Brad Mate

Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, Doca Rioja

well made but tastes a bit artificial.

Pier Rio Sordo Barbaresco 2009, Docg

Reading the reviews, this is a challenging wine that has polarized the critics. Personally I'm in the Lawrason camp. Although this wine has some nice firm grippy tannins, it really suffers from high acidity and bitterness. Dry Heads will love this wine, it literally drys your tongue, leaving it chalky. It's a well made wine minus its balance issues. It's also very light bodied which will disappoint a flock of folks.

Majella The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia

nice nose of berries, vanilla, basil and flowers. It's medium bodied - I would have liked it to be a tad more lush. the flavours are consistant with the nose and the structure and balance are perfect. It has a nice long fresh dry finish that is characteristic of the coonawarra. Balance is key! I loved drinking this wine.

De Morgenzon Dmz Chardonnay 2012

This is a big miss for me. Sour and salty with a rice paper finish. yuk!

Marchesi Mazzei Zisola Nero D'avola 2011, Igt Sicilia

Sweet dates, fig, ripe plums, ripe blueberries and smoky vanilla oak. Structured on the palate with a juicy finish.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2012, Livermore Valley, California

ébano Crianza 2008

Off balance but I think that's why i like it...loads of personality here...Like a Rioja on steroids, drinks more like a Priorat actually. Sweet chewy tannins, a mix of spicy cherries, blueberries with smoky vanilla oak and a tad of saltness to the finish.

Caparzo Rosso Di Montalcino 2012

Light, soft and supple. Very enjoyable, but should cost $10-12 in my opinion.

Teanum Alta Falanghina 2014, Igt Puglia

Round, rich, creamy nutty and a tad earthy...but finishes just right. Low acid so this is a great alternative to Chardonnay. Pair it with a buttery fish and life is good.

Domaine Lafond Roc Epine Lirac 2011, Ac

Nice easy drinker that's really polished. Burnt brown sugar, blueberries and steamy hot rock leap out of the glass. Palate is plush with nicely integrated tannins. Medium weight. This is drinking good now but will show even better after about 3-5 years of bottle age...but can you wait that long...