No, not the same as packing for Perth and, unfortunately, with no laptop (which says much about my blogger status!), so there may be a break in news until I return at the end of May.

But if I can find a tame PC, I shall be able to write about the riesling (NB take it this always means the real thing) event being organised by Just Riesling and to be held at High Timber, Neleen Strauss and the Jordan’s restaurant in London. No final programme as yet, but I understand around 18 local rieslings of varying styles will be tasted and discussed with – I hope – some UK media and maybe sommeliers. It will be interesting to see how our wines are received. I hope those who do attend will not compare them with their German or Australian counterparts and realise they are a work in progress here. But progress has been noteworthy and with more producers seeking suitably cool sites, the pool of intelligence and better wines should grow exponentially.

I have a funny feeling – completely without foundation – that the gold medal riesling on the Trophy Show could well spring a surprise, either where it comes from and/or the producer. I love its delicacy, lively pure flavours and lingering dry finish.

Riesling is one variety I intend exploring at the London Wine Trade Fair, Pinot Noir another, but I dare say I’ll be side tracked into tasting many other wines.

For the rest of my stay, I intend drinking, among other wines, a lot of good red Rhônes.

Talking of which, yesterday evening I had a sneak preview of the latest Eagles’ Nest Shiraz. The majority of the 2008 won’t be released for a while, as there were label problems, but it will be one to snap up when it is available. If the 2007 suffered from a little bit too much oak (because it was matured in the Constantia Glen cellar, where Karl Lambour quite understandably wouldn’t allow bought in second fill barrels), the 2008 comes from the Eagles’ Nest own cellar.

It builds on the quality and style of previous vintages, showing quite vivid cool climate spice, savouriness and the sort of generous, supple mouthfeel that makes the variety so seductive. Alcohol is also generous (+- 14.5%) but freshness rather than heat is the over-riding impression. It shows up the more oaky and extracted wines for what they are. The best South African shirazes (and I confidently place Eagles’ Nest up with them) are also exciting showing progress in quality and, more importantly, a sense of place.

It’s a message I shall be spreading on my trip.