Brad Mate

Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula

not too oaky, but the wood is noticable...i picked up a salty minerality. a little lighter bodied than i prefer at this price point but still very charming.

Château De Nages J T Costières De Nîmes 2012, Ac

This is a fairly plush, medium weight Rhone blend. Cherries, hot rock and smoky ash on the nose. The palate adds licorice, violets and coco powder. Dusty tannins add grip to the finish. Good value for $20. BIG TIP - decant for an hour - this get much richer, rounder and smoother.

Montecillo Rioja Gran Reserva 2001, Doca

Personally, I don't find a huge difference from the Reserva (on a good vintage year). I love the classic Rioja qualities of Montecillo...Spiced cherries, barn yard, herbs, cedar and smoke.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2009, Marlborough

Classic NZ Pinot flavours, a tad light bodied.

Girard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Napa Valley

Nose is closed at first - but after about a half hour or so...(lost count) it opens up nicely - berries and cedar and alcohol.

Palate is med to full, and really structured, the tannis are strong enough to rip your mouth right off!

Classic cab flavours of dark berries, cassis and wood.

Finish is smooth but strong. I would say this is a pretty serious wine. No messing around.

Hess Collection 19 Block Cuvée 2009, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley

The Hess 19 block from Mt Veeder vineyards is my favourite under $50 California wine. Every vintage of this stuff is bang on. Flavourful with structure, grippy tannins and balanced acidity. I'd say it's the best wine Hess makes.

Montirius Garrigues Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

A deep dark ruby colour with a nice sophisticated nose of black and red licorice and ground black pepper. The palate is a creamy medium weight with nice blackberry/ blueberry, again licorice and pepper flavours. Also perhaps black olive? Super dry and structured with a stunning finish. Beautiful comes to mind. Decant for about 30 minutes and enjoy.

Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Knights Valley, Sonoma County

Nice rich Cab/Sauv nose, berries, wood-smoke, cassis, vanilla. I tasted a hint of mint which was nice. the tannins and structure are evident. It is balanced and complex not sweet or jammy. Really nice.

Viña Real Oro Reserva 2009

Very plush, silky smooth. Cherry, plum, rose, violets and vanilla. Quality tannins and a balanced structure.

Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 2010, Cauquenes Valley

This is a deeply concentrated wine. Firm and bold but balanced. Lots to love here!