Tongue in cheek poem for a 'Mash' fanatic, winemaker's 50th birthday

Bas-Armagnac Castarede 1957

“For John, Winemaker extraordinaire”

Like superb French wine your years have flown,
Along with “Mash” your name has grown.
It’s fifty years since you were born
What you’ve achieved nobody can scorn.

Whether it’s port, shiraz or fine red cherries
The wine you make leaves us all quite merry.
At cellar door your client’s all rave
About your wines and the cash they save.

Next year at the “Cup” in Melbourne Town
It’ll be your bubbles they pass around.
So we wish you well when vintage is done,
With many happy returns for years to come.


“Happy fiftieth”