Tyler Philp

Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Medium Sweet Sherry, Do, Spain

This is one the most exotic tastes available at the LCBO and you'll either love it or absolutely detest it, but you definitely must try it. Tangy stewed raisin and figs with mixed spices; deep tawny/amber hues and quite viscous. Sweet is not the right word; it's actually a little potent. Great stuff! (Northof9finewine, April 2011)

Vieil Armand Médaille Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace

Classical and not over commercialized: lychee fruit, a touch herbal, plus floral aromas are what identify Gewurtz, and this example has them all. Citrus, peach, and a touch of spice on the generous off-dry palate completes the package nicely. The ideal food pairing for this wine is with Asian – anyone know of a good BYOB Thai house? Tasted Mar 2012.

Domaine Roux Père & Fils Vieilles Vignes Volnay 2009, Ac

Delicate and soft; light and unassuming. This northern Cote de Beaune wine is enjoyable but considerably less captivating than that of the villages to the north. Perhaps a nice alternative to American west coast Pinot, if that is what normally fills your glass. Tasted Dec 2011.

Jadot Combe Aux Jacques Beaujolais Villages 2010

This wine represents significant quality for a reasonable price and the style will pair extremely well with a multitude of different menu options. This is mid-level Beaujolais (above that of November’s Nouveau release though still shadowed by the Cru class). Combe aux Jacques is Jadot’s Beaujolais-Villages effort which consistently shows a light to medium body with a refreshingly unassuming character. The mix of both candied and spiced red fruit plus a clean line of acidity makes this an idea wine to accompany the smorgasbord of flavours that are poised to clutter your dining-room table this holiday weekend. Serve slightly chilled. Tasted Oct 2012.

Domaine De Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Touraine

Straight out of the bottle this displays typical Sauvignon herbal pungency, but with some breathing time, it mellows significantly to reveal a roundness that balances the minerality. Some lime peel citrus and nice hint of sweetness on the finish. Don’t over chill and let it breath for a while.

Domaine Feuillat Juillot Cuvée Les Grappes D'or 2009, Montagny 1er Cru

The village of Montagny is located within the Côte de Chalonnaise, a region in the south of Burgundy where only white wine can bear the village's name. The 1er cru status is an indication of greater ripeness of the fruit and higher resultant alcohol.

It's drinking well now and shows notes of crisp apple, pear and the slightest butter-cream character. It will also continue to develop in the bottle for up to 5 years over which the ripe citrus characteristics will give way to a softer mouth-feel.. but it's soooo good right now and what a steal for under $25!
-synthetic cork

Beringer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

An incredibly smooth wine, full of rich aroma and taste: black currant, cassis and chocolate followed by smoke and a hint of spice. A full bodied wine that begs for a pot roast sprinkled with pepper and smothered in gravy.

Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2006, Penedès

Gran Coronas is one of those 'hit or miss' wines in our cellar; sometimes it works beautifully and other times, I'm not quite as thrilled about it. It's a food wine though so I don't recommend that you sip this one on its own. Instead, pair it with a rich red meat dish and expect dark fruit, leather, chocolate and a touch of smoke surrounded by normally, very smooth tannins. (northof9finewine.com, Feb 2011)

Cave Spring Estate Riesling 2009, Beamsville Bench

Clean nose of crisp green apple and hints of lemon; an off-dry honeyed citrus character on the palate and a good balanced of acidity. Leaves you with a mix of apple and pink grapefruit on the finish. Lovely. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)

Cono Sur Visión Single Vineyard Gewürztraminer 2010, Las Colmenas, Casablanca Valley

South America has exploded on to the wine scene in recent years with a plethora of great wines and this effort is no different: definitely of the 'new world' in terms of aroma and flavour: peach - and lots of it, lychee and some apple plus a touch of sparkle; sweeter than most but still very good and will appeal to late harvest Riesling fans; quite nice. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)