Rapaire, what a find! Chateau Neuf du Pape was one of the first French wines my brother introduced me to when he visited here from Paris. I still have the bottle. I've kept a few bottles like that as a souvenir. They bring back happy memories.

On the subject of fortified wines, I discovered a lovely one, on one of my French visits. It's called Pineau de Charentes, and is the nectar of the gods as far as I am concerned. It isn't even expensive over there, but in Australia the only place I could find one was from an importer in Melbourne, and it cost 5 times what I paid in France. Wasn't quite as nice as the ones I had tried in France either, although it was quite nice. Whenever my brother visits, he knows to bring some with him. He must be due for another visit soon. The cupboard is looking rather bare.

I forget to drink too, which I shouldn't, because I do believe in wine's beneficial properties. Trouble is, I generally do have to drink alone when I am home, as John doesn't drink. Bit of a shame in some ways, but I'm certainly not going to make him. Anyway, there are bonuses. Someone gave him a HUGE bottle of Grolsch beer today, and I'm going to be forced to drink it myself. It's a hard life......:-)