Tyler Philp

Quinta Do Infantado Ruby Port, Doc Douro

A lovely purple colour in the glass and surprisingly rich on the palate for an entry level style of port. When compared to many of the other rubies in this price category, this label shows very well indeed.

Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva 2006

A Chianti Classico Riserva wine by law, must age for at least two years in wood and another 3 months in the bottle prior to release. Monsanto can initially be somewhat acidic which is typical of the region but with a year or two in the cellar the pronounced black cherry and tannin structure will integrate nicely. If you open it now, try it with a tomato based pasta dish.

Domaine Allimant Laugner Muscat 2008, Ac Alsace

This is a lovely wine. Delicate floral aromas, a touch of sweetness and nice acidity. Very light on the palate. At the Nov 6th, 2010 North of 9 pairing dinner, I suggested this with goat's cheese in Filo; the two complemented each other perfectly.

Château Moncontour Cuvée Prédilection Brut Vouvray 2006, Ac, Méthode Traditionnelle

If you enjoy demi-sec Champagne then you should probably try this Sparkling Vouvray. It's off dry and perfectly balanced in terms of acidity vs. citrus notes. At under $20, I think this is one of the best deals in the LCBO right now - but it's almost gone so don't delay!

Trout Valley Riesling 2009, Nelson

This hints at the off dry style without overstepping the boundary from dry. Expect scent combinations of spiced fruit and honeyed notes. The taste shows pronounced lemon/lime citrus zest and just an underlying sweetness with green apple and spice on the finish. Interesting to sip and I love the label: it gives you fly fishing tips and has little to do with the wine. Tasted Aug 2012.

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Actually, the price has come down significantly from where it was. This is, or was, New Zealand's premier Sauvignon Blanc; now I think it's just an above average example and still a touch pricey at that. Very new world. If you like Pouilly-Fume, this will seem a bit aggressive at first though it is a very good representation of the NZ style. Lots of citrus and acidity but with a slight creaminess as well and all wrapped up by that great pungent Sauvignon character. (northof9finewine, Tasted Jan 2011)

Domaine Du Haut Des Terres Blanches Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007, Ac

Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CdP) is the heart of southern Rhône. According to French AOC regulations, 13 grape varieties are allowed in the production red CdP, though this example contains only the three dominant varieties: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. The fullness of the style is readily apparent in this wine and the price is actually quite modest compared to so many other examples. Expect a mouth-coating full bodied wine rich with a mix of fruit and earth. It’s good right now but it will continue to improve with a few years in the cellar. Can I suggest that you buy two: try the first one this weekend with an equally rich meal, and the second sometime after 2013.

Sandhill Small Lots Viognier 2009, VQA Okanagan Valley, Osprey Ridge Vineyard

Shockingly deep yellow in the glass; it looks like a thick syrupy sweet wine but the nose is lifted by soft floral notes intermixed with honeydew melon. The oak influence is obvious but not overpowering. A pronounced white pepper finish only added to the pleasure though this one did seem to lack acidity. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)

Zenato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, Doc

My notes remain consistent on this wine from one vintage to the next. "Amarone with a more new-world twist."
This is a mouth full; huge stewed fruit - it's really quite amazing, but in no way old-world. Ultra rich, viscous, port-like and lip-smacking good. '06 is a big year in Veneto so let this one cellar until 2012+ and see if it mellows a bit or at least decant 1-2hrs before serving. (northof9finewine, April 2011)

Château Haut Vigneau 2006, Ac Pessac Léognan

This review is for the 2003 vintage:

A deep brick hue as this Left Bank example begins to show its age; light weight, delicate, and subtle with hints of cinnamon stick and blackberry. The juicy red currant core will keep you coming back for more. Drinking wonderfully now.
Substantial sediment in the bottle – decant before serving. Tasted Feb 2012.