If you have ever been out with me, and I have been able to get on the subject of wine, you know that DeBortoli Shiraz (98 vintage to be exact) is by far my nectar of the Gods. Perhaps part of it is the memories of my last visit to Melbourne, but, even locals here say the '98 vintage of shiraz grapes in the Yarra is by far the best. And I went through CASES of it in atlanta.
you really can't get Debortoli in most of the US any longer. and living in California, I have substituted well, believe me...but there was NO way I was coming to Australia and not going up there.
so Saturday morning, I awoke to beautiful skies - the Yarra is about 55Km from the city (60-70 the way I get lost), so I decided to ride my bike up there. I carried my back pack, cause I knew I wanted a bottle of something....I felt fairly certain I was not going to find a '98.
It was the MOST perfect fall day. I haven't had a good fall since I have been in California. No offense meant to the state, but the east coast knows how to put on a fall day! well, so does victoria Australia....it was amazing - brisk and sunny.
I took a northern route to the Yarra valley - through the Dandedong range and some nice hills. I rode through forrests of Eucalyptus trees, and kept my eyes out for koala's and kangaroos (I have YET to see these elusive creatures). when I hit the valley, for a moment, I really wondered if I was in the Yarra, or was home in Glen Ellen - it was amazing.
I rode around, trying to remember the route to DeBortoli ....of course there was no map- pointless to even ask... but I did find the winery. and in the end, after making friends with the sales person, she went to the back and found 6 bottles (SIX) of the 98 vintage. Now, if you were reading above, you know I am on my bike..and about 55km from the city. I already had bought a dessert wine for the family...I couldn't carry 6 more bottles. but I could carry 4! so, after packing my backpack full of wine, I started back towards town...I kept telling myslef that I used to ride with this much extra weight...I have lost 15lbs over the last few years, so this was just a reminder...yeah..right...
Never ask a non-cyclist if a route is flat...anything short of the Alps or the Sierras is considered flat. Even to call this route "Rolling" was pushing it...but it was flatter than the dandedongs. And as I rode, I thought about Ted and Holmes - they would understand WHY I had to do this.
As I rode, I had some old bloke drafting me. At a light, I told him to go ahead of me because I was weighted down. He said he noticed my weight pack... when I told him it was five bottles of wine he said "oh..so you train like a TRUE aussie!" -I was honored...
In the end, I made it back just after dark. I survived - other things didn't, but that is another story for another time...
Today - I had to buy a suitcase so I could carry my wine home..via Japan of course. tomorrow I go back to the land of the rising sun...
I have to say, even after 5 years.....I could still live in this town. Its like a smaller version of san Francisco - complete with the vineyards nearby....
hmm...maybe I will go for a short ride today and see where I end up...
cheers mates!
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