Brad Mate

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.

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.

Hollick Coonawarra Red 2005, Coonawarra, South Australia

lazer focused.

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!

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

Pondview Bella Terra Pinot Gris 2013, VQA Four Mile Creek

One of my personal favorites! Pinot Gris is complemented by soft French oak to make a mix of honeydew and vanilla. There’s a hint of earthiness in there as well.

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

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

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.