Brad Mate

Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Lake County

A nice dry structured Cabernet, not jammy at all. This is one for the decanter. Dark roast coffee, cassis, blackberry herbal tea. Nice grip to the finish. Tasted the 2010...If you're a Cab fan buy a case, for $20 bucks it's amazing. send me a comment - look up my website www.niagarawinevideos.com

Oban 14 Yo Highland Scotch Single Malt

I really love this Scotch b/c it has a little bit of everything - sweet malt, oak, honey but with smoke and sea salt. All the flavors some how stick out individually making this whisky super complex and delicious. The finish could be a bit smother, but hey I'm just looking for reasons to not rate this perfect.

Bonacchi Brunello Di Montalcino 2010

Sandalwood and cherries. Beautiful fine tannins. Burns like a shot of whiskey. I wouldn't say this is a classic example as it lacks earthiness.

Terredora Di Paolo Loggia Della Serra Greco Di Tufo 2014, Docg

Zesty, lemony and fresh. This would taste so much better if I were drinking it by the Mediterranean Sea. Drinking this in cold Canadian weather just doesn't do it justice.

Hollick Coonawarra Red 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia

lazer focused.

13th Street Essence Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Big, bold, dark and structured. Offers up rich black cherry, cola & crème brulee. This Pinot needs to rest for several years before it’s flavours and textures can be fully appreciated.
Watch my interview with Jean- Pierre Colas at Cuvee 2013 as he explains his newly found love obsession with Pinot Noir from Niagara.

niagarawinevideos.com

Colomé Estate Malbec 2013, Calchaquí Valley, Salta

This pours incredibly dark and needs a good hour to decant, but then it opens up with admiral smoky hickory, roasted nuts, vanilla and blackberry notes. The palate is dry and structured showing more scorched earth. Long finish. Wow, what a wine!

Lailey Vineyard Impromptu 2010, VQA Niagara River

Just shy of perfect. This is one of the best Niagara Red blends ever made... without a doubt. Huge structure and complexities frame this powerful wine. Just goes to show you, with the right wine maker, soil, and weather, Niagara can seriously produce world class wine. This was my Favourite wine of 2013. Watch the video on Niagara Wine Videos.

Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay 2011, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula

Love Tawse Chards tasted this one at the winery beside the 2010 vintage, and i think i prefer the 2010. it was a fuller wine with smoother edges and a creaminess to it.

Stratus Stratus Cabernet Franc 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

A re-release of this wine is available for purchase at the winery at a premium of $42…ahhh yes a little on the expensive side… But considering the plush quality of this gracefully aged wine, I think it’s worth it. It’s not an everyday wine. It’s a special treat to be enjoyed over a celebration. Actually, opening this beauty is a bit of a celebration in itself. I know Stratus’ blends are wonderfully composed, but I’m a sucker for single varietal Niagara Cabernet Franc, especially when it of this quality. This wine has just started to peak and I imaging will continue to drink well for another 3-5 years. Secondary savory notes have blossomed beyond the fruit - Sweet tobacco, autumn leaves, herbs, dried rose petals, cherry concentrate, vanilla oak and so much more. Suave and graceful on the palate. Like I said, a real treat!