Brad Mate

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.

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.

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.

Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir 2013, Marlborough, South Island

By Marlborough standards, this is very lean. It reminds me of Niagara actually. There's lots of Pinot character - cherry, vanilla, hints of cola, smoke and wet earth. It's crisp and dry. A lovely little Pinot at a fair price.

Maison Roche De Bellene Vieilles Vignes Gevrey Chambertin 2011, Ac

Nose reveals rose petals and sour fruit. The palate is structured and lean. Lot's of plum skin and cranberry. Flavours are minimal.

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.

Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg

Montirius Garrigues Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

A deep dark ruby colour with a nice sophisticated nose of black and red licorice and ground black pepper. The palate is a creamy medium weight with nice blackberry/ blueberry, again licorice and pepper flavours. Also perhaps black olive? Super dry and structured with a stunning finish. Beautiful comes to mind. Decant for about 30 minutes and enjoy.

Domaine Belle Les Pierrelles Crozes Hermitage 2007, Ac

Had a couple bottles in my cellar so I thought I'd try one...still not drinking the greatest, this sucker needs oceans of time to settle down. Really harsh and tannic still. The wine is extremely well made but currently lacks finesse. Flavours are still really muted. Glad i have another bottle for the decade wait.