Drawing the line at draw-string bagsÖand Gaza.

Firstly, let me say that Israel has a right to defend itself.

Not sure why that is relevant but every single news item and every single utterance from politicians for the past three weeks has begun with that statement.

Um, Iím guessing other nations and peoples also have that right, but for some reason, no-one is saying that.

Meanwhile, more important things have arisen than

Paracombe Adelaide Hills Fiano 2023, $28. Fiano, the White Knight of White Wine has really made an impact lately and people (winemakers too) can’t get enough of it. Thank goodness something may fnally usurp pinots gris. 9.3/10.

Paracombe Adelaide Hills

‘Plateau’ Pinot Noir, 2019, the Middle East Crisis, notably the conundrum of why my recently purchased motorcycle cover has, itself, got a cover.

No, not a cover that you put over the whole bike once the intended cover is in place like a fy for your tent, it is instead a nice, well-made, little, draw-string bag that the bigger bag is delivered in.

A number of perplexing questions arose the moment I saw this generous and

$47. This is clearly different level pinot, as evidenced not only by the price. It’s got body and a depth of character far above cheaper rivals and could sway a few nonbelievers to the fold. 9.5/10.

Paracombe Adelaide Hills Vermentino 2023, $28. Vermen’ can be a tad bland but you can raise the taste unexpected addition to the purchase, about which I was a little bit excited I confess, and knew Ms L would be too given the level of disappointment the previous coverís purchase had invoked, not to mention the string of abuse about my sense of fashion, design, colour, practicality and general lifestyle choices (did I leave anything out?).

Oh how such small things can add to an already joyous expectations enormously by introducing a wine excitedly and positively, such as “wow, what interesting favours”. Some of your guests may fnd them anyway. We did. 9/10.

Paracombe Mounty Lofty

Ranges Montepulciano 2022, $32. Mounty Lofty is a zone which encompasses occasion, generating that self-satisfed smugness that accompanies a really good purchase decision, like opening and closing the glove box in a VW golf for the frst time as a new owner, and marvelling how the extra effort VW put into a simple thing like the glove box (or draw-string bag) has a disproportionately large effect on your endorphin levels.

It certainly made me think the Adelaide Hills area and a few other, and this wine will do no harm to its reputation. Lovely fruitful, ‘generous’ red wine in that rich Italian style. Perfect with lasagne, pizza, saltimbocca or an Italian MotoGP. 9.5/10.

Paracombe Adelaide Hills Pinot Blanc, 2023, $25. This is a simple wine like twice about throwing it in the bin, but I did, eventually, because I have learned from living with Ms L for 25 years that, well, we just donít have room for another draw-string bag.

However I did ponder whether this bag may ever be used again, perhaps if I sold the bike and wanted to present the cover in its original packaging much as one might a collectible Barbie doll or a riesling, but not quite as simple and not quite as clean. There’s a fruity, acidic twist that you don’t often get with riesling. If you want something a little more commercially friendly than a riesling this is your man, or whatever gender you assign wine. 9.2/10.

Paracombe Mount Lofty somethingÖnot that I have any of them.

Or when I remove the cover from the bike, should I fold it neatly and put it back in the draw-string bag? Impossible.

Could I use it as bag for my marbles? Far too big, proffered Ms L. No, one must draw the line, or the string bag, chuck it in the bin, pour a wine and go back to solving the Middle East Crisis.

Ranges Sangiovese 2022, $32. Having tried a few Chiantis recently, I can happily conclude Australians are drinking somewhat better than the average Italian. Sure they make better cars and coffee makers than us, but wine? For sure, not so much. 9.4/10.