Good afternoon

After a hot week, a bit of literary refreshment (albeit short!)

First off, our annual Champgane/Sparkling tasting on Wednesday Novemeber 25 is pretty much sold out. For those  who have locked in their place, nice work! Here’s a tease of what’s to come – Champagne from Larmandier Bernier, Paul Bara, Jacquesson, Lassalle, Agrapart, Vazart Coquart, Pol Roger, Delamotte, Perardelle and Salon (1996 to be exact) amongst plenty of others, sparkling from the 2 leading Franciacorta (Italy) producers, Bellavista and Ca del Bosco, Cava from Spanish houses Raventos and Augusti Torelli Mata, and a smattering of quality Aussie fizz, mostly Tasmanian. There are just a few spots left so again, if you are keen, please get in touch (Ph: 5962 6699). $40pp, 7.30pm Wednesday November 25 @ Mt Rael.

Tonight we’ll knock the top off a few new arrivals that have really floated our collective boat over the last few weeks:
Helm Riesling 2009 (Canberra)
Domaine St Andrieu Rose 2008 (Provence)
Windy Peak Nouvea Shiraz 2009 (Victoria)
Enzo Bogliettti Dolcetto d’Alba 2007 (Piedmonte)

New arrivals this week include:
- Ocean Eight 2008 Pinot Gris – we were pretty impressed with the previous release of this Mornington gris, and this one ups the ante just a touch more. Mike Aylward is the man behind this label and he was also responsible for setting up Kooyong. It would appear that he has the midas touch – this is lovely refined gris with real presence. $30
Lucky Cat Pinot Grigio 2009 - King Valley sourced grigio knocked out by Sarah Fagan (Gourmet Traveller Young Aussie Winemaker of the Year) and Cath Wilcock. This one is all about he buzz word in wine at the mo’…..texture! It has it, and it flaunts it! Tight fruit profile, picked early – the ‘grigio’ is an accurate call (rather than gris). $18.50
Wantirna Estate new releases - the 2008s are right on song- Lily Pinot Noir ($68) and Isabella Chardonnay ($64) show the elegant, pristine Wantirna style from a strong Yarra vintage. Nothing heavy handed or overworked. Rightly held in the top echelon of Yarra producers.
Stoney Rise Pinot Noir 2008 – dark, juicy style of Tasmanian pinot. Great drink for less than $30
Domaine Saint Andrieu Rose 2008 – finally the rose market has taken off, and we’re loving finding all these dry, savoury numbers that have summer written all over them. This one is from Provence and has that classic pale salmon/onion skin appearance – gentle floral aromatics to complement the fresh red fruits. Just the ticket for a bbq  $24
And a gentle reminder that we have stock of the 2007 Pannell Nebbiolo that scooped the pool at the Alternative Varietals Wine Show late last week. Pretty smart wine that! $49

To order any of these wines, please reply to this email or call the store on 5962 6699.

Stay cool!

Cheers

Cheers