100 points)

Hoddles Creek Estate has once again demonstrated their mastery of cool-climate winemaking with their 1er Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. This exceptional wine showcases the unique terroir of the Upper Yarra Valley and the skillful craftsmanship of winemaker Franco D’Anna and the Hoddles Creek team. Appearance and Aroma > In the glass, this Pinot…

ByEd ItorOctober 7, 2024

EAT > PARIS

EAT > Guy Savoy, Paris (18/20)

Do some research on best restaurants in Paris and there is a good chance Guy Savoy‘s remarkable restaurant will be among the top recommendations. On the top of “La Liste” (the top restaurants in the world) for the 7th year and with two Michelin stars, there is no question that this is haute…

ByEd ItorOctober 7, 2024

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Nebbiolo (including Barolo)

WINE > Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo (95/100 points)

The Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2018 is a captivating expression of Nebbiolo from the renowned La Morra region of Piedmont, Italy. This wine showcases the expertise of a family that has been crafting exceptional Barolos for 19 generations. The grapes for this Barolo come from carefully selected vineyards on the Monfalletto Estate in La…

ByEd ItorSeptember 14, 2024

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Il Bacaro, Melbourne (18/20)

I moved from Sydney to Melbourne in 1995 and immediately fell in love with the remarkable bars and restaurants that had a truly unique style about them. One of those restaurants was Il Bacaro which launched that same year on Little Collins Street (just off Russell St). As you enter the restaurant the…

ByEd ItorSeptember 14, 2024

DRINK > WINE DRINK > WINE > Pinot Noir

WINE > Robert Groffier Bourgogne Pinot Noir (90/100 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 DRINK > WINE > Chardonnay

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