My last blog was a bit dystopian, but it feels life has improved since then. I have certainly come to terms with the current situation and am now trying to make the most of it. I’m using my father as a role model as I’ve always admired his Stoicism. Right now, he and his hound, a grumpy and disapproving Cavalier/Pug cross, who looks down on everyone but her master, are holed up in a small town in France, five hundred miles away from their closest relative (his, my brother and sister).

It’s fair to say he lives by the Stoic maxim: “the sage is utterly immune to misfortune and that virtue is sufficient for happiness”. Being very much a sage (he will tell you) his response to Covid, the collapsing pound and consequent shrinking pension was to drink a cheaper whisky and only wine under five Euros.

In the midst of a global pandemic, Stoicism may seem like a good approach to life. But Stoics can be a bit austere, an ancient forbear of the teetotalling Methodists. Perhaps it’s not surprising that my father’s parents were both members of the Methodist community. Clearly, he did not follow in their footsteps.

But perhaps an Epicurian outlook would be more fun – “the greatest good is to seek modest pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquillity, freedom from fear (ataraxia) and absence from bodily pain (aponia)”. A relaxed Stoic if you will.

Stoics can stop reading now. You won’t need anything but your acceptance of the situation to raise your spirits. Epicurists, read on, for I have found some modest pleasures at modest prices.

Listel Vin Gris. Some French Rose is called Gris, as in grey, which is odd, as it is still decidedly pink. But I guess it’s a toned down, orangey pink. This one comes from the sands of La Camargue which are also home to another famous pink, the flamingo.

I remember this as a staple rose back in England. If I were to guess, I’d say it used to sell for about 3 quid, 30 years ago, so seeing it for $10 now struck me as a bargain. Technically, my son found it, at Marta in Rushcutters Bay and it was interesting to hear his thoughts on it – ‘fruity nose, sweet up front with a dry finish’. I was surprised by the ‘sweet’ but when I tried some, I could see what he meant. It is full of fruit and promise before trailing off with a dry goodbye. It’s very drinkable, but you don’t find yourself wishing the bottle was a litre, not just 750mls.

Pasqua Prosecco. Marta are also selling this pleasant Prosecco for $10. The contents are better than the packaging. I’ve never seen inside a Neapolitan brothel, but I imagine the garish label would feel quite at home in one. It’s less frizzante than most Prosecco, so instead of having a wired cap it makes do with a very tight cork. Very tight. Extracting it is an achievement. It was touch and go whether I’d pull my shoulder before I pulled the cork. But it was worth it. Aperol helps in these times.

What is more exciting, and admittedly more expensive, is the mixed case of wine I received from Nick’s wine merchants. I remember Nick’s from my wine reping days. Located in Swanston St it was arguably Melbourne’s best wine store. The place was run by two Russian brothers, Nick and Vic, and I suspect their mum too, but can’t be sure – just checked on Google, they were Russian-Ukrainian, and Mum was there from the beginning. It seems Nick was also an accomplished architect who sadly died of stomach cancer in 2009. I’m hoping Nick’s legacy lives on in the case I ordered, based on the rating system.

 

2016 Fat Bastard Chardonnay

94 points. I’ve had this wine before, probably a different vintage. Given they have scored it well and it’s under $15 I thought I’d try it again. Soon.

 

2018 Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay

94 points. What a difference a point makes. This was a quieter version. I think it was possibly too cold – I must get a wine fridge – as it improved towards the end. Fortunately, I ordered three.

 

2018 Mermerus Chardonnay

95 points and bloody good. Definitely disappointed at the end of the bottle. It’s not perfect – lacks refinement – but it is quite irresistible. Shame I only got one.

 

2019 Giant Steps Chardonnay

95 points. Haven’t had this yet. Looking forward to it.

 

2016 Main Divide Pinot Noir

With 96 points it’s up there with wines three or four times the price. I ordered it of Main Ridge from the Mornington Peninsula, not NZ, but I have nothing against NZ Pinot.

 

What would that legendary stoic, Marcus Aurelius like? Probably something more contemplative than quaffable. I’m hoping he’d appreciate the Main Divide. Me too.