Unwooded chardonnay is out, sauvignon blanc has packed its bags, booze is no more, all are replaced by that new buzzword in Australian consumer intoxication, marijuana. According to a just published University of Western Australia research paper, The Economics of Marijuana Consumption, "Expenditure on marijuana…is about twice that on wine…is roughly equal to that on wine plus spirits [and] is about three-quarters of beer expenditure." More startling perhaps is the claim that, "Expenditure on marijuana in 1995 was a little over $5 billion (equivalent to about 1 percent of GDP), or $351 per capita."

In their report authors Professor Ken Clements and Merta Daryal also predict that if marijuana were to be decriminalised marijuana consumption would increase by about 13 per cent, while consumption of spirits, wine and beer would decrease.

The report must be of grave concern to federal and state governments as not one cent of this massive cash flow is taxed. Legislators will undoubtedly see this potential source of revenue as a powerful incentive for the decriminalisation of marijuana and its introduction to the taxable marketplace. Alcohol producers on the other hand, with their traditional monopolistic domination of the feel-good market, will be in a quandary as to whether they should lobby for or against decriminalisation.

If, as the report suggests, a third of the population over the age of 14 has used marijuana then we have a sadly neglected commercial demographic, especially when compared to the coverage afforded wine drinkers. Where for instance are the glossy dope magazines and media marijuana commentaries? There are commercial opportunities galore and I offer a few suggestions. Can't you see it? In the Weed Spectator this week: Jancis R. reviews Nimbin Sinsemilla. The Darling Buds of May - hydroponics for the home gardener. www.hempplanet.com.au - the only place to deal. Martin F. revisits '73 vintage zombie grass. Report: Vertical skunk smoke-off at the Exhibition of Victorian Ganja Growers. TV: SBS presents The Dope Lovers' Guide to Australia.

But I'll stop there or next thing you know the government will be levying another GST (Grass and Seeds Tax).

Tastings

Cockfighter's Ghost Hunter Valley Semillon 1998 Youthful unwooded white of relatively low alcohol - 10.6 per cent. The nose of citrus and honeysuckle leads to a medium-dry soft mouth feel showing lemon character, typical dry meadow grassiness and acid zest towards the finish. A pleasant palate cleanser. Rating: 86/100. Cellar: to 2003. Price: about $15.

Dromana Estate Chardonnay 1998 Appealing stone fruit nose, supple in the mouth delivering a surge of sweet warm fruit: pears, peaches, and apricots. Ripe flavours linger at the finish carried by just enough acid and controlled oak. Drinks well on its own. Rating: 89/100. Cellar: to 2004. Price: about $24. Deutz Brut Classic

Champagne Deutz - pronounced dertz - non-vintage - 40 per cent 1990 and 60 per cent 1991 - is a pale gold in colour with the faintest hue of rose and a very vigorous bead. The nose is restrained, fresh and faintly yeasty. Soft and delicate in the mouth it shows a creamy mousse, low acidity and is medium dry on the finish. Enjoyable as an aperitif or try with yum cha. Rating: 88/100. Cellar: unnecessary. Price: just under $50.00.

Stonehaven Cabernet Merlot 1997 Coonawarra, Padthaway and Wrattonbully fruit. Fragrant wine with hints of blackcurrant jelly and sweet oak. Full-flavoured, dry and tannic on the palate with lip-smacking persistence. A wine for well-seasoned food. Rating: 87/100. Cellar: to 2007. Price: about $13.

Jim Barry McCrae Wood Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 Biggish deep-coloured dry red from the Clare Valley. Savoury oaky nose leads to a palate that is substantial, harmonious and complete. Sweet berries at the front of palate lead to undiluted concentration at the middle and back, overlaying a structure of charry oak. Rating: 89/100. Cellar: to 2008. Price: around $37.

Lindemans Macquarie Tawny Port Almost amber in colour, exhibits a spirity lifted nose with just a hint of chocolate on the side. Blended from grenache and shiraz this is a very dry style of tawny. Of medium weight it shows some aged character and elegant, understated wood. Rating: 86/100. Cellar: unnecessary. Price: about $10.00.

© Martin Field