 has to be one of the premier Pinot vineyards in Australia. With the top of the range retailing for about $800, this one is far more budget friendly. At mid $40, it is their entry level but does it live up to the brand or is it just a means to sell 1000’s of bottles?

The 17k is named after the vineyard (which has 17000 vines). I’ve seen it has had mixed reviews but I loved it. Strong, powerful and an interesting profile. This is not an entry level pinot or some quick grab to sell some bottles. It is a very good pinot for the price. The problem is that this $40 bottle will end up costing me a lot more, as I’ll have to try the reserve and premium one now…simple…

Needs a decanter and time to open up for the full experience.

 Bass Phillip Bin 17K Pinot Noir 2019 Rating: A- Price: $44

Cracked into this cheeky little Campbells Trebbiano for my Sunday sundowner and it’s hitting the spot very nicely!

Pears, limes, and green apples on the nose. The palate is textural and fresh with plenty of pears and green apples again, peach and wet rock. Lovely crisp and clean acidity joins it all together nicely. All up, a super enjoyable drop! -

 Cracked into this cheeky little Campbells Trebbiano for my

Having never tried a Gruner Veltliner before I have to say this example from Precious Little Wines in the Adelaide Hills is incredibly enjoyable. Zesty limes, grapefruit, slightly floral with a mineral edge on the nose. Not totally unlike a great dry Riesling on the palate with plenty of citrus zip and zing but with great texture and mouth-feel due to some time in oak. I like it, I like it a lot.

 Having never tried a Gruner Veltliner before I have to say

Avani Rosé de Saignee, one of only a few wines I brought back from the Mornington Peninsular last month, mainly because it was so damn tasty, it’s got bubbles, and as explained by Rohit, they don’t make much of it.

Red berries, hints of bitter orange and rose petals, somewhat savoury and sweet at the same time with a fine fizz. It’s lively and exciting. It’s not pretending to be anything other than what is it… a super fun wine! Loved it!

 Avani Rosé de Saignee, one of only a few wines I brought

2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre (GSM)

Recommendation: Buy. It’s stealing at this price 🍷

This will be simple. If you see the Jericho label buy it. Don’t care which variety. Just buy.

This is the fourth variety I’ve had from

  and they never disappoint. Always different, always good. A beautiful blend that seems to have the right balance and ratio to make me more than happy. ...simple...

 Jericho Wines 2019 McLaren Vale Grenache Shiraz Mouvedre

Intense and impressive nose starts what is overall beautiful and elegant wine that is truely a special wine. Heathcote at its best...simple...

 Thank God it was empty... Jasper Hill “Georgia’s Paddock”

Recommendation: Buy. It’s a Cool Italian Style red.

The Balmy Red is made from Sangiovese grown in the Adelaide Hills. With a beautiful Miami summer vibe on label, it screams Sunday arvo.

Recommendation is to lightly chill it. Then from me, crack it open with some mates on a late arvo as the sun is setting. Serve with some angel hair pasta tossed in fresh tomato and garlic...simple...

 P&V Wine Balmy Nights 'Red' 2018 Rating: B+ Price: $27

Recommendation: Just a perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day. How many times do you get to drink gold!

But just in case you needed more, many may think this is a gimmick and the gold is the only wow factor but this deserves more attention. The quality and taste elevates that wow factor. A very good sparkling with loads of fresh bubbles and just the right alignment of sweetness and acid. I love dry champagnes and I was very happy with this. I think this will please all sweet sparkling drinkers and those to love a dry champagne.

But with gold prices rising over the last few months, is this classed an investment? 🥂

 Garbin Estate Wine Sparkling White Gold Leaf Rating: A-

 Koomilya Shiraz 2014 by S.C. Pannell Rating: A Price: $60

When you have Monday off 🍾🥂🍾...simple...

 When you have Monday off 🍾🥂🍾...simple... #wine #champion

Today’s menu: fresh eggs delivered by the farmer himself, smokey tempeh and protein packed whole grain pancakes 🥞 🥚

 Today’s menu: fresh eggs delivered by the farmer himself

Spicy Moroccan stew to beat the freezing rain on a dreary Sunday: cauliflower, mushroom, chickpea with couscous & feta

 Spicy Moroccan stew to beat the freezing rain on a dreary

Aromas of fresh cut grass, pineapple, green apple and herbs. Pear, apple, peach, fresh herbs, and a trace of tropical fruit are accented by lively acidity, echoes of soft tropical fruit linger between each crisp sip. 100% Chardonnay

 Aromas of fresh cut grass, pineapple, green apple and

Crostini topped with fresh goat-milk whipped ricotta and preserved chilies, along with grilled romanesco with hazelnuts, grapes, rosemary and chili peppers.

Croci ‘Campedello’ Frizzante Colli Piacentini DOC 2015

Deep gold in colour with aromas of lemon, honey, grilled herbs, smoky earth and a trace of bitter nuts. Light fizzy bubbles meander thru fresh lemon tart and Mediterranean herbs. Citrus and smoky minerals linger on the zippy finish. Lovely on its own, or with a wide variety of dishes, especially spicy ones.

Mostly Malvasia di Candia, with Trebbiano, Ortrugo, Sauvignon & Marsanne

 Crostini topped with fresh goat-milk whipped ricotta and

 Gardening with a friend #nofilter #monarchbutterfly #cosmos

San Marzano seedlings successfully transplanted. Now to work on those raised beds 🌱🍅