Brad Mate

Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Willamette Valley

It's kind of hard to nail down a reference point for this Pinot??? Russian River, Yarra, Central Otago, Burgundy...does this mean Pinot is becoming homogeneous...no sense of place? Oh well, it's delicious and well made so i guess sense of place doesn't mean sh*t. Amazing Pinot can be grown and cultivated all over the world, so I'm Love'n this one from the Willamette Valley!

Château Lestruelle 2009, Ac Médoc, Cru Bourgeois

for a budget under $20 bucks, look no further. This wine is really approachable for those looking to brake away from the new world and experience an entry level Bordeaux. It's a tad light and almost drinks oddly enough like a burgundy (did anybody else think that?). Really funky, woodsy and well made. Loved it.

Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County

I thought the 2009 showed better, the 2010 is (to me) a bit astringent...the quality of the fruit just isn't the same as 2009. Despite my negativity this is still (for the $$) a well put together Cali Cab. However for almost $15 less, The Raymond steals the show for the 2010 vintage. ...Just my two cents.

Bayton Chardonnay 2012, Wo Constantia

Isn't this what everybody wants in a full bodied chardonnay...the fat, the voluptuous fruit and lush mouth feel, the butter without the overbearing wood taste...??? Well I love this full sexy style and to me, I need to look no further...at $17.95 a bottle, this is quite amazing stuff...there's a boat load of Chards that cost $50 a bottle and they are in the shadows compared to the quality of this Bayten SA whites are blowing my socks off lately... Best QPR Chard I've ever tasted!

Domaine Dupré Vignes De 1935 Morgon 2012, Ac

Classic Beaujolais sweet and sour strawberry notes with some smoke on the nose. There's also a faint hint of marshmallow. Light silky tannins. Perhaps not that exciting, but a textbook example of Beauj.

Vignerons De Buxy Les Chaniots Montagny 1er Cru 2010, Ac

Okay WineAlign does not have the 2011 vintage posted but it is superb. Classy and sensual. this is a wine that will bring you pleasure.

Bonaccorsi La Encantada Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County

Loved it...smokey raspberries, strawberries and bing cherries. The palate is medium to full bodied and smooth. It stays honest with a long structured finish.

Terredora Aglianico 2010, Igt Campania

Great producer of both whites and reds from Southern Italy. This is textbook Aglianico - medium bodied with herbs, smoked cherries, black licorice, burnt rubber and black pepper. High acid ads a little nip to the finish. Nice structure throughout.

Chateau Des Charmes Gamay Noir 'droit' St. David's Bench Vineyard 2010, St. David's Bench

As close to a Cru Beaujolais as you're going to find! A solid Ontario expression of Gamay.

See my review on www.niagarawinevideos.com

Elephant Hill Pinot Noir 2011, Central Otago, South Island

Bursting with strawberry & raspberry fruit, cola, brown sugar, baking spices and red roses. Super creamy body showing length and bredth on the palate. Adds a touch of black pepper to the cashmere finish.