tours available to take you there. Cape Town wines farms are very hospitable when it comes to wine tasting, hence the majority do not require a booking nor do they have the expectation that people will always buy wine. Wine tasting in Cape Town, is seen very much as a social thing, and people may sit tasting wine all day. If you are keen to do your own trip, I’d highly recommend you buy the ‘Platter’s Wine Guide’, as it describes nearly all the wines and wine farms. Below would be the wine regions that I’d recommend, in order of proximity to the city: City Center: There are only two, and they are next to each other, including the oldest producing vine in the country. Signal Hill Winery and Dorrance Winery. Constantia Wine Route (www.constantiawineroute.com): About a 20min drive out of the city, is a number of great farms, producing high quality wines. Best known for Sav Blanc, and the worlds best sweet wine (Vin de Constance). Best farms from my view would be Steenberg, Klein Constantia & Constantia Glen. I’d highly recommend this route, as it ticks all the boxes when it comes to being a wine tourist. Stellenbosch: About 45min out from the city. The most well-known and largest wine region, specializing mainly in Cabs. It’s a great region with lots of good wine. In my opinion though, I’d skip it, as there are better regions that are less touristy, unless you have the time to spend. Franschoek: About an hour from the city. Its an old French settlement, hence very heavy French influences in the wine. The farms there are quite prestigious, and produce amazing wines of all kinds, particularly Bordeaux blends and MCC (Local equivalent to Champagne). There is a ‘Franschoek Uncorked’ festival from the 15th-16th September. Hopefully this has helped, and I really hope you enjoy the wine in Cape Town, as I think its some of the very best.

• Geraintvdrede says:

  8/23/2018 5:28:00 AM - Hi Chatters. No problem, happy to help. Regarding wine shops in the city, Carolines Fine Wine Cellar would be a good place to start. They are in the CBD and have a good selection albeit at a bit of a markup. Alternatively, Ultraliquors in Greenpoint have a pretty decent wine collection and they are competitively priced. In the Southern Suburbs, there's a really good wine shop in Rondebosch called Liquor City in Palmyra Road. They have a great selection of wine, whiskeys, gin, and craft beer. Oh, and WineConcepts has a branch in the Southern Suburbs and CBD, they have a good selection of wines as well as daily tastings. Regarding visiting farms for tastings, where will you be based? Cheers, Geraint

• pjaines says:

  4/17/2018 6:56:00 AM - You filthy little puppy! I've just read through the notes with Stefan and co. You should all go and sit in the corner for a few moments and think about what you did. Naughty boys!

• jmcmchi says:

  11/16/2017 5:28:00 PM - Hi Chatters....yes there is some interesting pricing in the UK since Brexit cut the value of sterling. Shame about the Drouhin for you though. I have picked up some good value old Fox Creek, Kay Bros reserve Shiraz, Ares, and Izway there - cheaper than the US or Oz, even after shipping

• Cathair Chaladinn says:

  11/4/2017 6:40:00 PM - Thanks Chatters ....... You are quite correct Domaine de Chevalier represents amazing value. I just picked up a 1996 today so will give it a go soon !! Cant spoil myself too much though had a wonderful bottle of 1996 Cos d Estournel for lunch sharing with a friend I can still taste it !!! Cheers and Happy Drinking !!

• pjaines says:

  9/27/2017 2:33:00 AM - another suggestion.....Noble Rot . check out their huge wine list.

• pjaines says:

  9/27/2017 1:31:00 AM - chatters - some options for your visit. 10cases in Covent Garden. Also (seriously), Marcella in Deptford high street which is next to the Wine Makers club wine bar!!! Andrew Edmunds near Regents street..... Blandford Comptoir.... all quite low key but with good food and sensible wine.

• HODGO17 says:

  9/26/2017 11:05:00 PM - Hi chatters-- as part of my love of wine I've ended up investing a wine biz that has premium subs, stocks fancy boardrooms and runs some great events. We've got a few coming up in Sydney if youre interested and ill get you an invite or two. cheers craig

• pjaines says:

  9/24/2017 6:31:00 AM - Chatters - you slaaag!. The 24th October in London sounds perfect. I get back from Croatia that morning - (international man of mystery and leisure!!) What time of day you thinking? Same as before? Look forward to it

• StefanAkiko says:

  9/13/2017 1:24:00 AM - Tried to email you, but didn't work. There's a '66 Latour, a '66 Fonseca and some other stuff that require your immediate attention in Tokyo.

• pjaines says:

  4/3/2017 5:48:00 AM - Chatters!!!! Yes, a new London gentlemen's afternoon sounds like a plan. What can possibly go wrong?

• viderunt says:

  3/21/2017 6:17:00 PM - Hi Chatters, As a matter of policy, I decant all red wine, particularly Medoc red, which normally has a deposit. Decanting, of course, also helps the wine breath and softens the tannins (although I have found that older reds can maderise if they have too much air. Cheers, Viderunt.

• jmcmchi says:

  1/21/2017 6:16:00 PM - Going on your grand cru tasting, it sounds as if January is the time to visit Melbourne

• Andrew67 says:

  12/8/2016 8:18:00 PM - chatters, thanks for the comment re the Ironbark Tannat. It was a real disappointment as I purchased after tasting at the vineyard. My recollection was that the wine had the varietal characteristics I would look for. I was hoping this bottle might be an aberration, but if you've had the same experience then likely the last 2 bottles I have will be the same. I'm also a fan of Madiran btw. Hard to find much here, but when I do its nearly always good drinking.

• Thirsty1 says:

  11/23/2016 1:59:00 PM - Hello Chatters - The 08 Pegau CDP was a pop 'n pour. I knew I would be drinking it for a few hours so I wasn't worried about decanting. Usually I will decant a wine that I would consider younger (<10yrs) but I'm not religious about it. It was good from start to finish and I left about 1 glass in the bottle for the next day. It was just a good the second day with softer tannin, it was singing. Sidebar - I've enjoyed reading your notes and about 5 years ago you posted a note on a pride mtn. cab. that finished with "I kind of like it though I know I shouldn't!" Not that I am a Pride fan, just curious as to you felt you shouldn't like the wine.

• VinCapitan says:

  10/25/2016 4:52:00 AM - Chatters, reading your pinotpalooza notes, one would be concerned you had a terrible, underwhelming day? I need to get my notes up. Interestingly, we had very little crossover in our journey on the day. Will attempt to get something together in the coming days/weeks. all the best. PC

• CamWheeler says:

  9/10/2016 5:32:00 PM - Hi Chatters, yeah the tasting was good, didn't quite get to everything like last years but still a good overview of the vintage. I think the plan is that they hold it yearly but alternating in Sydney/Melbourne in two year cycles, with Melbourne next 2 years. MW students and trade the main audience but a small number of public tickets too. Not studying for MW at the moment, probably not something I'm going to pursue but who knows what the future could bring.

• RieslingFanatic says:

  9/5/2016 5:36:00 AM - Gday Chatters. Thanks for your comment on the 1985 Bredif Vouvray. I've posted a reply there. Cheers, RieslingFreak

• pjaines says:

  8/25/2016 3:27:00 AM - The Wine bar is actually ok - their wine menu used to give all information, although they dumbed it down a bit (although the wines they sell did not change). Also the Hare & Billet pub is excellent these days - well worth checking out. Also in the Blackheath Hand Made Food also open up as a restaurant/wine bar - well worth checking out. Lots of natural wines.

• pjaines says:

  8/25/2016 1:41:00 AM - Where abouts in Blackheath are you going to be staying? I'm over towards Morden College way.... There is a little wine bar in Blackheath as well now - Le Bouchon.

• pjaines says:

  8/24/2016 1:37:00 AM - Chatters - can't believe you are staying in Blackheath. That is where I live. Sounds like drinks are definitely going to happen.

• StefanAkiko says:

  8/23/2016 6:06:00 AM - ToW WC? Well, I guess it's as good a reason to drink as anything :-) Malmö, let me see... The best thing you can do is to go over to Copenhagen. They have wine-shops worthy of their names and some really great tables as well. Sweden has a state run Monopoly that boasts about being the BEST IN THE WORLD. Maybe a short trip to one of its outlets could make you laugh over the North Korean self-imagery. Australia is still on my ToDoList as I now have one of my sons living in Melbourne...

• pjaines says:

  8/23/2016 4:17:00 AM - Planet of the Grapes - just around the corner from my office. There is also Terroirs, New Street Wine bar etc etc. Where will you be based? I am next to St Pauls cathedral.

• pjaines says:

  8/23/2016 3:34:00 AM - Hi chatters. Thanks for getting in touch. Not sure about tastings in London at that particular time of year, but I can dig around for details. And of course more than happy to meet for a drink here in London - there are a plethora of awesome places we can head for. Any particular preferences regards style, types of wine?

• Andrew67 says:

  8/3/2016 4:13:00 AM - Hi chatters, thanks for the note. I agree that port is quite robust so is a good bet for auction - its also why I am happy to drink it over several days.It changes but in interesting ways. Do you have any recommendations on vintages or specific wines for me to try?

• deejay81 says:

  8/1/2016 4:01:00 PM - Just wondering if you have the contact or business who imports Ridge?

• Andrew67 says:

  7/29/2016 3:29:00 AM - Hi chatters, re the Dow '85, it was drunk over 5 or 6 nights. Initially not decanted, but my comments were mostly based on the second and third tastings, so effectively the same thing. I bought the bottle at auction at the start of the year, so can't speak to storage - its been in controlled storage and then a wine fridge since then. This is me trying to explore real Port as its not something I have a lot of experience / knowledge of, though I do like the style. I have some '07 Dow which i intend to keep for another 20 years. Be patient I will surely post a note on my experience :-)

• bestdamncab says:

  6/11/2016 9:17:00 AM - Please let me know the results with the Coravin this sunday-Enjoy.

• bestdamncab says:

  6/10/2016 4:17:00 PM - 2007 Dunn Howell Mountain is worth a go now, no worries, no panic, but lighter in style after 1999, age 7 to20 years instead of 15 to 30 years.

• Andrew67 says:

  1/23/2016 2:25:00 AM - Hi chatters. I PnP the Senejac. Agree that had I decanted for a couple of hours it might have been a better experience. Never mind - I have another 11 bottles to enjoy over time.

• BuzzzzOff says:

  9/24/2015 6:55:00 PM - Ah, well, weakness is OkeyDokey! We are working on a 1999 champagne tasting for next week. Dom, Salon, Alfred Gratien and Henri Giraud. Hoping to find a Selosse as well, but unlikely. That will be a fun day! Looking forward to reading more #3 notes primarily because we have been told by sommelier friends not to do WSET and, well, we rarely go out given all our wine is on site :-)

• aarone3333 says:

  8/26/2015 11:43:00 PM - No problems mate. Other than that it's a great site/ program!

• aarone3333 says:

  8/26/2015 5:13:00 PM - Hi David, Great to catch up again last night. Don't know how to send a message other than on this board! Can I send a message directly to you?

• capacious says:

  8/25/2015 2:54:00 AM - You asked about my comment on the 09 beaucastel- I was saying that as a split, a 375 ml bottle, it is drinking well and what I could have said was that it's a precocious wine, performing better than I'd expect for this maker and I'm guessing that's because of the more rapid evolution in a small format

• Andrew67 says:

  8/9/2015 5:27:00 AM - Hi chatters, the Senejac 2009 was PnP. After 2 hours would say the comments are the same though. Wine remains quite tight - the fruit is there which makes me think it will get better in a few years.

• partylikeakennedy says:

  7/21/2015 9:12:00 AM - True!! I'm always up to try something even if I'm wary of it! Well, with the exception of Barefoot Moscato....ha ha. I was a little bummed out over that Margaux though, as I've heard all kinds of great stuff about the '09 vintage! You're right, time will tell. And we'll be around to offer our assessments! :D

• partylikeakennedy says:

  7/20/2015 7:36:00 AM - I'm actually not sure (re: your comment about the '09 La Tour de Mons Margaux). I know that the wine WAS decanted prior to the tasting event that day, although I don't know for how long. I would imagine not much would change though -- the palate was really rather boring. Not bad, but just not very interesting or complex. I can't say that I'm all that surprised though -- it's a $30 Margaux. So at that price point, you can't expect TOO much! If it's too good to be true, it probably is... ;D Cheers! Have a great day!

• galewskj says:

  6/14/2015 5:50:00 PM - In regards to the 2008 Pegau, the bottles that my friend gave me have been consistent with the bottles I have consumed previously. I believe his dislike was purely from a stylistic or personal response. I know of people who complain about significant bottle variation from the same source. Of course, bad bottles happen, but that hasn't happened for me with this wine any more than with other wines. 2008 Pegau is definitely a funky old school off-vintage wine, but for the right price, I'm happy to drink it. Cheers.

• Tim Heaton says:

  6/1/2015 8:56:00 PM - G'day, Chatters. Enjoy your notes, keep up the fine work

• texanoblues says:

  3/19/2015 6:35:00 AM - Hi Chatters. Let me know how your bottle of 2010 Henri Gouges Burgundy goes. The experience I had was rather unusual. Perhaps one hour after opening, the aroma coming from the bottle itself was absolutely stunning (beautiful floral and red fruit, no sulfur), while the aroma/taste from a poured glass was riddled (going to steal that from you) with sulfur. You can imagine how frustrating this was! This trend continued until the very last glass I poured (about 24hrs after opening), which was a magnificent glass, and finally free of sulfur. At any rate, good luck with yours and please let me know if you're aware of any solution to this type of problem.

• StefanAkiko says:

  12/4/2014 11:25:00 PM - My next trip to Oz may happen already in 2015, but then again, it isn't my call. Let's hope for the best!

• StefanAkiko says:

  12/4/2014 7:45:00 AM - FYI: L'Effervescence in Tokyo just recieved their 2nd Michelin Star. Well deserved, but still not enough IMHO. Cheers!

• wizlb says:

  7/11/2014 11:31:00 PM - Let's try to catch up for a glass of wine next Sat...my number is 0424 383 600, Brian...

• wizlb says:

  7/4/2014 9:08:00 PM - chatters, Are you in Sydney?

• StefanAkiko says:

  5/21/2014 3:29:00 PM - Getting there! I feel even better now :-) Have had a most excrusciating week in Austria, teching kendo to their young, but very promising National Kendo Team. All of the time: beer. But on Friday: wine tastings and I have space for bringing 12 btls back home to Yapan.

• StefanAkiko says:

  5/20/2014 1:29:00 AM - Thankyou for a most thorough answer to my worries. I feel calm now :-)

• StefanAkiko says:

  5/20/2014 12:13:00 AM - As it seems in Oz, a wine with just the slightest hint of petrochemistry will automatically be discarded as flawed or second or poured out. Seems to be a mass delusion of some kind? Just like Brett, in some groups, is conscidered a flaw as soon as it's detected. Is it because in Oz the slightest hint of petrochem means that the wine (in the future) risks being overthrown?

• StefanAkiko says:

  5/19/2014 4:36:00 PM - Whenever I drink aged Rieslings (predominantly Mosel) I personally think they lack an important component if they don't have the petrochemical aspects. I do enjoy them. Just as I enjoy Brett, oak and so many other great things, including well aged cheese.

• Ken332 says:

  4/15/2014 6:25:00 AM - Thank you for your comments on the 2004 Senejac. This has been one of my favorite inexpensive Bordeaux for several years and I look forward to finishing my last 3 bottles. Hard to imagine Bordeaux getting much better than this at this price range. -Ken332

• StefanAkiko says:

  4/7/2014 10:29:00 AM - Because time is short, I think that there is only a chance at Tani or La Rochelle. They are similarly priced and I'd recommend Tani for the atmosphere and La Rochelle for the slightly more elevated kitchen. L'Effervescence is one of the best French restaurants in the World. But diiiiiifficult to book... Around 10-13 000 JPY for the chef's special menu and 2500-3000 JPY for corkage. Please make up your mind rather quickly, as the restaurants will be fully booked before you know it. Will you go alone or with your friend?

• StefanAkiko says:

  3/30/2014 8:34:00 PM - On the 19th of April, I leave Japan. If you come before that or stay for a while, I’ll be ready for a proper drink in Tokyo again on May 2nd. Highly recommended BYOB French dining: L’Effervescence, La Rochelle ‘Sanno’ (not their restaurant in Omotesando) and Restaurant Tani in Gaienmae. If you want great Japanese cuisine, we’d warmly recommend our two water holes: DEN in Jinboucho and ICHI-E in Hiroo, both with great selections of saké. All suggestions are fabulous and decently priced as well. We would be delighted to help you book and prepare the chefs for allergies, no-no foods etc. As far as tasting/buying goes, there is no favourite shop for us. Simply because we usually buy online with home delivery. Tasting wise, most shops offer wines by the glass and the Riedel Bars (scattered about, Google Maps will help you locate them) usually have at least a few good ones by the glass. If whiskey is anywhere on your list, there is an outstanding place called The Milestone Bar in Yoyogi-Uehara. They have the most extensive collection of whiskeys I’ve ever enjoyed. Please let me know if we can be of assistance; stefan (a) sorubin . se is more convenient.

• veugelenw says:

  1/5/2014 1:39:00 PM - Hi, Thx for accepting my request. I read you were based in Sydney so we may run into eachother at a future tasting :) I have done my WSET course in North Ryde, I think that's the only place hosting the courses on a frequent basis, isn't it? Did you do yours there as well?

• StefanAkiko says:

  12/6/2013 11:54:00 AM - In 2016 there will be a special March festivities weekend in or around Melbourne. An Aussie friend and I will enjoy finally reaching maturity in each others' company. Not Sydney that time, I'm afraid. BTW: In 2016 it will be exactly 30 years since I was in Sydney. Need to return there one of those days.

• StefanAkiko says:

  12/5/2013 2:30:00 PM - A lot of message in that "hmm" :-) Thanks for taking the time to share your deeper thoughts with this matter. And, BTW, Oz is where we will follow through with some 1966'ers 50 yrs party including '66 Latour, ’66 notyetbought Port and a bag of other similar (hopeful) gems.

• Average Wine Guy (MH) says:

  9/25/2013 9:13:00 PM - Thanks for your question on the 2001 Grant Burge Meshach. I've replied you on your question as a comment in my note for the benefit of every viewer. Hope it'll be useful to you! Cheers

• StefanAkiko says:

  9/13/2013 1:45:00 PM - Thankyou for your re-comment on 2005 Fontanafredda Barolo.

• Harley1199 says:

  6/6/2013 10:59:00 PM - Hi Chatters, Oliver then for our preferences...honestly have to say that Bradley's star system is very easy to follow and the early drink by dates very useful often. Visiting old Europe soon? May I recommend 2001 Rioja Alta 904? Sincerely a terrific value for something great in my modest opinion. Cheers

• Harley1199 says:

  6/6/2013 1:31:00 AM - How are you doing chatters? Nice email. My taste, despite my pocket, always is ready for an older CF. I am remembering last 92 SA or that 81 Cheval Blanc and have to recognise that only a few can match that quality and finesse. Just my modest opinion. John Riddoch 2003. Well, I'm a Bradley follower when talking about Aussies bottles. His books helped me a lot in the past. Maybe I'm absolutely wrong but with not bad at all experiences. Only have a doubt cause I am pretty sure it would be delicious when 15 years old. Think I am going to change my mind about this CS. Fox Creek 98 as a good substitute for next Christmas lunch? Possibly you're right again but I have to think what my family likes and probably an Aussie Shiraz is to go too far, too new for them. Anyway I've to confess that a few years ago an Underhill Yarra Yering 99 was a complete success. It'll be reserved for my own pleasure with 16 years on. Last matter that fantastic 95 Rioja Alta 890... What more can I say? For me it is a great pleasure giver at this point but a long way runner ready for a long lasting? Hmmm who knows. I'm curious, how much it costs down under? Cheers until the last drop,

• Harley1199 says:

  6/4/2013 11:13:00 PM - Hi down under, First of all thank you for your quick and gentle answers. Expansive? For sure! But I'm pretty convinced those tasting events are to be remembered for decades. Maybe you're like me coz I'd rather prefer the perfum coming from a Margaux, much better than all that greenish aspects of a young Cheval Blanc. Nose comes first! In spite of this, I really appreciate an oldie CF perhaps for its uniqueness. Mood also has something to say with that I've to admit. Just one more question, I'm curious sorry... I knew we've a few bottles in common, including a 2003 John Riddoch C that I want to drink next Xmas time, what do you think? Cheers from Spain,

• Rupert Degas says:

  5/12/2013 1:01:00 AM - Hi Chatters, I too was at the Langton's tasting the other night. Maybe at the next one we can say hi to each other. I was also at the Andrew Caillard Penfolds Masterclass last Tuesday - were you there too? Thank you so much for all your notes - bloody amazing. Even though I too am WEST certified, I wish I had the patience to make notes the way you have. All the best - great cellar by the way! Cheers Rupert

• graemeg says:

  10/26/2010 7:01:00 PM - Sorry for not replying - only just found this feature! The NRs are a private dining club (11 of us) who meet once a month for a wine dinner on a theme. So it's really 'by private invite' - friends-of-friends kind of thing. Last dinner this year is next week. But we do have guests along from time to time, esp. if our numbers are down one night. I'll bear it in mind...