A long lunch

A warm (39 degree C) Sunday and the promise of a day off and a sleep in on the public holiday Monday. The idea of work and productive employment seems distant and unimportant. . . A whole table of food, including a slightly more cooked version of this dish and to the left, my favourite red cabbage salad.

How? Finely chop half a head of red cabbage, though excise the white core first. To this add a handful of fresh coriander, two tablespoons of very finely diced onion and a quarter cup of toasted sesame seeds. Make the dressing by heating 4 tablespoons each of soy and rice wine vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Once bubbling, pour this on the cabbage and toss.

Several bottles were opened.

A noteworthy and curious Mann Cygne Blanc 2008 (Swan Valley, Western Australia). Made from mutant grapes, the back label is more prosaic. . . this white Cabernet variety has been bred and developed on our own Swan Valley property. It carries PBR plant patenting rightsand evolved through a wonderful chance of nature. Nutty, almond meal, aldehyde nose. A hint of oxidation along with peaches and cherry pips. Quite distinctive. Bucolic and sun tanned. The Perrier-Jouët 1998 was more svelte, mannered and expected. Malt, soy and apple with lovely creaminess in the mouth.

The Epis Chardonnay 2005 is an extraordinary wine. Beautiful before, with age it has become more singular and expressive. Flint, mineral and stonefruit. Curry leaf and mustard seed nose, smoked, grilled and peach filled in the mouth.