Before I continue with my trip...

Made a killer Champagne Risotto w/ grilled Shrimp last night... used Perrier Jouet Brut - one of the last, true low-dosage brut Champagnes out there... toasty brioche, tart granny smith apples, but with the classic PJ very large "fish eye" bubbles... unappealing, but a nice bottle of bubbles nonetheless. Before that was the killer 2006 Stoneleigh Riesling, Marlborough, New Zealand... so easy to drink with just a hint of petrol, loads of minerals, and tart citrus, white peach, and Bosc pear notes... really delicious...