Brad Mate

Château Ségur De Cabanac 2004, Ac St Estèphe, Cru Bourgeios

After almost 10 years of aging and hour of decanting this wine is loaded with cigar and tobacco that mingle with black liquorice, cassis and tar. It's not a big show stopper, it's mid weight but with graceful solid refined polished tannins. There's a hint of green bell pepper and earthiness that I adore. I don't think too many wine lovers would object to this juice at this price point.

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.

Ravine Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Niagara Peninsula VQA

This is a solid barrel fermented Chardonnay offering fresh cool climate notes to the typical woodsy vanilla cream that we all love in Chardonnay. Structured with a solid finish.

See my interview with Winemaker -Shauna White on niagarawinevideos.com

Norman Hardie Unfiltered Niagara Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice smoky, meaty notes that mingle with cherry-tobacco and raspberry with hints of minerality. It stays lean with pronounced acidity and finishes with perfect structure. Needs about three years to round out. This was my runner-up, for the best Pinot of 2013! See the video review at www.niagarawinevideos.com

Malivoire Mottiar Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

solid pinot for the price.

Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2010, Wo Swartland

Thanks to @winespectator for the first SouthAfrican issue, for otherwise I would not have found this spectacular wine. It's full of tropical fruit, butter and zest...with some sea salts. Layers and layers of complexity. It's balanced with perfect acidity. If I made this wine I would keep it for myself. It's just shy of perfect.

Jacob's Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009, Coonawarra, South Australia

nice wine but a little light and boring - but well made.

Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2012, Wo

Some nice lush fruit and oaky honey dew to this wine but the finish is a tad short and finished with a sea salt taste. Some people may dig that, but it didn't really tickle my fancy...nice wine though.

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

Ross Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia

I'd write a review, but Paul Forget already did and it's bang on. I scored this wine a little higher based on the delicious factor. I also liked that it is a full bodied wine, but it's not heavy... Great wine.