Brad Mate

Canonica A Cerreto Sandiavolo 2006, Igt Toscana

Kind of a muted note? I get burnt wood, char, ash and smoke. The fruit is really faint but perhaps blueberry puree. The palate is medium weight with really aggressive tannins. Finishes with a fine grade sandpaper on your tongue. Too astringent for me. 93 PTS JS...he must have tasted it after smoking a cigar.

Misiones De Rengo Gran Reserva Cuvée Carmenère 2010, Rapel Valley

This wine is nice but needs more time for the tannins to mellow out. Although it's well made, it's just too harsh and as a result the flavours are muted. I picked up blackberries, black pepper some hibiscus peppers. If you prefer your wine tough - you'll enjoy this one.

Southbrook Triomphe Organic Cabernet Franc Rosé 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Seriously delicious. This is one of the best Rose's the Niagara region has ever produced. It coats your palate with mouth watering fruit, herbs and spices. Refreshing and luxurious.

Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Very Macon-Villages - it's an elegant chardonnay with a purity of butter and salty minerality at the forefront that adds undertones of caramel vanilla oak. A nice light sipper. Very suave.

Más Que Vinos Ercavio Tempranillo Roble 2011, Tierra De Castilla

This is a really seductive wine. Smells of red roses, sugar plums, blueberries and a hint of smoke. Refined tannins make this medium bodied wine silky and smooth. Reminds me a little of Cotes du Rhone. I definitely recommend this!

Akarua Rua Pinot Noir 2015, Central Otago, South Island

This is a juicy, succulent pinot with punching acidity. Sweet and sour cherries and cola flavour pretty much sum it up. There might even be a hint of hickory on the nose... Score = Central Otago RESPECT!

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!

Colaneri Estate Winery Insieme 2009, Niagara Peninsula VQA

2010 Insieme

The nose offers creamy oak, and blueberries with hints of cedar, caramel and cherry cough syrup. It's silky smooth on the palate but feels worked over & slightly manipulated. As a result the structure breaks down and the finish is weak.

Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Organic & Biodynamic

another delicious offering from Southbrook at a great price point. This Chardonnay is really well made presenting balanced fruit, acidity and oak. The palate is creamy and smooth, with moderate vanilla, cream oak, pineapple and citrus fruit. Nice finish. This is a well rounded Chard that is drinking with two thumbs up right now.

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.