100)

The Willow Lake Vineyard Chardonnay from A.Rodda is consistently amongst the top chardonnay's in the country and the 2021 release is another excellent release. Some people maybe asking why are you reviewing the 2021 not the 2022 release, well that is because that is the one I am drinking right now. 2021 was an important…

ByCrispyDecember 11, 20230Comments

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Apollo Inn

Apollo Inn opened in the heart of Melbourne's Flinders lane restaurant precinct in 2023, it was ostensibly a good place to have a quick cocktail while waiting for a table at Gimlet or one of the other nearby restaurants. But it was so popular that the queues to get in for a drink at this…

ByJames CampbellDecember 7, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 (97/100 points)

I have to admit a little bias, this wine is one of my absolute 'go to' favourites and has been for about the last 5 years. Giant Steps make a number of single vineyard pinot noir releases but for me it has always been the AppleJack Vineyard that delivered a perfect palate of fruit,…

ByCrispyOctober 16, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > D.M.L Reserve Mornington Peninsula Noir 2021 (94/100 Points)

DML VIN is a relative newcomer to making Australian Pinot Noir with the first vintage released in 2019 but they are already creating some really special wine and it is no surprise that both critics and pinot fans are taking notice and buying. The back story to DML VIN is that AF Premiership player Jordon…

ByCrispyOctober 13, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Bass Phillip “Crown Prince” 2016 (95/100 points)

The "Crown Prince" is considered an entry level wine to the world of Bass Phillip Wines it is often poured by the glass at restaurants and some people don't like that it can be quite cloudy. But I love it and having just acquired some more of the 2016 release I thought it definitely…

ByCrispyOctober 13, 20230Comments

EAT EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Bellota Wine Bar & Food (18/20)

Last week I was back eating in one of my very favourite restaurants and I realised that it was also one of the first restaurant reviews written for Almanak, so I thought it needed an update. Needless to say we had another outstanding meal and brilliant wine. In full disclosure Bellota used to be…

ByCrispySeptember 1, 20230Comments

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Myrtle Wine Bar

There is something wonderfully comfortable about entering into Myrtle Wine Bar on Warburton Lane off Little Bourke Street. It is so Melbourne, down a lane, which is off another lane, in an old two story redbrick warehouse space that started as a blacksmith (but more recently was a Spanish restaurant). It could be the…

ByAl ManakJuly 7, 20230Comments

SKI > AUSTRALIA WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Mount Buller

It takes just over three hours to get to Mount Buller from Melbourne, which makes it the closest ski resort to an Australian capital city. There are over 300 hectares of skiable terrain which range from the beginner slopes of 'Bourke Street' and 'Burnt Hut Spur' to the challenge of black runs 'Fanny's Finish' and…

ByAl ManakJune 27, 20230Comments

SKI > AUSTRALIA WHERE TO SKI >

SKI > Mount Hotham

Those who choose to ski regularly at Mount Hotham, are often zealots as to why 'Hotham is so much better than any other mountain in Australia'. It is not that they are critical of other Australian Ski Resorts, its just they are certain that Mount Hotham is the best. Perhaps it is because…

ByAl ManakJune 27, 20230Comments

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Riesling

WINE > Mac Forbes RS20 Strathbogie Riesling 2022 (90/100 points)

Mac Forbes makes some great wines from fruit grown in the Yarra Valley; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay released as Single Vineyard, and Village. As well as Cabernet and Merlot released under the 'Hugh' label. But for me the most interesting stand out has been the RS range of Riesling which predominately comes from the Strathbogie…

ByCrispyJune 21, 20230Comments