good god October is almost gone and I have been so hectic. but have not added to my musings here.

its time for beer i think or at least good white wine. summer is on the doorstep and so we should be heaving some good plonk down our screech for the summer months.

so here are a few scribblings on some of what is nice this season:

Victoria has a plethora of wine regions and some of the whites around for consumption this summer stand out as rippers. As the drought continues, winegrowers are becoming increasingly worried about what they can produce, and if I could offer any advice, it would be to start stocking the cellar now with boutique wines. Prices are on the rise and as a result, some of these amazing products are going to be hard to get and very expensive.

Tin Cows at Tarrawarra Estate in Yarra Glen have a stunning chardonnay. The range is cheaper than the Tarrawarra range, and the 2005 Chardy is made entirely from estate grown fruit. With a nose that is all melon and stone fruit, the crisp fresh zing on the palate is refreshing. It has a lingering acidic finish and subtle elements of oak that improve the overall body of the wine. At around $20 it’s a steal.

Marinda Park at Balnarin on the Mornington Peninsula offers a sensational Victorian grown 2003 Sauvignon Blanc. Its nose is all tropical fruit and passion fruit aromas, and the palate works well with that. Hints of gooseberry and passionfruit work their magic on the tongue to produce a well balanced, clean soft finish. It sells at cellar door for about $20

Mantons Creek, also on the Peninsula, has a stunning 2003 Pinot Gris. This aromatic has a sweet musky aroma, with hints of apple blossom. In true Pinot gris style, the palate is all citrus and lively acidity, with a soft caramel butter finish. It is expressive and perfect for drinking now. You can pick this up at the cellar door for around $22. Also try their gewurtztraminer with lychee, lavender and spice aromas, and a rich palate of exquisite length and balance. Its around $45 but stunningly worth every penny.

Innocent Bystander in the Yarra Valley have a pinot rose that you must try. Whilst not a white it is a superb summer beverage served nicely chilled. With a spritely nose of spring blossom and shaved fennel, the palate on this little baby is all plum and blackcurrant. A zesty fruit finish will leave you lingering and longing for more. At around $15, buy a case of 6.

so see you somewhere in the melting pot of madness that is my wandering life