Brad Mate

H. J. Fabre Barrel Selection Malbec 2014, Patagonia

Give this 20 minutes to open up in your glass - it shows beautiful fruity/ floral and earthy notes with charred wood and vanilla. The palate has a cough syrup viscosity which makes it very easy to drink. Nice long finish. This is a wine you can just smell all night long. Score = Complex and smooth.

Cono Sur Syrah Reserva 2010, Colchagua Valley

nose provides berries vanilla musty oak. Medium bodied - tastes a tad watered down. simple and tasty. nothing more than the price tag suggests.

Lapilli Beneventano Aglianico 2014, Igt

Smells like volcanic ash and cedar. The palate is dry and structured with hints of sweet oaK. Score = intriguing.

Westside Red Troublemaker Blend 1, Paso Robles

a little fat and unfocused but deep, dark and delicious.

Malivoire Ladybug Rosé 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

well well well, this little Lady Bug rose actually impressed me more than i thought it would. I can see why so many people liked it. nice strawberry watermelon nose and flavours with hints of lime and lime peel, but also complemented with sweet marachino cherry flavours. it's just off dry creamy and smooth. Another incredible rose from Niagara!

Finca Los Alijares Graciano 2009, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

Very intriguing and interesting nose - anise, herbs, spice, cola, eucalyptus, vanilla and ash. The palate if firm and it finishes with a sour tart edge.

Rosewood Select Series Pinot Noir 2013, VQA Niagara Escarpment

Wow I really like this little devil. It possesses so much Pinot character. It's light with super silky tannins. Cherry, mushroom and wax on the nose and palate. Reminds me of Pinots from Marlborough (NZ).

Rustenberg Chardonnay 2013

Full, lush and flavorful. Beautifully integrated vanilla/caramel oak, with honeydew, melon, and pineapple and hints of citrus. Dry but Luxurious mouth feel. Totally incredible for $20.

Louis Bouillot Perle D'aurore Brut Rosé Crémant De Bourgogne, Traditional Method, Ac, Burgundy, France

Pours a nice creamy mousse, with a pretty pink-copper colour. It’s stylish, with delicate raspberry and strawberry flavors…there’s a hint of sweetness on the mid palate to add pleasure but finishes dry and crisp.

Ravine Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2007, St. Davids Bench

The 2007's have aged wonderfully. All the wines I tasted at Ravine's vintage vault tasting event were spectacular.

visit niagarawinevideos.com to read my article - "Ravine Vineyard is in the Winelight!" And, view the photo shoot of the vintage vault tasting event.