Full credit to unbridled clichés.

Hopefully by the time you read this the Matilda’s have progressed to the next round of the women’s World Cup of soccer, or if you’re a fairly slow reader, possibly even the fnal.

Otherwise if you haven’t given Rupert Murdoch $30 per month for the privilege of enjoying sporting broadcasts, you may have no idea about the World Cup, and wouldn’t be the slightest bit miffed that Murdoch

Oakdene Bellarine

Peninsula Geelong Matilda has this global event by the short and curlies (okay, many younger readers may be wondering what ‘short and curlies’ are) or annoyed our government did nothing to stop it while reminiscing that ALL the men’s world cup games were available free-to-air with no money funnelled into Rupert’s support of Donald Trump derailing democracy in America!

Sparkling Blanc de Noirs, 2019, $45. How appropriate, and although all pinot, not that exxy. Oakdene should sponsor the Women’s World Cup or at least serve this at the games. Lovely stuff worthy of celebration.

Wonder if Geelong hosted any World Cup games? Ask Rupert. 9.5/10.

Imagine that, the Matilda’s missing the fnal causing the end of democracy in the free world, if you’ll excuse the tautology. But I digress.

Brown Brothers Milawa Victoria Cienna Zero NV, $16.50. Sounds like a soccer score…Cienna Zero, Matildas Four. More unusual stuff from the Brothers Brown, even more so for having removed the alcohol. Very drinkable, indeed refreshing but a tad sweet. A beverage with its place but it’s not wine as we know it. 8.9/10.

After the Matilda’s smashing victory last week a commentator was heard to utter the cliché, by no means the frst of the game, that the Matilda’s celebrated with ‘unbridled passion’, which begs the question, could they have celebrated, or commiserated, with bridled passion had they lost.

Furthermore is there another use of the word ‘unbridled’

Elderton Barossa Valley than in conjunction with passion?

Neil Ashmead Grand Tourer Shiraz, 2022, $60. Yeah, it’s Barossa and shiraz, so no surprises except in the packaging. Who doesn’t love a gear-knob for a capsule and a victory wreath and GT stripes on the label? Revheads, and Barossa traditionalists rejoice. 9.4/10. Small Victories Wine Co.

It is likely the word has never been used in another context, and certainly not by football commentators who typically have an average vocabulary of approximately 50 cliches.

For that matter has the word ‘curlies’ ever been aired except in connection with ‘short and’?

Maybe it’s a romance thing that spawns single-use words because there’s also

Adelaide Hills

Sparkling Chardonnay

Pinot Noir, NV, $30. There’s no shortage of occasions with which to enjoy this. Matilda’s win, local cricket fnal, Ashes, winning over old adversaries, quieting the neighbour’s dog, or just making it to the end of the working day with sanity. Or all the above. 9.2/10.

‘jilted’, which has no known use other than with ‘lover’, although perhaps ‘short and curly’ isn’t exactly a romantic, depending on your proclivities.

But back to the Matilda’s.

If they win the Cup, imagine the pomp and ceremony at the MCG? Imagine using the word pomp without ceremony? You’d be have to be a pompous git, which is close.

Then, what is sardonic without wit? Ever heard

Fat Pixie Hard Ginger

Beer, NV, $28 (10-pack).

Dangerous stuff and should come with warnings, not only to keep out of reach of children and preloading teens, but at 8 percent, also of unsuspecting and stupid adults. It’s so easy to drink, tastes like Nana’s ginger beer and at 2.2 standard drinks you’re almost illegal after one can. Powerful

Max Crus

of abject wealth? Has anyone been engulfed in anything other than fre or controversy. Okay, at least that’s two.

Outside romance, has anyone seen the word Barossa used except when followed by shiraz? Clare Valley and riesling? Pinot and expensive? Well, occasionally.

stuff for a pixie but can you call them fat? Is that pixie shaming? 9.5/10.

(Wine X Sam) The Butterfy Effect Victoria Rosé 2022, $14. A proper grenache rosé with butterfies on the label the same colour as the wine. Lovely for kiddies who will have to wait 10-15 years for the other pleasures the bottle offers. 9.2/10.