Brad Mate

Malivoire Albert's Honour Old Vines Foch 2010, VQA Ontario

Great nose - woodsy caramel notes, blubbery pie, and smoky campfire. The palate is packed with flavour with a silky smooth texture. This is on par with HOP's Baco Reserve...Hybrids really seem to work well in Ontario's climate.

Château De Fonbel 2009, Ac Saint Emilion

On the nose, what's not to like. It bursts with fruity berries, earth, herbs, leather and cedar with hints of vanilla. The palate however is light weight and flavours, although authentic, are muted on the palate (lots of coco & cherry in my opinion). It's a structured wine with ultra fine tannins (you'll know when you sip it). It finishes nice and dry but a bit short. A very good wine.

Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Riesling 2011, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Peninsula

A gorgeous perfumed nose of orange blossom, peaches, lemon/lime, white flowers & white musk. It's off dry adding a nice peachy-sweetness to the mix, but ample acid to balance this delicious beauty. It’s a luxurious wine that really charms & relaxes you.

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Tawse Pinot Gris Redstone Vineyard 2011, Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula

As David indicates in his notes, rich but fresh. I thought the finish was a tad short and it's not as round or lush as I like Pinot Gris to be, however nicely done all the same.

Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Gabbiano...say it with me"Gabbiano" if only my name sounded that suave. Anyway, i love the bouquet on this classic rustic Tuscan Chianti. I love the pipe tobacco, tar dripping resin, smokey cherries, vanilla oak, herbs and sweet spices. Fans of Rioja will rejoice. The palate is gritty and dry. Use a sifter to avoid the chunky tannins from ending up in your glass. Medium bodied, balanced and manly. Good stuff!

Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon

This is sweet and harsh. Way over priced. I agree with Brooke - this is not great Bourbon.

Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso 2010, Veneto

Amazing QPR! Classic stuff from an Iconic Amarone producer that I'm sure is as synonymous as MASI when it comes to Amarone/ Ripasso wines.

Planets De Prior Pons 2008, Doq Priorat

The nose is impressive , providing fascinating whiffs of brown sugar, lavender, blueberry pie and cola. It's strong, structured & finishes with hits of chocolate/ truffle and stony minerality.

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Paso Robles

liquid silk! Soft strawberry and creamy vanilla oak, a seductive wine, year after year. (Every year the label changes, cool fun fact)

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Sweet vanilla oak with spice, smooth but bold.