I did it - and survived!

So I opened the French wine, and was surprised at the colour. It's held up well, still a hint of red freshness with browner overtones.

The cork simply fell to bits.

On tasting, was like being punched in the mouth by a Port; it has fortified, with a short flat finish. Not too bad, really.  OK, it's shite, and I only had 3 sips, shuddering with each one, but I was happy to put my body on the line for the sake of this blog.

Needless to say I ate my dinner with a glass of water. 

Coming up, Rockfords, Charles Melton and more. Will they be drinkable? Have they survived my garage?

Corked, or not, there's always my teeth.

For my second bottle I choose a Hardys Nottage Hill 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly because once again it's the only bottle I can reach in the garage. Ignoring the dust I wrestle with cutting the top off, and my heart sunk when the wine puller went in too easily. Too easily! Yes, it was crumbly and the cork disintegrated under my hand. Not beaten, I pushed and pulled harder, with cork confetti showering around my feet in the kitchen. I suppose I should push the cork down, but I can't be bothered. Grabbing 2 fine sieves, I strain the dark reddish brown wine into a glass, before tasting. Nuh, it's not going to happen. It's gone off, and I'm not drinking it. Back to the clean-skins for tonight. Cheers!

My second bottle looks ok if you like dust

Must learn to stop and read the label

Even I can't be bothered trying to get the cork out

Penfolds = quality

We recently visited the Barossa again and of course Penfolds is a must-do. We took our sons and their partners to show them the area, teach them what little we know, and to make new memories.

Such an old winery, and always stunning, we loved the changing autumnal grapes leaves

Tables set up for private tastings of the famous Penfolds Grange

When tasting, look at the wine, note the colour and clarity, then swirl, sniff (get your whole snoz in there!) then sip, holding the wine in  your mouth whilst breathing out. Swirl it in your mouth, and swallow.

In the foyer of Penfolds - ask questions, and build on your knowledge

Take the time to really understand the wines, ask questions, learn and enjoy.