Brad Mate

Kew Vineyards Tradition 2012, Niagara Peninsula

A nice sparkler with a hint of sweetness.

Kew Vineyards Pinot Noir 2012, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

I love this pinot! It's not overly complex but it's just so soft and delicious. 2012 paved the way for some real ripe fruit that shines through in this Pinot. I love the lushness of the mouth feel.

2013 is the same story - soft, delicate and smooth with raspberry and strawberry fruit and a hint of wild game. Unbelievable Pinot for the price! You'd pay $50 and up in Santa Barbara or Burgundy for a Pinot like this.

Kew Vineyard Old Vines Chardonnay 2012, Niagara Peninsula

Coltibuono Cancelli Sangiovese Di Toscana 2011, Igt Toscana

mmmm delicious. Light bodied but full of charm. Super delicious sweet and sour cherries with wax and hints of wet wood and earth. Reminds me of a sly Bourgogne from Nicholas Potel. This is really pretty juice.

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This vintage suffers from high acids resulting in sour fruit. Very light firm tannins. Subtle cherry oak notes. Simple.

Rosewood Select Series Merlot 2012, VQA Niagara Escarpment

Gorgeous stuff here. So lush and plush, with cherry, strawberry and loads of mocha. Maybe not the most complex, but who cares when it tastes this good. Highly recommended!!!

Chanson Père & Fils Le Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012, Ac

For an entry level Burg., this brings a tremendous amount of Pinot pleasure. After a short decant beautiful rose hip/ rose petal, smoke and raspberries emerge. A beautiful bouquet! The palate is light, crisp, dry and sour with hints of raspberry and wax on the finish. Each sip really refreshes your palate. Save $4 at the LCBO - this is a great deal at $18.

Piccini Sasso Al Poggio 2008, Igt Toscana

A really gorgeous traditional Toscana. Balanced and graceful...give it an hour of decanting and the little bit of sharpness fades away. Terrific value!

López De Haro Crianza 2008, Doca Rioja

Traditional Rioja...i really liked it. There's funk galore here. Wet leather, old musty barrel, a stinky leather shoe & smoky cherries. But there an astringency to this wine that keeps me from truly loving it. you decide???

A To Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2012, Willamette Valley

This is an excellent everyday Pinot, offering up snappy red fruits such as raspberry, cranberry and cherry. It's modestly complex with hints of earth. Finishes with fine dusty tannins. Only $15 in the USA, so head south!