you donít know how to do itîÖyouíre in trouble. Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Rufus

Thomas or the more widely known Mick Jagger, clearly never had dogs. There is no such thing as ëJUSTí walkiní the dog.

You think walkiní the dog is easy? Ha, you clearly donít have a dog either.

Itís not like the old days when you could just let Rover out on his own to get into the garbage, poop everywhere, chase cars and kids on bikes and kill the local cats. Ah, those were

Daosa Piccadilly Valley the days my friend, but no longer. You forget one thing and it can ruin your day, or someone elseís, and then thereís the fnes. All pooches need two walks a day, more if they are working breeds kept in a two-bedroom apartment on the third foor - what were the owners thinking? ñ one in the morning and one at the crazy, witching hour for all animals, 4pm-6pm. But you canít just walk out the door, you have to be prepared.

Blanc de Blancs 2020, $90. This doesn’t quite scream best bubbles of the year as did last year’s Max Crus Trophy-winning version, but it does scream drink me and try not to worry having to buy another bottle when others discover this. Why buy NV French stuff when you can have this? 9.7/10.

Daosa Piccadilly Valley

Natural RÈserve (7th Release) $59. From the great grapes of Champagne from 2022 and a splash of natural reserve wines, this should be the expensive one, given all the work, but instead it’s just the best value. Full of elegance and grown-up sparkling characters. 9.5/10.

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 28th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

First things frst, the monogrammed collar. BTW this is not for attaching the lead, this is so others on your morning walk can identify your dog and start a conversation accordingly. If itís Coco or Fif, ignore them, they are designer white fuffy things and are not real dogs. If itís a spiked collar with Bruiser, Killer, Tyson, or Brutus embroidered on it, cross the street.

Then thereís the harness, because when all hell breaks loose when you bump into Hannibal again, you donít want to break Cuddlesí neck as you pull her back from his gnashing teeth and snapping, snarling jaws. Or you need good purchase if you have to pull T-Rex back from munching on Gidget.

Daosa Piccadilly Valley RosÈ 2021, $65. This too has taken a lot of trouble to get into the bottle, like trying to get a naughty dog into the car after an exciting day out but it’s been worth the blush, specially if someone is watching. Lovely gear you wish you could drink all the time. 9.6/10.

The most important thing to remember is poo bags, something which those who walk before dawn always seem to forget. For the novice, one is not enough. Indeed just to be safe, three

Parish Vineyards Forcett (Tasmania) Sauvignon Blanc 2024, $35. What a delight to have sauvignon blanc again. Very much in the old school mould before we tried to make them taste like New Zealand. Delightful. 9.4/10.

Parish Vineyards Sorrell (Tasmania) Riesling 2024, $35. This is a much more is recommended. If there is an opportunity for your dog to embarrass you, this is the most common and effective way, and they know it. gris-like riesling than a South Australian or WA style, more ACT, but then not. Maybe a Southern Highlands? Hmm, maybe it’s just Tassie? Note to self, try a tassie pinot gris and see if it’s like riesling. 9.2/10.

Donít forget the dogs treats in case you have to do some on the spot training or bribery.

What have I forgotten? Oh yes, the hat and sunscreen. A sensible skin care regime is as essential as the phone with the ftness tracker to show off your exercise regime to other sad, data-obsessed losers.

Parish Vineyards Evandale (Tasmania) Pinot Gris 2024, $35.

We were out the door and off before I realised Iíd forgotten one important thingÖPANTS! Whoops. It was right at this moment I discovered Iíd forgotten another important thingÖthe door key.

Yep, thereís a lot to remember when walkiní the dog, and then you have to go through it all again in the afternoon?

Or you could just let Rover go on his own and have a glass of wine.

Minimal nose is something some people spend a lot on, while winemakers usually want the reverse. This could do with a nose job; it’s a bit too subtle. But some occasions require a gentler approach, such as a church service perhaps. Are they BYO? Ask your local vicar to stock this as the house wine. 9.1/10.