Everything Must Go

I got out of bed the wrong side this morning and a dark grey is breaking through a lighter one, so while I really wanted to say something good about the Wine Society, I somehow don't think it's going to happen.

I've wrestled with this post a fair bit and when I got out the keyboard with vitriol written on it, I remembered that it's not a omnipotent global force like Microsoft I'm talking about, it's the Wine Society of Australia. For a while I almost felt remorse, but I confused it was heartburn and anyway, it soon passed. I really wanted to be objective and not just launch into a tirade, as the idea of members owning share's in a non-profit organisation who's goal is to 'Educate and promote excellence', is something that appeals to the sandal wearing, 'let's have a group hug' side of me but it's hard to be positive about a Society that sees the Thirsty Camel as something to aspire to.

I don't know who, if anyone, is in charge at the Wine Society, and I'm too lazy to look, but I imagine they're a slightly overweight used car dealer with a moustache that was modelled on Magnum P.I. and who you'd be cautious about leaving in charge of small children or anything with a moving part. I'm also mildly surprised they don't have adverts on television with a voice-over bombing us into submission with verbal napalm like: 'Prices are bloody crazy!' and 'Everything bloody thing must bloody go in the bloody crazy knock down sale!'

Call me a cynic, but I'm not entirely convinced that an organisation that lists 'To be the recognised independent authority on wine matters in Australia' is actually doing what it should be. I've said before that I'm no economist and it's no exaggeration when I say that I need help using a calculator. Maybe then I need some help understanding how the Wine Society actually works and how the scraping the ground where the bottom of the bargain bin used to be prices are benefiting the producer. Show me and I'll say that I'm wrong. Honestly.

I'm nothing though if not a hypocrite, so I'm about to recommend them for everything I've just berated them for. Australia is not renowned for great Gewurztraminer, but the Plunketts Strathbogie Ranges Gewurztraminer 2007 is a delicious example of what can be achieved in a cooler climate. It's hasn't got the weight of an Alsace, but there's plenty of varietal character of Turkish Delight, rose petals and spice tempered with some clean citrus. It's definitely on the drier side of things, but it has a lovely mouthfeel and structure. The WS are obviously clearing space for the 2008 vintage so they're offering this beauty at around $13 a bottle. Worthy of a six pack as apart from being a good food wine (like salt & pepper squid), it should develop over the next couple of years. Halliday only gave this 88 points, but it won a Gold Medal in Le Concours Des Vins Du Victoria. I'm not sure whether that's something to be proud of but as they seem to agree with me on this, I'll say it is.

As Fat Mike said, I'm all out of angst so I'm off. In the meantime you can tell me about all the other great stuff the Wine Society do apart from flog cheap plonk.

Be seeing you.