Wines

Grape Expectations by Max Crus

Republican party malarky over departing monarchy

Who doesn’t love a monarchy, and a monarch to boot? (No pun intended)

All that pomp and ceremony - whatever pomp is – tiaras, crowns, gowns and clowns (well, puff, and corgis.

Does anyone except the Queen have medium-sized dogs with inappropriately small legs? Is this an in-breeding thing? Sorry, Maam, most tactless of me.

Whatever, they are royal dogs, like Rolls Royces are Royal cars, and Doulton is Royal china.

And who hasn’t dreamed of being a princess or a prince, or both? Or King?

Imagine the things you could change!

Well, actually, nothing, including your own clothes possibly. Pretty sure they have someone do that for them, another of those expressions of the colourful, intriguing, romantic and anachronistic entitlement of someone descended from a bloke who invented divine intervention to enthrone and who had the gaul (and Gaul) to think he was at least as entitled as the Pope.

Hard to argue against that really.

Not sure the bible mentioned such a intervention, although clearly it did in Henry’s edition, but it all happened so long ago no one remembers, which is just as well or we’d jewel-encrusted chair, and where’s the fun in that?

But everyone loves a monarchy.

Even republicans. They enjoy the majesty and scandals as much as royal watchers, and who else will they rail against when it’s all done and dusted?

However, what is the fuss all about?

So what if Liz is not head of state, it’s not as if she’s actually done anything over the years in that role except sign the odd decree, unanimously over which she’s had no choice? Let’s not kid ourselves, she doesn’t really think about us until we turn 100 (who doesn’t want that telegram from the Queen?), print a new stamp or coalition types reckon one of theirs deserves a knighthood.

Even a knighthood doesn’t guarantee a board position since shareholders woke to the un-wokeness of that level of absurdity.

The monarchy is not going away, even if we send them packing. We’ll still watch them on telly on Christmas eve or when they do something naughty. Or marry. We’ll still have a holiday in June, and we’ve already pretty much phased out stamps, coins and $1 notes.

Becoming a republic won’t make one iota of difference except it won’t cost so much sending stuff for her to sign and pix.

Let’s just offer Liz some complimentary wines in appreciation for her long service, instead of having to pay for it with our independence.

Max Crus is a Clarence Valley-based wine writer and Grape Expectations is now in its 26th year of publication. Find out more about Max or sign up for his weekly reviews and musings by visiting maxcrus.com.au

Cassegrain Hastings River ‘Seasons’ Rosé 2021, $24. Same colour as the cherry blossom on the label, you can almost taste cherries. Very convenient when they’re out of season. 9.1/10. Taltarni Pyrenees Old Vine Estate Shiraz 2019, $50. Superior stuff with which to ponder the existence of God and the Monarchy and surely the Queen would appreciate the merits of older vines as much as anyone who buys this. 9.4/10. Hanging Rock Winery Victoria Barrel Fermented Sangiovese Rosé 2021 $25. First it was riesling, then bubbles and now it’s rosé, disappear from the racks of the Crus cellar. Things like this have led the charge. Savoury and smart. 9.4/10. Hanging Rock Winery Victoria Barrel Fermented Sangiovese Rosé 2021 $25. First it was riesling, then bubbles and now it’s rosé, disappear from the racks of the Crus cellar. Things like this have led the charge. Savoury and smart. 9.4/10. Hanging Rock Heathcote JSE Member’s Reserve 2019, $45. Why do members get the good stuff? However surely this club will admit anyone except Groucho Marx, who would of course preclude himself anyway. enough to satisfy even the snobbiest of members, Your Majesty, as evidenced by being sold out, so stay tuned for the 2020. 9.5/10. Cassegrain Hastings River Premium Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $18. Like a royal appearance, it’s been a long time between SSBs so it’s quite refreshing to revisit and goes a long way to saving you from cheap pinot gris. 9/10.