Bryan McCaw

Masi Serego Alighieri Vaio Amarone 2003, Doc Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico

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.

Montes Purple Angel 2007

In my heaven, the angels are purple.

Montepeloso Eneo 2006, Igt Toscana

Ethereal.

Wegeler Riesling Spälese 2007, Qmp, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Estate Btld.

I bought this based on the recommendations and I was not disappointed. It IS sweetish, almost like a dessert wine, but is balanced and it has an excellent nose. Tasted twice, before and after a meal. Serve chilled - excellent wine.

Domaine Acer Charles-aimé Robert - 10 Year

Drink it chilled after a meal the same way you would a sherry. I find the nose fairly muted but I love the maple and the palate. It's a dangerous after dinner drink.

Two Hands Sophie'S Garden Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, South Australia

This is a superb example of a Shiraz. It's big in every way. Huge nose full of fruit & great mid-palate. I didn't find the finish as long as I would have hoped at this price, but then again, maybe my sensors were numbed by the high alcohol (masked nicely by the fruit).

Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Block 27 Carmenère 2007, Peumo, Cachapoal Valley

An excellent Carmenère. Amazing nose. Finish isn't quite Purple Angel level but then again, neither is the price.

Tandem Porter Bass Vineyards Chardonnay 2004, Sonoma Coast

Tarras The Canyon Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, South Island

This is the best Pinot I've had this year.