Bryan McCaw

Ridge Vineyards Montebello 2013, Santa Cruz Mountains

Hidden Bench La Brunante 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

We got six bottles of this through HB's wine club. Decided to open my first one up last night to accompany steak (it's Saturday). Decanted it for about 30 minutes. I was blown away by the nose on this wine. I have to agree with Julian's comments about it being one of the best Canadian red wines I have ever tasted.
I'll be careful with the balance of my bottles and make sure to share them with friends who don't think Canada can produce complex, satisfying reds.

Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Got to try this at the office tasting. Must say it's the perfect big red cabernet and about half the price of an equivalent from Napa.

Penfolds Rwt Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley

Kistler Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County

Had the opportunity to try this wine through work. Would never contemplate buying an $85 chardonnay. Well, after tasting this last night I will be buying several bottles today to share with special friends. I've never tasted chardonnay so good. Reminded me of my rapturous moment in the county three years ago when I discovered county chardonnay. Most sensuous/complex nose I've ever encountered in a white wine. Palate and finish are up to the task as well. Amazing wine.

Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2015

Tried this based on the scores and it's the real deal. Silky was the word that came to my mind. Yes it's $50 but if this was from California it would be $400. Note John's 3-star value rating. Lay it down if you can, if you can't wait then let it decant for an hour or so. Highly recommended.

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/shiraz 2006, South Australia

Followed the critic's advice and picked up a few bottles. It's out of my (wife's) general snack bracket. Tried it with, what else, a beautiful rib-eye.

I classify this wine as a 'gateway drug' it had the richness and power of a new world wines which I crave and quaff. However, there was something more here. Some structure, some depth that I'm sure is more common in the old world wines. It's a dangerous wine for me as it could lead to me finally acquiring a taste for the more expensive old world wines. Great, rich, complex wine. Decant at least 1 hour.

Mitolo G.a.m. Shiraz 2006, Australia

Montes Purple Angel 2015, Do Colchagua Valley

In my heaven, the angels are purple.

Best vintage since 2007. I added a point for value as this is an ultra-premium wine for a fraction of the price of a top-end Napa or Italian.

Montes Purple Angel 2007

In my heaven, the angels are purple.