Brad Mate

Château De Fonbel 2009, Ac Saint Emilion

On the nose, what's not to like. It bursts with fruity berries, earth, herbs, leather and cedar with hints of vanilla. The palate however is light weight and flavours, although authentic, are muted on the palate (lots of coco & cherry in my opinion). It's a structured wine with ultra fine tannins (you'll know when you sip it). It finishes nice and dry but a bit short. A very good wine.

Mont Tauch Le Tauch Fitou 2010

I really enjoyed the suave texture of this Syrah/Carignan/Grenache blend. Balance and structure hold up throughout. The flavours need more time to develop, as it's little shy on fruit at the moment. But superb quality for the price.

Prado Rey Crianza 2006, Do Ribera Del Duero

From start to finish, everything about this wine is great. Classic spanish charm in this spicy cherry, cedary nose that plays out nice on the palate. The tannins are smooth but with a (classic spanish) dustiness. Nice firm finish. respectable wine.

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.

Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso 2010, Veneto

Amazing QPR! Classic stuff from an Iconic Amarone producer that I'm sure is as synonymous as MASI when it comes to Amarone/ Ripasso wines.

Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon

This is sweet and harsh. Way over priced. I agree with Brooke - this is not great Bourbon.

Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

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.

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

Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Gabbiano...say it with me"Gabbiano" if only my name sounded that suave. Anyway, i love the bouquet on this classic rustic Tuscan Chianti. I love the pipe tobacco, tar dripping resin, smokey cherries, vanilla oak, herbs and sweet spices. Fans of Rioja will rejoice. The palate is gritty and dry. Use a sifter to avoid the chunky tannins from ending up in your glass. Medium bodied, balanced and manly. Good stuff!