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.

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.

Concha Y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenère 2009, Do Peumo, Ribera Del Cachapoal

great nose, firm tannins, full bodied, oaky, spicy, vanilla, chocolate... not the most focused wine, but delicious and amazing value at this price point.

Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Carmenère 2010, Maipo Valley, Chile

This wine is a beast. You need to decant it for a good three hours to unveil its excellence. Real firm tannins and structure. A stiff backbone.

Château Gachon Cuvée Les Petits Rangas 2008, Ac Montagne St émilion

Thin and uninspiring - very bland & almost watery. Not recommended.

Di Majo Norante Contado Riserva Aglianico Del Molise 2009, Doc Molise

It’s built in a solid old world frame - really dry with firmness to it. It's lean, and medium bodied. Black pepper, coffee grinds, herb (basil…) & spice. The acidity is prominent. Finished structured. Needs more time to be fully appreciated.

Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2012, Doc

This is a fairly complex Ripasso, but a tad too alcoholic for my liking.

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is the entry level "Bourgonge" from the Tawse folk and my my my is it ever a treat to drink. The quality of this wine demonstrates their pure love and dedication to burgundian varietals...reminds me of Village Burgundy...or a perfect woman. Rosy, sweet and delicious. Structured and serious but graceful, fun and affordable.

Fielding Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

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!