This may be controversal but...

Wine of the Week:
Climbing Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - Climbing Wines are from Orange and they have always had a reputation of being a good wine and relatively cheap for around $20. The other noticeable thing about the Climbing range are the labels that adorn each of their wines. The Cab Sav needs a swish or two in the glass to give it some air...after that, very easy drinking and great option for a mid-week (or in this case, beginning of the week) drop. 
www.climbingwines.com.au

I have thought about this for a little while and I had to borrow the title from a line from my mate Skull for this one. Skull keeps for the mighty AKA 'A Reserves' and as is the case for approximately ninety percent of what they say, keepers always seem to have the best lines.
Quite frankly, I have been disturbed by the way many in this country have adopted the phrase "un-Australian". It is not so much the actual phrase itself but the fact that it is being used without a lot of thought of what it means. 
More often than not, the phrase "un-Australian" has been used to justify a particular point of view or condone particular behaviour such as:

• "oh, you can't build a muslim school in Camden because it is un-Australian"
• "you can't stop Rugby League players from having an alcoholic based bonding session because that would be un-Australian"
• "it's un-Australian not to know Don Bradman's batting average"

See, the issue that I have is that this - what is the definition of the phrase "un-Australian"? We struggle as a nation to define what it means to be Australian but we seem to be quite happy to use the phrase "un-Australian" willy-nilly!
Maybe it's just me but it really grates me that when people are looking to push a particular agenda, they are very quick to label any opposition against their stance as being "un-Australian". 
Which begs the question...what does the phrase "un-Australian" mean? Well, I had a discussion about this with my mate Roy over the weekend and he came up with a definition. He suggested that "un-Australian" was where one is not given a fair go - irrespective of who you are, where you come from, that sort of thing. Not a bad option I thought (then again, Roy is a font of wisdom). 
So I put it to you all....what does the phrase "un-Australian" mean?

"We are the Champions, my friends...."

Wine of the Week:
Margan Merlot 2007 - there is a saying that when you swirl the wine around a glass and it leaves a coating, then it is a good'un. The Margan Merlot 2007 is one of those wines. A quality wine that leaves you wanting more. It is one of the many good wines that come from the Margan winery; one of the more stylish wineries in the Hunter. 
http://www.margan.com.au/ 

Friends, it has been a while since I have posted on this, what was going to be a weekly project. Circumstances both home and at work have led me to neglect it. However, I hope that I am back on track and while I can not promise for a weekly installment, I can promise that my rants on the soapbox will be more regular. 

However, today's chapter is not a rant but purely one of self- indulgence....WE WON!!!!!

Yes, dear friends we (we being the St George-Illawarra Dragons) are the Premiers. This, after the 32-8 beating of the Roosters in last Sunday's Grand Final. It was said that it was one for the True Believers and it certainly was. It was the first time since 1979 that the Big Red V have won the comp and the first time that the joint venture has won the Premiership. 

Only one thing could sum it up....WOO HOO!!!!!!!!

It was bucketing Grand Final day and our seats were not under cover but I didn't care...well, I didnt. Trish, Craig and Lynne may have other opinions.  It was a great victory and one that set up scenes of jubilation and sheer joy both at the Stadium and at Kogarah Jubilee Oval later that night. They say that a picture paint a thousand words so here are just a few from the night proceedings thanks to Trish who had control of the camera (Thank God!).

The first half was one of our worst all season but the second half was one of our best. It was an emotional rollercoaster which ended in jubiliation (as can be seen from above). It was the first GF that I had been to that the Dragons were in and the first one we had won so...I was happy.

Just one section of the Dragon Army that start the celebrations as the Dragons get the Telstra Premiership Trophy.

We managed to get to the fence for the lap of honour which was awesome. Here, Jamie Soward and Nathan Fien join the crowd in celebrations. Jamie Soward has been much maligned all season as a five-eighth not good enough to guide a team to a premiership. Now, he has the ring to prove them wrong - and wasn't he happy (and rightfully so).

Again, we're getting wet during the lap of honour but no one cared (well, I didnt care anyway)

The Dragons' mascot (Happy Dragon) also is the mascot of their major sponsor...he too, hasn't seen a Premiership since 1979 when he was walking the sidelines at the Sydney Cricket Ground that day as the Dragons beat the Bulldogs. I saw him during the Grand Final marathon on the night before the GF and there he was. Age has not wearied him that's for sure.

 

So Trish, Craig and I headed back to Kogarah Oval with reportedly 15,000 other like minded supporters to congratulate the team on their win. It was a joyous celebration and one that I hadn't been a part of since the Sydney Olympics.

All week, I have been smiled at, honked at, cheered by other supporters as we celebrate the breaking of a long Premiership drought. Complete strangers as well as friends and supporters I know, have hugged me and/or shaken my hand from Sunday night right through to today as we went to the dentist in Campsie and cars still were honking their horns at the sight of a red and white jumper. 

And make not mistake, the man in the light shirt in the picture is responsible. Wayne Bennett was once one of the most disliked, if not hated men in New South Wales. He is a non-drinker but if he wasn't, he would not have to buy another drink for the rest of life between Kogarah and Wollongong. 

He brought in discipline, structure and belief into a side that had all the talent to win the Premiership but none of the above. He may not be the Messiah but he certainly is a God to many a Red V player and supporter. One of the other characteristics that Wayne Bennett has is that he is a realist and understands what these things mean to all stakeholders; including the fans who pay their hard earned week in, week out to support their side. After this picture was taken and the players left the stage to continue their celebrations, Wayne Bennett stayed for another good thirty minutes shaking the hands of the supporters, accepting their thanks with good grace and making their night that more special. Craig also managed to shake hands with the great man - oh, to be over six foot tall!

I don't profess this to be the best writing I have done but it has been a big week and one we will continue to celebrate until the Premiership kicks off next year. Trust me, the drinks Trish, Craig and I had on Craig's balcony at 1.30am on Monday morning were the best we had in a very long time as I introduced them to concept of "winners' p**s" - something I was lucky to experience when we won our cricket premiership a couple of years ago. And guess what...it doesn't run out until March 11, 2011 when the NRL season kicks off again.

Welcome to "The 'Ber's"!

Wine of the Week
Chandon Vintage Tasmanian Cuvee 2006 - yes, I know that I am diverting from the default settings of this blog but...sometimes you just feel the need for bubbles and there has been a need for bubbles this weekend. 

Domaine Chandon are well known for their sparkling but they also do some fine still, particularly their Heathcote Shiraz. However, the focus is on bubbles and they have gone down as expected...smooth as silk and leaving you wanting for more.

Also, the Domaine Chandon Vineyard at the Yarra Valley may just have to be one of the most beautiful not just in the Yarra but around Australia. Always a "must visit" when in the Yarra Valley.
http://www.domainechandon.com.au


Let me say right from the outset, I love this time of year. There is something about this time of the year that is almost like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. You get through the hard yards of the middle of the year; the cold, the wet and miserable weather and you get to the point of the year that I call "The 'ber's".

The way I see it, once you hit the months that end in 'ber', then it is the start of the fun slide down towards the end of the year. In short, another name for 'The "ber's" is party time!!! Let me explain my theory...

September: There will be a time when I am walking around the streets during September and it will hit me - the smell of jasmine. The smell of jasmine and the arrival of the Kingsgrove Sports catalogue mean that the cricket season has arrived! It has been a trigger for near on twenty seven seasons and will be once again as I have decided to pad up for one more season (despite my well documented retirement after the 08/09 Premiership win).

September also means footy finals. Even if your team isn't in the end of season action, you can not help but feel the excitement in the air as teams fight to be the final two teams on Grand Final day and where glory is a week by week proposition. If you are are lucky enough and your team is in the post-season action, then it is a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.

October: Start of daylight savings; longer days, more time to socialise and get active as the temperatures get warmer. If you are in NSW, you also get a public holiday.

October also means the annual pilgrimage (via the screen) to Bathurst for the James Hardie 1000 (I will always call the race by that name!) as well as the start of the Spring Racing Carnival - not only one of horse racing's most important times of year but also perhaps the most important social period for some. Which leads us to...

November: The first Tuesday of the month and the race that well and truly stops the nation. I always thought that it was the greatest over-exaggeration of all time to say that Australia stops for the Melbourne Cup. However, after now experiencing many Cup days in different venues and different circumstances (including being at Flemington last year), this country should be proud that a three minute horse race should bring an entire country to a standstill and turn a lot of us into experts for the day. They say a little knowledge goes a long way...for me, that is a dangerous proposition come November. I wake up that morning and I think I am Max Presnell/Ken Callender and Lee Freedman all rolled into one...

November also means the start of the Christmas Party season which is always good to see how much free alcohol and canapes you can consume without becoming an embarassment to yourself and a joke to others!

December: The parties continue as we hit the countdown to Christmas. Catching up with friends and family for that all-important 'christmas catch-up' and winding down at work as all look forward to the Christmas/New Year break as we stop, take a breath, think about the year gone and the one just on our doorsteps.

Not to mention the ongoing discussion point for the month that is; what to do on New Year's Eve...but my friends, that is a topic for another time.

So, welcome to 'The 'ber's' everyone - I hope you enjoy it as much as I will.

One final election comment - promise.

Wine of the Week:
Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2007
Perhaps an over-indulgence on a Sunday afternoon but hey, everyone deserves it once in a while. Most know how enjoyable Coldstream Hills is so I wont need to wax lyrical but it is a fine drop. Very easy, very good drinking. The only risk would be that it could lead to another bottle, then another...then another.
http://www.coldstreamhills.com.au

I do promise that this wont turn into a political soapbox every week but there has been a fair bit going on. 

It has been a week since we voted and we as yet, do not have a parliament and still under the rule of a caretaker government. I don't think anyone would have thought that it would have lasted this long but it has.

Last week, sleep won in the end in the battle between my debut as a political commentator and tiredness but not before seeing both leaders giving their anticipated speeches. The fact that nothing was said that made me fire up the laptop again may have said more than anything I could. However, there has been a couple of developments that has left me slightly amused.

Is it just me or is the fact that the independents have banded together into an alliance slightly ironic?

And why do all the pictures of Bob Katter have him in a black cowboy hat? If he ends up growing a thin black moustache, that will do me!!!

What did make me more than laugh but also cringe was this report in the SMH on the sunday after the election.
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-election/blamedodging-keneally-on-another-planet-20100822-13ahe.html

Now, as most of you may know I am a Labor supporter and a passionate one at that. However, when NSW go to the polls next year I can not, in all conscious vote for them to stay in government. And if I there was any doubt prior to this report, this just confirms it. 

I never thought I would have agreed with Barry O'Farrell in a hundred years but in this case, I do. If Kristina Keneally didn't think that a backlash against NSW Labor wasn't going to happen at a National level, then in the words of the immortal Darryl Kerrigan..."tell her she's dreamin'"!

Tragic thing is she did give me some hope...once. Hopefully, the Dragons will not fail me this year as well.

Don's Party - 2010 Version

Wine of the Hour:
Oakridge Pinot Noir 2008 - a very nice pinot and a great way to start (what could be) a good night. The Yarra is known for its pinots and this one is no exception to the fine tradition the Yarra has. 

So, election night 2010. Currently, I am with some good friends in the Blue Mountains - the majority being Labor supporters...Labor supporters that are quite worried; including myself. The talk is of a swing but how much. There is nervousness, uncertainity and concern I have to say. In the midst of this, there is also some good food, good wine, great company and no doubt some enjoyable conversation. The goal this week - to keep track of the vibe here in the mountains. This dependent on time, level of alcohol drunk and network coverage...stay tuned.

7.03pm: so the early numbers have started to come in. The early run by the Coalition has caused some concern. The eyes are focused on the ABC and there are some issues that Anthony Green has with the discrepancy between his graphics and his latest numbers. Did you know that the ABC had the greatest ratings for the 2007 election?? Perhaps that is why the commercial networks have tried to spice up their coverage with a full range of experts and network personalities (another aside....is anyone else scared by the way Tracey Grimshaw looks???) Still a sombre tone in the room. Especially as we look at the state by state swing. I have still a very sick feeling in my stomach which hasn't disappeared as yet. 

Joe Hockey is currently on the screen talking that the Australian people have made the right decision. Funny thing is, different people have different views on what that right decision is.  

9.03pm: We have just enjoyed a great dinner starting with Pancetta and Sweet Potato soup followed by a roast dinner (Thanks Joey, Dave & Jac). Just now waiting for chocolate tart that my wife made for dessert and that may ease the pain that the count is showing. That and the Piggs Peak Werewolf 2009 (the wine of the hour). It is a big red with a bit of oomph! The room here needs a bit of oomph. The mood is quite sombre. Quite worried. Except for two who are flying the blue flag. Kerry O'Brien is now crying that we are heading for a hung parliament-mirroring the events of the UK late last year. One can only imagine the back rooms calls originating from the MCEC & Four Seasons to those independents and green candidates who may hold the balance of power. 


All aside, there is one thing that overcomes political lines and that is friendship. Sounds very corny and cliched but it is true. That, I have to say is the saving grace at this time. Sitting and looking around a room and seeing people who have shared significant stages and events in your life and are still there, is a thing that is to be treasured. To be savoured; just like a good red. 

The count continues as the country's attention heads to the Golden West...but not with a lot of confidence.

9:41pm: Computer graphics have a lot to answer for...ABC had the Coalition ahead, Sky News has Labor ahead. It is causing emotions to run high and for many of us to ride the emotional rollercoaster. The only answer to this is two-fold; dessert and more red!

9.50pm: Just seeing Bob Brown on the TV...did anyone else know about the affliation with the "Flemish Greens"???? 

10.05pm: Wyatt Roy, potentially the youngest MP at 20 years old. Jeremy said it all when he said that he had the vote of the miners (minors). Funniest thing that has been said all night.

And, Anthony Green has called a "Hung Parliament"...the only thing that is certain is a long few days, let alone night.



10.38pm: Looks like it will be a hung parliament and a result as to who will be in government wont be known for a few days. All we are waiting for are the two leaders to make an appearance...interesting to see what they both say.

Five of the Hunter's Best

Wine of the Week
Punters Corner Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
So, there is a story here that ultimately ends up with me at Dan Murphy's with a bottle of said Punters Corner.

1. I had the thought of rather accessing the personal cellar, I should just enter a bottle-o for a wine that is easily accessable. That and I was looking for a birthday present for my cousin.

2. Once in Dan Murphy's, I thought I would go to a region other than NSW or Victoria - so South Australia was the order of the day and when I think South Australia, I think a Coonawarra Cab Sav.

3. During the week, Trish and I joined Craig and Dave at Trivia Night at Oatley R.S.L. Apart from a generous serving of ribs and rump, I also had a minor successful run on the punt - which comprised of betting on the gallops in South Africa and harness racing in France. As I was opting for omen bets that night, I thought I would try a similar tact with the wine of the week.

Which leads us to the wine itself. I deliberately looked for a reasonably priced wine at $25 and it is a very easy drinking, enjoyable Cab Sav but still has the "oomph" that you expect from a Coonawarra red. Great on a Saturday afternoon with some hard cheese.
http://www.punterscorner.com.au/

So, for those that have been with me the last couple of weeks you would have seen that I have ventured down the political path and the sporting path - both of which shouldn't have surprised anyone. This week, I have decided to focus on one of the key elements behind this blog...wine.

I was thinking that I am always keen on hearing about good wines and good wineries to visit so I thought why don't I give you all five wineries to visit in the Hunter Valley? Relatively speaking, it is on our doorstep and we generally visit the region once, maybe twice a year.

As such, we have been able to come across some wineries that not only deliver some great drinking but also a great cellar door experience. Some are big, some not so big and while it isn't a definitive top five they are ones that we will visit time and time again...and ones worth sharing. 

1. Pepper Tree Wines
We have been fans for a long time and are members there. They not only source grapes from the Hunter but from vineyards in Orange and South Australia. The Semillon, Shiraz and the Cabernet Sauvignons have always been the highlights. The cellar door experience has always been an enjoyable one as the surroundings are picturesque and the staff friendly. If you are a member, they also have a tasting room that overlooks the gardens. Definitely a must visit when in the Hunter.
http://www.peppertreewines.com.au

2. Margan Wines
Broke is around 30 mins out of Pokolbin but worth the drive to get to Margan Winery. The winery is a beautiful building and the wines are exceptional. The Semillon and Shiraz (as is the case with the Hunter as a whole) are the standouts but keep an eye out for the Frizzante 2010 which is both a great way to kickoff proceedings as well as a light afternoon drink especially with summer coming up soon. The restaurant is also one of the best in the Hunter.
http://www.margan.com.au/

3. Tyrrell's Wines
Tyrrell's is one of the more popular wineries in the Hunter but also home to one of the best experiences we have ever had. Here is the tip...at the left of the cellar door is one of those build it yourself sheds with a wire screen door. Walk straight to the shed (with the conviction that you know what you are doing) and open the screen door. What you will find is a tasting room that specialises in Tyrrell's top shelf wines - the Private Bin Wines.
When we first visited we were tested thoroughly in our wine knowledge to ensure that we weren't there just to get drunk - it was a very testing but rewarding 30 minutes as we learnt a hell of a lot about the Hunter, it's wines and what to look for when tasting. In short, it is one of the "must do" activities in the Hunter.
http://www.tyrrells.com.au

4. Piggs Peake Wines
Our friend Rick recommended this winery especially for the port. While it is very good, there is a lot more to enjoy about Piggs Peake. The Reds are strong and bold while the Semillon and Chardonnays are great on it's own and with food.

Trish and I went there first thing one morning thereby beating the crowds. Steve Langham, the head winemaker took us through each wine and then took us round the back for a tasting of the latest vintage out of the vat. It was a hour well spent. Just make sure you get to taste the Suckling Pig Fortified Shiraz - which has to be done with an accompanying chocolate bud!
http://www.piggspeake.com

5. Meerea Park Wines
Meerea Park don't have their own cellar door but go through the Boutique Wine Centre on Broke Road in Pokolbin. It is worth the trip as Meerea Park are responsible for some of the best wines in the Hunter. The Alexander Munro and Hell Hole reds and whites are exceptional with the only challenge being not to drink them straight away.
http://www.meereapark.com.au

As I mentioned, these aren't a definitive top five but five worth visiting while in the Hunter and ones worth sharing. I welcome any others that you think are worth the trip up the F3!

Cheers until next time!

The double edged sword

Wine of the Week
Pepper Tree Wines 2007 Strandlines Grand Reserve Cabernet Shiraz (Hunter Valley) - I am a big fan of Pepper Tree Wines and the Strandlines doesn't disappoint. Very smooth and great drinking. Probably should have kept it for a little while longer but cellaring isn't a strong point for Trish or myself. http://www.peppertreewines.com.au

One week...one post and I have already missed my weekly deadline. Apologies for those who have been waiting with baited breath for my next post (HA!) My wife suggests that it is the consumption of red that caused my memory loss in not meeting my weekly deadline. To be truthful, the couch and the Dragons v Roosters game may have also had something to do with that. 

Seriously though, thank you to those who have spent the time to (a) read and (b) share some kind words. Much appreciated - especially considering that the first spray was down a political bent and one that not everyone would support or agree with. Time will tell who the country will select and it seems to fluctuate from day to day as to who will win. Dreams are being bouyed and destroyed on a daily basis. The same can be said for the other focus of the nation...footy!

See, no matter what the code - AFL or NRL - we are in the final rounds approaching the finals. Supporters are looking at the table, analysing the upcoming fixtures and seeing if there is any chance of being there for the end of season action. Where the phrase "mathematical chance" is uttered with such convinction. Clutching at that intangible that all supporters are after...hope.

Ask any follower of any team in any code and hope is both a blessing and a curse. A double edged sword and something that for all bar the supporters of one team each year, ends in tears.

Take my team for example...the St George-Illawarra Dragons. The big red V. http://www.dragons.com.au The Dragons have not won a premiership since 1979 and the Illawarra Steelers didn't win a premiership up to the time when the joint venture was created. Suffice to say, it has been a long time between drinks. 

That said, there have been times when the champagne has been put on ice only to feel the bitter taste of defeat. 

1985. 1992. 1993. 1996. 1999. 2005. All of which have left indelible and painful memories which can only be erased with premiership glory. 

Even last year, the Dragons finished Minor Premiers only to get bundled out of the finals after two games. And it wasn't the cries of "chokers" that hurt the most. It is the fact that you ride the wave of hope that your team gives you all year...then get dumped in a sea of disappointment.

So I can hear those who don't follow football or are not interested in sport ask the question, why do you do it? Why do you put yourself through such torment, such anguish, such angst?

The reason is simple - when the season starts you think of just one thing...

To be there on Grand Final day...

To see your team run on to the field for the biggest day of the season... 

To ride the emotional rollercoaster that is the Grand Final and emerge victorious... 

To see your Captain lift the trophy as you cheer and scream out the club song as the team starts their lap of honour...

To go back to the club and celebrate with the players and supporters alike all night and toast the Premiers as the sun rises on a new day.

That is the dream all supporters have every year and if your team falls short, then you sulk for a week once the season is over, complain how you were robbed in the last game and count the weeks left until the new season begins - so you can dream all over again.

And that, dear friends is the beauty of football.

PS: And I still maintain that was a forward pass in 1985.