Brad Mate

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.

Henry Of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2013, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Absolutely fantastic Chardonnay. This is textbook Oaked Chardonnay. Balanced fruit and acidity and very calm on the palate. HOP has a great track record of consistent wine making and this chard continues that legacy at a terrific price.

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.

Palazzo Maffei Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2012, Doc

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

Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2012, VQA Niagara River

Tasted the 2013 - Loads of smokey, hickory BBQ meats and ripe blueberries. Great mouth feel and finish.

Fielding Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Concha Y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Do Marchigue, Ribera Del Tinguiririca

Lovin this wine! Both the nose and palate are impressive. It's a big fruity wine that not shy on oak, but it's contained with incredible balance. Terroir meets crowd pleaser? $15 bucks and hits 90 pts for real. Nice job.

Pondview Bella Terra Cabernet Franc 2009, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula

Get down to the winery and taste the 2010 vintage release... it's hands down the best single varietal Cab/ Franc I have every had. Packed with terroir driven fruit and earthiness, it's smoky and delicious. It has incredible concentration of fruit & remains perfectly balanced. Impressive and complex.

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.

Vignerons De Buxy Buissonnier Montagny 2011, Ac

my bottle didn't say 1er on it??? Mine was a Bourgogne...am i mistaken? In any case, this is a lovely wine staying true to it's French roots - there's truth in tradition. Round and juicy but lean and focused with a nice crisp saltness to the finish. I love Chards from Côte Chalonnaise - Great value and consistency.