Oxford a pleasant learning experience

There was a time when an Australian travelling in parts of Asia had little choice but Oxford Landing if he wanted to drink Australian wine.
There was plenty of beer at reasonable prices but wine of any nationality was expensive because, we understood, the misguided government of which ever lesser country we were honouring with our presence had slapped on some heavy excise.
Good old Oxford Landing was usually there, albeit at what we thought were excessive prices. That was many years ago, so it was good to be able to be re-acquainted with the label when two welcome samples arrived recently.
The Oxford Landing 2006 sauvignon blanc is lively, refreshing and should go nicely with spicier Thai food, though I would never have picked it for a sauvignon blanc.
The 2003 merlot is generously flavoured of sweet plum and berry fruits, with a nice soft finish and is particularly good with food. Try it with beef stir fry or veal. Both good-value wines at the lower end of the price range, round about $7.95 at the bottleshop.
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Those of you who appreciate your wine enough to want to have good bottles mature in your own storage will know there are problems. Our subtropical climate with its summer heat and humidity - and occasional winter chills - is far from ideal.
Unless you have a suitable conditions (climate-controlled cellar or a good "wine cabinet") corks tend to seep as the contents of the bottle expand and contract. Air sneaks in and in five or so years you may discover that your treasured red isn't worth drinking.
But canny investors ... Wait. Wrong word. Real enthusiasts don't invest in wine. They buy the best bottles they can afford and try to keep them in good conditions until they reach their peak. Which may be as long as 20 years.
Those who know what they're doing go to Penfolds Recorking Clinics. This super example of after-sales service happens every two years. A team of Penfolds winemakers is coming to Brisbane (Conrad Treasury) on July 25 and 26.
Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago explains the concept: "Over the past 15 years moper than 50,000 bottles of Penfolds wines have been lovingly inspected, opened, tasted and topped up to prolong their cellar development.
"The clinics give our wine friends confidence in their wine and encourage further interest."
Bottles must be 15 years or older, only Penfolds. And you must register two weeks ahead on www.penfolds.com.au.
Over the years your reporter has seen many a serious-minded gentleman arrive at these affairs bearing, with all the care of a father nursing his brand new child, a basket of four or six beaut bottles.
Sometimes there is sadness. The experts declare a bottle to be beyond help
And it has to be put down.
More often though, the owner emerges proudly carrying treasures that are certified to be in good shape.
So no more need to have a back-up on hand when showing off great old Grange of St Henri. You may be surprised by some of the very rare labels you'll see.
One more thing. It's free. If only motor vehicle after-sales service were as efficient - and cheap.