Brad Mate

Château Saint Nicolas 2010, Ac Cadillac Côtes De Bordeaux

Impressive for the price. Some funky old world cheese scents, charcoal, blackberry, and cassis. Very dark on the nose. The palate is surprisingly soft but with noticeable tannins. Highly recommend!

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.

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.

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.

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 Le Conseiller 2005, Ac Bordeaux Supérieur

If you still have a bottle of this kicking around in your cellar give it a go. Wow so structured and fine. I could blab on and on… But some things are better left to the imagination. Simply amazing.

Fattoria La Pupille Morellino Di Scansano 2016

This is totally outstanding for the price. It sports cherry tobacco flavours with super fine tannins. The finish adds just a touch of orange peel, and although it’s super dry it’s also super smooth. Traditional old school Sangiovese and is wonderful in ever sense of the word.

Donnachiara Montefalcione Fiano Di Avellino 2013, Docg

This is a real darling of a wine. It pairs really well with soft earthy cheeses - both the wine and cheese really come alive...I love that. It's lush and creamy but also crisp and dry. Very versatile. I love the fresh saltiness on the finish, like breathing in ocean air. Mediterranean whites are simple awesome!

Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2012, Do Calatayud

This is syrupy sweet with loads of caramel and vanilla. Although there's some structure to the finish, it really suffers from the candied syrupy flavours. It's as sweet as cotton candy, and that's what I'd pair it with.

Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2013, Santa Barbara County

This actually reminded me of a well made Niagara Chardonnay. Very balanced, creamy and smooth.