Brad Mate

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Shiraz/Viognier 2011, Victoria

Pinot like in mouth feel - silky and smooth. Medium silky body, with berries and black pepper on the nose and palate. Nice structured finish. This is a graceful feminine wine.

Château Le Conseiller 2009, Ac Bordeaux Supérieur

Very nice drinkable Bordeaux – I just thought it was a tad boring this vintage –I was expecting the tannins to have more grip. I wanted more cedar and cigar box, tobacco and vanilla oak notes…they're in there… just a bit too subtle.

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.

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

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.

Rosewood Select Series Merlot 2011, VQA Niagara Escarpment

This is a warm and cozy style. Milk chocolate, baking spices, cherry and vanilla oak. Medium weight with soft gentle tannins.

Yering Station Village Pinot Noir 2005, Yarra Valley

I loved this wine b/c it was super smooth and when paired with a filet, it tasted like ripe strewberries.

Castelgreve Chianti Classico Riserva 2009, Docg

Dry intense and structured. walnut, mahogany, cherry-chestnut flavours. Light-medium bodied and relatively high in acid...like most Chianti Classico wines.