Brad Mate

Marchesi Mazzei Zisola Nero D'avola 2011, Igt Sicilia

Sweet dates, fig, ripe plums, ripe blueberries and smoky vanilla oak. Structured on the palate with a juicy finish.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2012, Livermore Valley, California

ébano Crianza 2008

Off balance but I think that's why i like it...loads of personality here...Like a Rioja on steroids, drinks more like a Priorat actually. Sweet chewy tannins, a mix of spicy cherries, blueberries with smoky vanilla oak and a tad of saltness to the finish.

Joseph Drouhin Mâcon Villages 2012

What can I say, David's review is spot on! Only thing I would add is, purchase this wine while it's on sale for $13 bucks, wow what a deal!!

Domaine Gérard Charvet La Réserve D'amélie Moulin à Vent 2012

A very fruity and clean Cru. Smells like strawberry starburst candies or fruit punch with hints of steamy hot rock. the palate echoes with loads of strawberries - sweet and sour finish. Tight and structured. A tad simplistic in flavour, but authentic and natural in nature.

Pillitteri Exclamation Reserve Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Very smooth and sexy for a Cabernet Franc. Cool climate tobacco leaf notes mix with warm lush fruit note - cherry, blueberry, blackberry fruits. Graceful finish.

Pier Rio Sordo Barbaresco 2009, Docg

Reading the reviews, this is a challenging wine that has polarized the critics. Personally I'm in the Lawrason camp. Although this wine has some nice firm grippy tannins, it really suffers from high acidity and bitterness. Dry Heads will love this wine, it literally drys your tongue, leaving it chalky. It's a well made wine minus its balance issues. It's also very light bodied which will disappoint a flock of folks.

Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2011, Willamette Valley

Sorry Castle Rock, but I find this Pinot to be really unbalanced with a short finish. The body is light and watery and the flavours are sour. The only thing this Pinot has going for it, is that is smells a tad Burgundian. I don't see too many people getting excited over this wine.

Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso Di Torgiano 2009

Well made but a tad boring. Tart sour cherries, sulphur/ash, walnuts on the nose. The palate is medium bodied, sour cherries dominate. Nice crisp finish.

Rockway Estate Small Lot Meritage 2011, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

This is a dazzling effort by new Wine Maker David Stasiuk, who in a short time has globe trotted some of the finest wine regions and gained some valuable wine making skills, through his experiences. This classic Bordeaux Blend oozes with genuine varietal characteristics but goes a step further adding dried fruit/leafy/ tobacco notes and smoky vanilla oak. It has super fine tannins and a plush mid weight mouth feel. As a result it really drinks like a suave Ripasso. Everything about this wine is excellent, including its low price tag. David’s wines are definitely on my radar!