In 2003 a couple of influential winemakers and shadowy ruffians decided there was some fun to be had by putting together some pretty neat parcels of fruit from the region, creating their own label, releasing it with minimal fuss, and then remaining anonymous until the dust settles. Brad is the public face. He's the guy who makes all the decisions. He embodies the grower, maker and marketer, and he enjoys a drop too. There's a little bit of Brad inhabiting all of us to some degree. Some say he is a mythical figure but we dispute this vehemently! He is the guy we have chosen to represent every aspect of our wine. This wine is Brad. With a CV that includes some of the legends of Margaret River wine (Leeuwin Estate, Xanadu) he was a natural to deal with the day-to-day driving of the Brad bus. And he was the only guy called Brad that wanted the job.
As best as possible, Brad wines are made to convey Margaret River regionality, a true expression of the varieties and styles that say Margaret River. But hey, above all Brad thinks these wines provide excellent drinkability for your money in an increasingly crowded world of wine. Among the shadowy figures referred to earlier there is one identity that can be safely revealed. Local guy Brad Wehr is CEB (Chief Executive Brad). He has been involved in the wine industry on Margaret River since 1989 when he jumped the fence at the annual Leeuwin Estate concert to catch a blinding Ray Charles performance.
In 2007, following the success of his new label, Brad took a huge leap into the super premium arena with Mantra. Sourcing fruit from Margaret River growers and single vineyard estates, Brad has created small batches of super quality wines under stylish new packaging. So, with a loose master plan and oozing confidence (safely behind the face of Brad), the guys behind the label are pleased to present to you, the Wine by Brad and Mantra series.
All wines by Brad use screw cap seals because the guys care about the quality of your wine. Studies by the Australian Wine Research Institute, and research undertaken by wine writers such as Tyson Stelzer, have clearly found that the most safe and effective seal currently available is the screw cap. Wine by Brad is your reward. You know you want it. You know you love it. Goodness knows you've earned it. I mean how hard do you work? Well, pack the day away and revel in a glass of rich and lush Margaret River.
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate white blend. You know you want it. You know you love it. In anyone's language Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is a mouthful. From here on we shall call it Sem Sav. This one has the usual tropical pineapple and passionfruit elements, wrapped neatly in scrummy citrus flavours, providing the purrrfect summer cleanser. The fruit comes out of southern Margaret River vineyards. Cool for cats. Chill it, crack it, chug it - with summer salads and seafood and spicy fusion.
Cabernet is the red variety of Margaret River. You'll get some arguments from the shiraz dudes but don't pay any attention. There's nothing better than rich, dark chocolate and dense blackcurrant with a touch of mint rounded out by some stylish French oak. Add a touch of red berried Merlot to flesh it out and Cabernet Merlot by Brad is hard to beat. With fruit sourced from vineyards in the south of the Margaret River region, Brad reckons this is pretty smart stuff. Cab Merlot is classy says Brad. This is gonna do great things this year and you should get some. So is the Wine by Brad Rose. Pretty and pink. Inviting aromas of pot pourri and pear, fragrant redcurrants and raspberry coulis draw you in to the pink charms. The palate reveals a lush and creamy texture with redberried flavours, eastern spices - cardamom and cinnamon - and a long finish. Pink is perfect says Becky. Perfect for picnics, parties, or pleasant afternoons on the porch. Check out the vibrant colour. Enjoy the fragrant aromas of cherry, spring blossom and spice.
t's simple really. With a gurgle and a splash the worries of the day are swept away. Secrets are revealed in the tropical pungent vibrancy in your glass. Isn't that better? Revelation – this is your mantra. Everything you need in Margaret River Chardonnay is here in it’s abundant glory! A touch of sweet vanillan oak wraps it up. A challenging day. Close your eyes and imagine. Invoke the rich, ripe fruits of Margaret River chardonnay. Lift the glass to your lips. And taste. Invocation – this is your mantra. There are goals to which you aspire - results for your endeavours, the realisation of dreams. But in striving for these, where have the minutes, hours and days gone? How do you feel right now? Savour the moment. The journey is the destination. Enjoy...
