Brad Mate

Hidden Bench Estate Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Pondview Bella Terra Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2010, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

Tasted the 2011. Amazing, one of the most natural and beautiful expressions of Chardonnay from Niagara I have ever tasted. Check out the full video review and write-up by Michael Pinkus "the Grape Guy" at

www.niagarawinevideos.com

or

http://ontariowinereview.com/wine-reviews/by-winery/pondview-estate/pondview-2011-chardonnay-bella-terra

De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2015, Yarra Valley, Victoria

This is right on the money for me! I love the strawberry and mushroom notes. It's smooth with a little heat on the finish. This is most definitely a pleasure to drink and a quaint every day sipper! Score = Strawberry delicious.

Château De Fontenelles Cuvée Renaissance 2006, Ac Corbières

It reminds me if you were walking down a dirt road (somewhere near a wild blueberry/ raspberry bush) & it' raining slightly, it's a bit windy so you smell the berries, but also the wet dirt, and then some how a little bit of old school wood in there...like the smell of an old church or a musty wooden floor or old books???...amazing to smell..tasted it 3 hours later - taste buds picked up berries and cold meat, after 3 hours it was smooth & easy to drink.

Perrin Les Cornuds Vinsobres 2009, Ac

Wow I didn't expect this much quality from a low priced Perrin & Fils. Thankfully it was recommended by Vintage staff, or else I would have passed it by. Lush and delicious. What a great Rhone wine at an amazing price. Violets, cherry concentrate, hint of bitter coffee and wet rocks come to mind.

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.

Domaine Queylus Cabernet Franc Tradition 2013

Perfect example of Niagara Cabernet Franc - poised, charming and complex.

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.

Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Shiraz Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Margaret River

Sweet red berries and well integrated vanilla oak. It's a creamy medium bodied wine that finishes with just enough tannin to keep it honest. Great Value!

Bel Echo Pinot Noir By Clos Henri 2014

Ripe cherry, pomegranate and herbs with a hint of smoke on the nose. The palate starts off soft but quickly turns dry and a tad sour. Nice dry finish.