Brad Mate

Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2011, Mendoza

I'm a fan. Great value, but you have to except that Malbec is not a Cabernet. Lol

Creekside Backyard Block Sauvignon Blanc 2012

Zesty & grassy with citrus fruit flavous. Great acidity gives this wine a crisp structure & finish. NZ comes to mind.

Villa Mora Montefalco Sagrantino 2006, Docg, Unfiltered

This wine passes the 90 point test easily with it's structure, tannin/grape quality
and razor sharp dry finish. But it's way too young to be enjoyable now. The wine is too powerful with tannic grip and as a result the flavours are muted. As it loosens up, it will become a more lush and enjoyable wine. Don't drink now, wait another 3-5 years.

Taurino Riserva Salice Salentino 2009

Nose offers spicy cherry, earthy barnyard (brett), tobacco leaf, wet mustiness, cedar cigar box but with sweet vanilla herbal notes. Light bodied but structured, with real dusty tannins, the palate is gamey and leaves a sour finish. Pretty cool wine.

Château Prieure Canteloup 2009, Ac Côtes De Bordeaux

Classic old world nose. Cool black cherry fruit mingle with woodsy spicy-earthy tones. Very perfumed and inviting nose. Iodine like body, a little bitter orange peel mixed with earthy tobacco notes on the palate....there's also "wet dog" in it...you know what i mean...that's a term I used several decades ago and it definitely applies to this wine. Clean finish.

Thornbury Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island

Good length with earthy, leather notes, a bit musty. Cherry fruit pulls through but the earthy flavours dominate the finish. Smooth and savoury, but not pretty.

Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice creamy texture with honey suckle, and some faint citrus undertones. Easy drinking elegant stuff, flavours are subtle.

Lighthall Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley

Totally delivers for the price. A big solid wine that somehow has been refined to be smooth...but there's a beast waiting to be set free behind the curtain. Pretty cool expression of Petit Verdot.

Maison Roche De Bellene Savigny Les Beaune Vieilles Vignes 2010, Ac

Clean, structured and balanced with just enough cherry infused mushroom flavours. Violets, red rose petals, red liquorice and game notes. It’s delicate, graceful and authentically burgundian. Great Value!