Brad Mate

Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2010, Sonoma County

I'm 90 on this ZIN! Although it's not the most sophisticated wine, it's well made and drinks nicely. I even picked up some lime peel or citrus notes to the otherwise sweetly fruited tannins. I'd say it's medium bodied and pretty lean by California standards.

Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

One of my favourites, always poised, balanced and beautiful.

Maison Roche De Bellene Savigny Les Beaune Vieilles Vignes 2010, Ac

Clean, structured and balanced with just enough cherry infused mushroom flavours. Violets, red rose petals, red liquorice and game notes. It’s delicate, graceful and authentically burgundian. Great Value!

Emiliana Novas Petit Verdot 2011, Colchagua Valley

Totally delivers for the price. A big solid wine that somehow has been refined to be smooth...but there's a beast waiting to be set free behind the curtain. Pretty cool expression of Petit Verdot.

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Lighthall Chardonnay 2010, VQA Prince Edward County

Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nice creamy texture with honey suckle, and some faint citrus undertones. Easy drinking elegant stuff, flavours are subtle.

Thornbury Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island

Good length with earthy, leather notes, a bit musty. Cherry fruit pulls through but the earthy flavours dominate the finish. Smooth and savoury, but not pretty.

Justin Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Paso Robles

liquid silk! Soft strawberry and creamy vanilla oak, a seductive wine, year after year. (Every year the label changes, cool fun fact)