It’s the first Tuesday of November in Melbourne, the date that stops a nation. The Melbourne Cup. Race 7, 3pm. This year’s running was complicated by the winds taking the unfastened hats on a whirlwind ride along the track. It’s later in the day now, and the golden rule applies – avoid public transport around Flemington. The droves and flocks will be returning home in various states of ‘classiness’. Of course, I heeded the best advice combination of having a designated driver, staying refreshed with plenty of water, and not drinking on an empty stomach!
Vueve Fourny Blanc de Blancs NV, Vertus
This is a lovely champagne from Vertus, made from Chardonnay vine which are >40 years old. Each vintage, the first press juice is aged on lees for 7 months in vats (75%) and oak casks (25%). Each blend is from 3 consecutive vintages with 20% of reserve wine. Aged for a further 2.5 years in bottle, and dosage weighs in at 6g/L. Pale gold colour, fine beads with aromas of freshly cut citrus fruit, summer lemons and white florals. Extremely fine mousse texture, rich honey flavours with lemon citrus and mandarin sorbet. Long persistent finish.
A bittersweet day, while I backed a winner for the 5th straight year, the outright favourite and Caulfield Cup winner Admire Rakti collapsed and died after the race.
