More highlights from the Vintage Festival

Liked the hot 'empanadas' (sort of Argentinian pastie) being offered next to the Malbecs on MalbecWorldDay.com. Also liked the Tango demonstration!! Mmm, she was lovely.

No Bill (West End/The Boxer) Calabria this year on account of the very late harvest in Australia. Bill still working harvest. His many fans say they understand and send their best wishes. But two other BIG Oz personalities MAC Macpherson and Bob Berton adequately fill the gap. Very adequately.

And Hickinbothams, even without David, seemed the most popular stand overall.

Bollinger stand was mobbed. Unsurprisingly.

And for the first time was a stand with beer pumps. Nothing like a glass of draught after multiple wine tastings. Loose Cannon Brewery.

The popularity/sales of the new-style XV has/have rocketed.

Saw Anne – representing Portugal – narrowly defeat Helen – representing Spain – in a Head-to-Head … one of many 'bouts' in the theatre.

Particularly liked the Andre Dupuis 'Le Merrandier' Pinot Noir 2009 and Farnese's perfumey Ultima Edizione four grapes.

Tried the first samples of 'The Spritz' – a new idea, yet to be launched. Barbara will love it.

The Chablisiens were mobbed, especially the Dampts. Not surprising; wonderful stuff.

Beaujolais makes a big come-back I note.

Winners of the Members Vote (First Past the Post)


Friday AM

GOLD: 62609 Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet 09

SILVER: 62781 Baron de Barbon 2005 Rioja Reserva

BRONZE: 73112 La Font del Bosc 2005, Maury



Friday PM

GOLD: 62685 Le Prince de Courthezon, Cotes du Rhone 2009

SILVER: 62609 Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet 09

BRONZE: 62175 Domini Veneti Vigneti Amarone 2004



Saturday AM

GOLD: 62609 Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet 09

SILVER: 27920 Babich Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2010

BRONZE: 40514 Nine Tails Moscato Rose 2010



Saturday PM

GOLD: 62688 Domaine les Escondudes Chateauneuf du Pape 2009

SILVER: 62609 Hickinbotham Shiraz/Cabernet 09

BRONZE: 62646 Willy Willy Shiraz 2010


Sales look good and are still coming in and at least 144 new customers too. All-in-all, an excellent show.

HJ and I finish up with the Masis.

Barbara has gone off to Italy today so I dare show this pic of me and Anna Rita Masi. See what I mean about wine being about friends!