PING: Lord St Helier

"Swooper" wrote .....

I first visited Joe and Dina at the winery in Virginia, SA in January, 2002 in the company of his NZ distributor Dave Batten when visiting Adelaide to see NZ whip Australia in a one day cricket match on Australia Day (one of the proudest days to be a NZer on the terraces)

We joined the entire Grilli family for a wonderful afternoon of sensational Australian/Italian cuisine and Primo/Joseph wines.

I further caught up with Joe at a tasting late last year in Auckland (courtesy of Burleigh Trading) and joined him for a meal at Toto Restaurant (Italian - what else!) before I faced a three hour drive home.

My (shortened, real name is Andrew Bourke) - if he doesn't remember me - I shall just have to call in again, and "refresh his memory.

Nonetheless, I am a great advocate for everything Joe stands for; from his Primo "il briccone, shiraz / sangiovese blend" to the Joseph Sparkling Red to the Joseph "Moda" amarone styled red.

I still have a couple of bottles of his Joseph Nebbiolo stashed - and I'll bet you have not tried that wine - scarce as rocking horse sh*t.

Copy this and send it to him - he does possess a photographic book on NZ wineries by Kevin Judd (Cloudy Bay) which I sent him by way of a thank you for his hospitality (he was at Roseworthy with Judd!)

Best regards from over the ditch

st. helier = Andrew Bourke = 275 pounds; knuckles dragging on the ground

Can we please get a picture of you.... this I have to see Andrew!

I have stocked both Il Bricone and LaBiondina in the past, they have cult following. As a result of the tasting, I have ordered some of his "Merlesco", which is an elegant Merlot at an exceptional price considering it's quality, then again, value is what Joe Grilli and Primo seem to offer consistently.

BTW, I would not be bragging about a one day cricket win over the Aussies, if I still had an unpaid bet (couple of years now...lol) regarding a double hit from rugby and cricket wager.... :>)

I will forward info to Joe and say Gidday.

hooroo cobber...

"Matt S" wrote ...........

I haven't seen the Merlesco onthis side of the Tasman as yet - but will be enquiring as to when it is arriving.

Hey, I never forget my debts - it just transpired that I have been firmly anchored in NZ since my sojourn to France last year.

Besides, what with stunning victories in Union (this year); League (last years tri-nations); and Netball (when was the last time Australia beat the Silver ferns?) - I am sure that anything I brought over would probably choke you.

But, have patience my friend - His Lordship will return.

"Richard Neidich" wrote ..........

Mock not Mr Neidich !

In the interests of full disclosure (first and last time!)

st.helier = Alexander Andrew St.Helier-Bourke = (as of this morning) 265 pounds = knuckles either wrapped around barbell or slamming into punching bag (sans gloves) - in training for future visit.

Be afraid - be very afraid

;-)))

Well, I can probably out run you!!! Bet you are at least slow!!! :-0

I am but a grasshopper to your masterful ways...:>)

hooroo....

"Richard Neidich" wrote -

You are probably right - now.

Was no slouch around the rugby field - ran 10 marathons, last one aged

Fueled by NZ SB (says His Lordship trying desperately to get a little on topic!)

Well, I have never run a marathon but I did play American Football in College for a ranked team. Well, we were not ranked in 1976-79....but we were later in the early 1990's when I was not there. Not really a comparison the Rugby.

But I am younger, and faster.

I think I will surrender. Plus I cannot hit someone older than me. Its disrespectful.

I really am upset that I did not get to NZ when in Aus. recently. Sad to have been that far away and not to NZ.

"Richard Neidich" wrote .............

No comparison, but I am getting to know the rules of the American game from watching on ESPN.

Aw go on - I'll take my glasses off !!! ;-)

Always a next time, Dick.