Brad Mate

Citra Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008

the nose lacks somewhat - sweet berries and old world dirt/ earth smell. on the pallet the wine is surpisingly good, it's got a silky medium body, and the structure is great. Cheap wine always lack something...this wine doesn't seem to have any wood treatment so it lacks in flavour diversity. Jug wine dude...finally one that doesn't totally suck.

Harbour Estates Sunset Rosé 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

2011 vintage tasted. Smells like ice wine - sweet candy nose. Palate has noticeable sweetness with pink grapefruit, peach, plum and strawberries. The alcohol spikes a tad on the finish with just a enough tannic grip to keep it somewhat focused.

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Skn Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley

not my style...really oaky and sweet, has a burnt wood meets blueberry flavour. a messy wine that lacks structure and complexity. In short - goopy and fun.

Kacaba Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2008, VQA Niagara Escarpment

Classic Niagara Cab/Franc nose of roasted green bell peppers, smoky cherries and oak. This wine drinks classy with delicacy. Even though 2008 was a horrible vintage for reds in Niagara, this wine perseveres with quality tannins and a suave mouth feel. The flavours are consistent with the nose, adding hits of smoky raspberries that resembles Pinot noir. The flavours linger on the finish for a long while. Great job, for a challenging vintage!

Mike Weir Chardonnay 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

A faint expression of chardonnay but smooth and buttery. A nice table wine that should sell for under $10.

Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi

I found this to be well-balanced. (somewhat of an anomaly in a Lodi ZIn these days) It’s not over oaked and the fruit is vibrant instead of jammy. Give it some time to develop in your glass …the tannins are smooth and linear and the finish is silky.

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2012, Monterey County

Ripe, warm, soft and cuddly. Lots of sun soaked tropical fruits, vanilla and caramel. Starts sweet but finishes quite crisp and dry. Lovely stuff, and perfect if you want to get cosy. mmmmm

Les Montgolfiers Syrah 2011, South Of France

This wine is a solid value and it drinks with soft tannins as soon as you open it. Definitely a table wine, the palate is light juicy a bit watery (which makes it so approachable) and also appears to be oak aged. There's a bit of vanilla oak smokiness going on. This wine is thin but in a good way, because it still possesses old world structure.

E R A Montepulciano D' Abruzzo 2012, Doc

Great for the price! Juicy and rustic, medium to full bodied. Nice suave feel with noticeable tannins. Violets, cassis, charcoal, vanilla, smoke and a little earthy barnyard. Finishes with a hint of sour. Fantastic QPR...a perfect wine to sip on during the mundane work week.

Finca El Encinal Crianza 2010, Do Ribera Del Duero

This wine is gorgeous! Offers a swath of fruit with a real silkiness. Plums, blackberry, figs & cedar. Nice long finish. Value City!