Brad Mate

Michael David Chardonnay 2013, Lodi

Oak, banana cream pie, light caramel & coconut. This is a delicious wine and very easy to drink. It's balanced enough to please wine snobs....like me.

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.

Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2006, Mclaren Vale

amazing stuff. really if you like big fruit bombs, but with structure, all of Pirramimma's wines are amazing.

Casas Del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2012, Casablanca Valley

Rich, smooth & packed with flavour! Reminds me of Syrah from Washington. Yes, I'd buy it again!

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough

Classic NZ Pinot flavours, a tad light bodied.

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Mendocino County

Bordeaux qualities - a little un-refined and sharp/ tannic...but well made. Cherry, Cassis, blueberry, saw dust

K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Cape

Château De Nages J T Costières De Nîmes 2012, Ac

This is a fairly plush, medium weight Rhone blend. Cherries, hot rock and smoky ash on the nose. The palate adds licorice, violets and coco powder. Dusty tannins add grip to the finish. Good value for $20. BIG TIP - decant for an hour - this get much richer, rounder and smoother.

Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay 2011, Sonoma Coast

A classic in my book. Always offers balance and grace with a creamy texture. It's used to be only available at restaurants...great value on sale for 24 bucks.

The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Really impressive tannins and structure for the price. Cherry, tobacco, cassis, smoky vanilla oak, leather, herbs...it's all in there. Niagara Acidity keeps it fresh and balanced.