Brad Mate

Maetierra Dominum Quatro Pagos 2005, Doca Rioja

Falernia Reserva Carmenère 2007, Elqui Valley

wow...really the best carmenere i've tasted! so concentrated you think your drinking vicks cherry cough syrup. It's packed with sweet cherry, herb/ medicinal/ roasted jalapeno peppers flavour. needs time to soften, but then it's rich and silky smooth. GREAT FIND!

Coto De Imaz Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

Cedar, smoke, vanilla, fig, sandal wood, white musk, earth & wet leaves on the nose. The garnet shows slight signs of age. The palate is suave, silky and smooth. Cherry, vanilla and smoke with hints of mineral on a crisp acidic finish.

Sister's Run Epiphany Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia

As Gary Vee says "Oak Monster" Australian makeup fruit bomb - meets herbaceous inspired Rioja. Not a serious wine but a definite pleasure seeker. Love'n this bombastic lip stick wine!

Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Cork Dancer Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Barbara County

Did I mention how Awesome WineAlign is, I just love this website. Anyway's, it's a relaxing moody Sideways Sunday that calls for a Hitching Post Pinot. It's my first, and I gotta say, its fresher than what i was expecting. This is why I think Niagara is still really so undiscovered...it reminds me of a Niagara Pinot, juicy and full of flavour, but balanced and really fresh and grippy. Well made and perfect for any mood - rainy or sunny outside, this is a pinot that slowly works itself into your life.

Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2009, Elqui Valley

here's a wine with some real tension! It's got a strong spicy bouquet - ...blueberry, smoke, jalapeno brandy liqueur, cigar, leather. the palate is surprisingly smooth, but the tension between oaky fruit bomb and earthiness complicates things, but in a nice way. This wine has a little bit for everybody to enjoy. Great finish!

Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg

Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2010, VQA Niagara On The Lake

A wine made with passion and diligence with respect for the land. This organically grown wine finally proves what so many organic renegades already knew. You might think I’m full of it, but try this deliciously smooth Cabernet Franc and you will walk away a believer in the organic movement as well. Guaranteed.

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

What can I say...always amazing, especially for the price. vintage after vintage amazing sauv/ blancs...I adore this style. Full but fresh.

Stratus Sémillon 2009, VQA Niagara On The Lake

You have to appreciate oak aged wines to truly enjoy this Spicy Oaked lush devil. It has really nice honey dew fruit but the spicy oak is dominating once it warms up in your glass. I appreciated this effort. Fans of California Chards will enjoy this Semillon.