Marlow

Take a few days off, go on the river and what happens? After three months’ drought (n/a North of Watford) the heavens open. Everything is damp. Me, boat, bed, dogs, bread.

Saved only last night by two gorgeous ladies dropping by with a bottle of Tatachilla Padthaway 2002 Longbottom Vineyard. Now there's a wine to damp proof body and soul! Not a wine but as HJ said, "More like a wine, a three course meal and a fat cigar all in one bottle".

Massively concentrated Australian sun, now mellow perfection, from the winery I most loved in McLaren Vale's Main Street (where I sent young Henry as apprentice) which, alas, is no more. Rationalised! (Killed by Accountants).

But what great wines it left behind. But... Michael Fragos is still making wine - looking unfeasibly young and fit - with undimmed passion; 'Steeple Block' is now the name. Try.


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