Visiting Mornington Peninsula, Geelong etc

[Duncan]

Hi all,

Just a quick Q after a long absence. We're visiting the Mornington Peninsula and Geelong in a week or so. Any suggestions for CDs to visit, looking for Pinot in particular (don't laugh). Had been planning on:
Main Ridge, Paringa, Red Hill, Stonier, Bannockburn, by Farr, Scotchmans Hill, Shadowfax.

Also recommendations for lunch/dinner and a (cheap, after the meals) place to stay !

Cheers, Duncan

[Davo]

You forgetful drunk

T'Gallant, Tuck's Ridge, Moorooduc, Massoni, Dromana, and Kings Creek if they are back in operation.

Not that keen on Red Hill myself, but a great view.

[Duncan]

Went to Dromana, Eldridge & Paringa. More today ....

[Lincoln]

Eldridge Estate should have been good - tried the wines up here last month and enjoyed them immensely - and David is quite a character.

[Shiraz_Freak]

Dont go past Pettavel especially the emigree shiraz

[Duncan]

Today: T'Gallant, Tucks Ridge, Paringa, Red Hill, Stonier & Montalto (lunch only).

Overall impressed by most cellar doors (when I found them, need a Sat Nav), particularly T'Gallant and Tucks Ridge. Red Hill wines good value in an area suffering from proximity to Melbourne. Eldridge Pinots very good, and T'Gallant Pinot Gris (they have three) a revelation. Lots of good Pinot, but at a price.

Suffered from several corked wines <rant about stelvin>.....

Dromana mid-week 2 course lunch for $19 was a steal for great food, but topped by Montalto, which is not cheap but faultless food.

Will try to get to Pettavel tomorrow, never had their wines before.

Cheers, Duncan

[Duncan]

Went to Petteval, impressed by them. Restaurant looked very good, but just tasted the wine. Emigre Shiraz Viogner good, heaps of fruit on the nose, very smooth palate and fine tannins, but $45 is a bit pricey.
Loved the 2005 Riesling, despite Halliday's put-down, and thought the Cab Sav Merlot was good value.

BTW, stayed at Rosebud Country Golf Club for two nights in M.P. - execellent value at $110 for a huge modern room with King + single beds.

Coonawarra/Limestone Coast on Sunday.

Cheers, Duncan

[Davo]

Did you notice any old folk in Rosebud Dunc?

Last time I was there I thought I was in God's waiting room

[Duncan]

Certainly did, and a surprising number of homes for sale. Seems like your standard retirement spot. If the weather was decent I'd be tempted. Perhaps in another 60 years

Cheers, Dunc

[Anthony Basilone]

Duncan- if you were into golf- the mornington peninsula is the place to retire to/be- more great golf courses within the peninsula than just about anywhere- The National,(3) Moonah(2), cape schanck, eagle ridge, Rosebud Country Club, the dunes,portsea, sorrento,St Andrews etc etc

Duncan- was the $110.00 per night or for both nights?TIA

[Duncan]

(It was $110 for each night - where can you get a good room for $55 ?)

Went to Coonawarra yesterday - they really suffered from a bad frost on October. You hear about these events, but to see virtualy every vine badly damaged is another thing. One winery said they could loose 80% of the crop.

Zema & Bowen closed, Jamieson's Run being refurbed. As before, preferred the QPR of Penley Estate. The 2003 Hyland Shiraz was on special at $180/case, but the 2004 a better buy at $19 each. Also bought 04 Phoenix Cab Sav and 04 Condor Cab Shz - all very drinkable now.

Despite Halliday rating the 03 Punters Corner Cab Sav, it still had not been released. 03 Spartacus Shz good, but $60.

Couple of days off, then Barossa on Wednesday/Thursday.

Cheers, Duncan

[Davo]

Couple of days off???

Bloody slacker

You've got the Limestone Coast, Langhorn Creek, Mclaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills between you and the Barossa. Get your tasting shoes on boy

But then again, that rattletrap 130 might not make it all that way