Bryan McCaw

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.

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.

Tandem Porter Bass Vineyards Chardonnay 2004, Sonoma Coast

Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvèdre 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia

Tried it tonight - excellent.

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.

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.

El Maestro Sierra Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Do Jerez

Love this as an after dinner sipper. Have bought multiple bottles. Plan on making friends try it before I tell them it's a Sherry.

Montepeloso Eneo 2006, Igt Toscana

Ethereal.

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.

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).