Plonk!

Peter Bourne nominates his four favourite wines of the month.

liquid assets

The etiquette of wine ...

Bars

Fratelli Paradiso branches out with this popular wine bar. 10 William Street, Paddington. Phone: 9360 3310. Open Mon-Thurs, 5pm until midnight; Fri-Sat, noon until late.

Secrets among the splendour

The undisclosed sale of a financially troubled winery to the ASIC boss raises questions, write Scott Rochfort and Michael West.

Reader Events

dinner @ Bennelong

The watchdog, his wife, and their winery

How ASIC chairman Tony D'Aloisio became a vigneron, write Scott Rochfort, Michael West and Ian Verrender.

Much munching as Maitland makes music

Jumpin' jazz will tempt tasters to dance off their dining delights, writes Anita Beaumont.

Grape expectations

Coolangatta Estate 2009 Elizabeth Berry Cabernet Sauvignon $22 This wine has been one of the real surprise packets from Coolangatta Estate which is better known for its outstanding semillon, chardonnay and more recently tempranillo and tanat. Medium bodied with lashings of red and black fruit, nicely balanced oak and rounded tannins. Drink with a rare rump steak.

French take note of au naturel process

A little bit of dung goes a long way in making wine, writes John Lewis.

nibbles

New chef in the kitchen THE bistro at the Albion Hotel in Wickham has welcomed new head chef James Christensen.

Cheese lovers get cooking

CALLING all cheese lovers.

Shanghai faves in favour

THERE are some tremendous dishes on the menu at New Shanghai but for this diner it's all about the dumplings and pork buns.

Spicing up shellfish

THERE is an old wives' tale that circulates regularly stating you should discard any mussels that do not open on cooking.

wine list

Dindima 2005 Orange Cabernet Merlot, $35

Spice added to the mix

Bistrode Address 478 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Phone 9380 7333. bistrode.com. Open Dinner,Tue-Sat; lunch,Friday LicensedYes andBYOTue-Thu (corkage $10 a bottle). Cost About $130 for two, plus drinks. 15/20

Short Black

+ He's spent the past two weeks in Australia, now British chef Heston Blumenthal looks set to have a formal role in this country. There's a good chance he will take on a director role, in an advisory capacity, for next year's Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

OPINION

BIODYNAMIC BEAUTIES

TASTINGS

WINE OF THE WEEK

You can't beat the classics

The legacy of vibrant and tasty heirloom vegetables will remain long after your plate is clean.

UNCORKED

Wine of the week