Fluorescent Flute

I ENJOYED AN almost fluorescent flute of dry Prosecco, steeped in strained raspberry juice and laced with grappa, acheiving a fruity sweet / raw burnt straw counterbalance. These two contrasting drinks actually hark from the same part of the world, Valdobbiadene.

This was taken at the Three Horseshoes, Madingley, Cambridge, a great gastro-pub with a Master of Wine owner and dynamic resident sommelier.

Decanted Sonoma Barbera '04 followed, a successful 'Calitel' from Seghesio - fourth generation Piedmont émigrés. Spicy vanilla, souvenir fudge and vibrant cherries swam out of the heady (15p/c) alcohol. It cajouled with roast loin of wild boar.

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I am currently drinking an '05 Pinot Noir from the lower corner of New Zealand's North Island - Martinborough (note the 'n' for north!) Stubble burning aromas dissipate, followed by tangible herbal elements, resin and coal.

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I want to start a 'CAD' (Campaign Against Dill), a witchcraft defying annoying 'annualis horribilis'. I find its acute tang amongst the most wine unfriendly.

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I partook of the evocatively titled Knob Creek Bourbon, its motto: 'Drink Life Deeply'. Approaching the counter, both barmen briefly assessed me before wildly gesticulating at the bottle. A massive whiskey, it burnt on its descent, like a trail of rocket fuel. I wouldn't recommend confusing KC with Life, or you will end up horizontal. Rapidly.

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I fly tomorrow AM to San Francisco, to sit on the dock of the bay with a brimming bowl. It's then on to various West Coast wineries, bottom to top. Exciting prospects await, I hope.