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Recently had a short weekend break in Beijing.  A bit rushed, with far too much to see in a weekend but saw a lot of Beijing all the same.

 
Made a trip to The Great Wall (Mùtiányù section 慕田峪), Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, ate a baby goose, drank some great tea, etc

Photos from Beijing can be found in the Gallery here
and in the Moblog here

I recently took a few days off work and went to relax on Bintan Island, Indonesia.

It was a very enjoyable break, just laying under a tree sleeping, a bit of sailing, snorkelling, jetskiing and some good eating too!

You can find the photos here: Bintan Photos
And moblog shots here: Indonesia Moblog

Comments Welcome

I’m back from my stint in Tokyo.

Summary:

• Over 150 pairs of disposable chopsticks used (apparently from Chinese forests)
• Approx 120 bowls of rice consumed, but only 3 potatoes (this ratio would normally be inversed)
• One very sore head http://www.doherty.net.au/wpress/?p=375
• 2 Earthquakes
• Completed disaster training at the Bosai Kan (firefighting, escape from smoke filled building & earthquake simulator)
• Managed to down raw chicken sashimi
• Got lost on numerous occasions
• Caught the metro during peak hour (very, very squishy)

Photos from Japan can be found in the Gallery here
There are various sections: Niseko, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, Karuizawa, Hakone
(Note: Click into each album to view the entire album)

Tasting today is from Pikes Vintners of South Australia’s Clare Valley.

It’s becoming ever more popular to see a Pinot Grigio produced in Australia, and with the Clare Valley being renowned for its Rieslings, a close cousin of Pinot Grigio, it should not be a surprise that a good Pinot Grigio should come out of the Clare Valley.

Pikes 2005 is really not a Pinot Grigio, despite the label (if casually glanced) might lead one to believe. Beneath the large Pinot Grigio print, there is a small note to the presence of 38% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Semillon grapes, leaving us with 59% Pinot Grigio.

But that’s ok. It’s a very pleasant ménage d’trois.

The nose is fruity, but not sickly.
The palate shows subtle apricot/peach tones. A little acidity ensures it is well balanced and not at all too sweet. The mouth feel is soft.

Pikes 2005 Luccio Pinot Grigio was paired on this occasion with Italian sausage pasta. A nice combination.

I cannot recall where or what I paid for this bottle, so cannot state if I felt it was good value, but can certainly say it was well enjoyed.

Oh Yeah. I love this vineyard.

Warraroong Estate has to be my absolute favorite winery in Australia’s Hunter Valley, come to think of it, probably favorite period. (I’ll save why for another post on their Sav Blanc)
I’ve just polished off the better part of two-thirds of a bottle of the 2005 Warraroong Estate Malbec along with a Lane Cove Gourmet Pizza, Tijuana (Chilli Beef, Pepperoni, Roasted Capsicium /w guacamole & sour cream)

Now, I like to think I’m not a wine-wanker. I know some of those types and their drivel makes me want to spike their next glass with radiator coolant.
I didn’t read the back of the label before I opened this bottle, but to my surprise, after the first slice of pizza and a swill from my glass, I thought I ought to read the label. To my surprise I read “Malbec is a quick developing wine and a great accompaniment to spicy foods”

BINGO! Tijuana & Warraroong Estate 2005 Malbec, now a match made in heaven.

Why?

Nose: Plum, Charcoal
Palate: Berries, Not too tannic (I hate that feeling as though you bit a green stick from a tree)
Eyes: Ruby Red, as you would want a rock on your finger to look. Deep & luscious.
And with the spicy Tijuana, I had a party on my tongue.

This is one to enjoy, from an unpretentious vineyard in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
My salvation is in the knowledge that there is one last bottle in the cellar awaiting opening.
(Before I drive back up to Warraroong to re-stock)