Brad Mate

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2012

Well well well, what a let down. Man what a pathetic effort. I really thought I'd give this another try and see if it's improved...and well, it's gotten even worse. This is $10 grocery store wine. Sweet and okay. Very short finish. Caramel cotton candy lingers. Sorry Joseph Wagner, you seem like a good winemaker but this stuff really sucks. $27.95 at the LCBO - robbery.

Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2011, Do Campo De Borja

This is a crowd pleaser by all accounts. Lots of sweet vanilla oak, sweet coffee cream, sweet pipe tobacco, brown sugar...sweet all around. Medium bodied with incredibly smooth tannins. Not a serious effort, but a delicious wine none the less.

Pinyolet Selección 2010, Do Montsant

Macmurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2010, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot. Strawberry jam, cola, raspberry/ blackberry, vanilla oak, custard and smoke. But there's also some imperfections - sulphur or burnt match scents, which slightly disappoints. Also, it's a tad off balance and short on the finish, but at this price point, i'm not complaining. Very pleasurable juice.

Majella The Musician Cabernet/Shiraz 2012, Coonawarra

There's a lot to love about this wine. It's really well made and has a low price tag. Year after year this earns its keep. On-sale buy lots!

Rotllán Torra 2009, Doca Priorat

nice nose - roasted nuts or mahogany, vanilla, cheery, nail polish, blueberries and cedar. Crazy funky nose (a little pruned). Extremely smooth and polished. Creamy medium body. Finishes lean and crisp. Fantastic in every way!

Westcott Lillias Unoaked Chardonnay 2012, VQA Vinemount Ridge

enjoyable for a non-oaked chardonnay from Niagara. Usually I don't find much pleasure outside of Chablis in un-oaked chardonnays. It has a fresh lemon zest and is quite smooth.

Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County

If you're a fan of soft juicy California Cabs, look no further. It's lush, creamy and flavourful. Baked blueberry pie, vanilla and cedar jump out. But it's the soft texture that really adds a delectable pleasure. Not too serious, but seriously delicious.

Domaine Capmartin Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2010, Elevž En Fžts De ChNe, Ac

Loads of pipe tobacco, char, stewed cherries, leather, vanilla oak and black pepper (dr. Pepper soda pop). The palate is firm but with a sneaky suaveness to it that i adore. It's medium bodied, drinks more like a new world wine but with old world structure. Pretty delicious for a Tannat if i do say so myself.

De Morgenzon Dmz Chardonnay 2012

This is a big miss for me. Sour and salty with a rice paper finish. yuk!