Brad Mate

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

Needs to breath in your glass for about 20 minutes, then it's delicious. Sweet caramel, sweet smoky oak, honey and spice.

Fattoi Brunello Di Montalcino 2009

Cherries, balsamic vinegar and hints of hot rock. Suave on the palate, drinks like a pinot. Medium bodied and smooth.

K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Cape

Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2011, Doc

92 % of love in this bottle. A real Iodine body makes this drink like cough syrup. Packed with herbs and medicinal qualities. Smells like tree bark and tastes like a chocholate cake. Who wouldn't want this at their party...

Westcott Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2013, VQA Vinemount Ridge

This is a big rich expressive chardonnay. California comes to mind. Nice job!

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.

Brancaia Tre 2007, Igt Toscana

Not much going on at all. Thin and sharp, weak in quality. Just nothing to get excited about. Opened with friends to impress them...what a let down. Was JS smoking cigars when he selected this for WS top 10? disappointed with this wine.

Montirius Terre Des Aînés Gigondas 2007

Impressive by all standards...especially since every bottling year after year reflects this high quality. It's full and rich but composed and balanced. I highly recommend!

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Maipo Valley

Jean Paul Brun Côte De Brouilly 2009, Ac

really light and not much to get excited about. Enjoyable plum mineral flavours, but nothing profound here.