100 points)

Robert Groffier Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2020 is a delightful entry-level Burgundy that showcases the expertise of this renowned Chambolle-Musigny producer. This wine offers an excellent introduction to the Groffier style and the characteristics of Burgundian Pinot Noir. While this is an entry level wine (~$100 - $150 per bottle) the Grand Cru from…

ByEd ItorSeptember 8, 2024

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Gimlet, Melbourne (18/20)

"Let's grab a drink at Gimlet and figure it out" that is the start of an excellent night out in Melbourne. Famed for its cocktails as well as the food there is a wonderful deco 1920s style to a place that launched in 2020 just before the pandemic started and has since become…

ByEd ItorSeptember 8, 2024

EAT > SYDNEY

EAT > Le Foote, Sydney

Editors Note (25/8/24): We are saddened to hear the recent media reports and claims about Swillhouse venues. The accusations are extremely disturbing. As a result we are removing the review rating we gave for the venue. It seems that every new exciting restaurant in Sydney is either a Merrivale or Swillhouse…

ByEd ItorJuly 14, 2024

EAT > SYDNEY

EAT > Bar Topa, Sydney (14/20)

"Lets have a quiet night, just a glass of wine and some tapas". Famous last words as we ambled down to Bar Topa which sits in amongst the throng of busy restaurants in the Merrivale owned "Ivy" district off George Street in Sydney's lower CBD towards the rocks. Bar Topa is a smart…

ByEd ItorJuly 14, 2024

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Wantirna Estate

Wantirna is a suburb at the edge of Melbourne's sprawling metropolis. As you drive out towards the Dandenong Ranges, one moment it is traffic lights and shopping strips, the next quiet country streets and then it is the idyllic 10 acres that make up Wantirna Estate. Set amongst the golf courses and nature reserves that…

ByEd ItorJune 28, 2024

DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay DRINK > WINE

WINE > Giant Steps, Sexton Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (95/100 points)

Giant Steps make some sensational wines, predominately Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (though there are also some excellent other varietals). The Sexton Vineyard vines were planted in 1997 based on clones from the iconic Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River by founder Phil Sexton. Over the last twenty seven years the wines just continue to…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Giant Steps Vineyard

Giant Steps was founded by Phil Sexton in 1997 he had come across from Margaret River in Western Australia in search of somewhere to grow and make outstanding Burgundy varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He the first site near Gruyere planting the Sexton vineyard on the steep slopes of the Warramate Ranges. Being a…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

VISIT > Yarra Valley

VISIT > Wantirna Estate

REGION: YARRA VALLEY VARIETALS: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc OPEN HOURS: Only once a year for mailing list subscribers, usualy a weekend in October WINE TASTING: Yes RESTAURANT: No WINE MAKER: Maryann Egan Wantirna is a suburb at the edge of Melbourne's sprawling metropolis. As you drive out towards the Dandenong Ranges, one…

ByEd ItorJune 21, 2024

EAT > ROME

EAT > Armando Al Parthenon, Rome (16/20)

When you ask for recommendations on where to get an excellent traditional meal in Rome you get the same recommendation again and again. Armando al Pantheon its brilliant. A fairly simple restaurant that takes Roman dishes and perfects them. Started in 1961 by Armondo Gargioli, initially it was a wine bar with…

ByEd ItorJune 8, 2024

DRINK > WINE > Cabernet Sauvignon DRINK > WINE > Merlot DRINK > WINE

WINE > Wantirna Estate, Amelia 2016 94/100

Wantirna is a suburb at the edge of Melbourne's sprawling metropolis. As you drive out towards the Dandenong Ranges, one moment it is traffic lights and shopping strips, the next quiet country streets and the idyllic 10 acres that make up Wantirna Estate. Set amongst the golf courses and nature reserves that follow the…

ByEd ItorJune 6, 2024

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