Brad Mate

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.

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.

Louis Jadot Château Des Jacques Moulin à Vent 2011, Ac

Yes, this is outstanding! It's packed full of red berries, violets, and Burgundian earthy funk (aka Brett). It's highly concentrated, with smooth lush tannins. The finish is long, focused and delicious.

Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2013, Santa Barbara County

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

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!

Hecht & Bannier Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2006, Ac

mmmmm so many choices out there at attractive price points...i'm glad i took a chance on this one. Finally a smooth, delicious, complex wine without a big price tag...wine nurds love finding this type of bottle, and i'm one of them. now i have to seek out an LCBO that has stock to buy a case...it has new world and old world characteristics that work well together, and i think that's great.

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

Kew Vineyards Blanc De Noir 2011, Niagara Peninsula

I love how crisp and clean this wine is. It has a nice fresh citrus kick to it. A fine mousse with every sip. The Blanc de Blanc was my favorite of the bunch due to the oak influence. However they are all high quality in my opinion. Great QPR for bubbles.

Roche De Bellene Cuvée Réserve Pinot Noir Bourgogne 2013, Ac

Year after year I love this wine...not much more to say - this is a perfect Pinot for the Price.