Tyler Philp
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Reviews (380)
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Tyler is a member of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada and the Guild of Sommeliers. He writes about and reviews wine both online and via a variety of circulating publications.
In 2009 Tyler founded a free online wine education resource where he publishes his Thoughts, Theory, and Recommendations.
In the pages below, you will find a summary of my tasting notes to supplement much of the written material that I provide. Should I taste a wine and subsequently review that label, I do so because it offers something unique or of interest such as noted varietal or regional character.
My written articles and educational resource material can be found at www.tylerphilp.com and here at WineAlign via the CRU page.
For additional vinous related information and learning, follow on Twitter @TylerOnWine
Reviews
Fetish The Watcher Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$19.95
Let's use this as a learning experience: If you have yet to try a wine that is 'hot', here is your chance and I encourage you to do so. This nose shows a mix of red and black stewed fruit with a hint of cinnamon which is actually not bad. Once this one rolls across your palate however, the heat sensation created by the high degree of alcohol is almost overbearing and disguises any potential for enjoyment. The good news is that after a half hour or so in the glass, the heat begins to fade and the wine is indeed recognizable as Shiraz. Decant 1-2 hrs before serving. Northof9finewine, April 2011
3.5 Stars
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Clare Hills Riesling 2009, Clare Valley
Australia$10.95
Full throttle Riesling here folks! An interesting mix of grassy, herbal and subtle plastic/naugahyde aromatics – that’s not a bad thing. To taste this South Australian reveals rip-roaring acidity but a solid mineral core as well and just a hint of sweetness to balance the overall package. Expect lemon - and lots of it; lime and grapefruit too. It’s really quite good. The wine will easily cut through the weight of many cream-based dishes. Tasted April 2012
3.5 Stars
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Gemma Barolo 2007, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$29.95
A blend from several Nebbiolo vineyard in the region. The colour is alarmingly faded - beyond brick hued and approaching orange; highly perfumed with floral and cedar aromas; herbal teabag characteristics on the palate with little in the way of fruit remaining; interesting to taste but obviously not what consumers are looking for in a bottle of Barolo. Tasted Nov 2012
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$21.95
It needs some air; let it breath for an hour or so. Only then, does the tannic hold loosen its grip to reveal a softer wine with generous amounts of blackberry, plum and hints of dried red currant intermixed with earthy undertones. A slightly green herbal note lingers throughout. Tasted Nov 2011
3.5 Stars
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Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
Sometimes I find NZ Sauv a bit too aggressive compared to the old-world style of Loire. But this example shows a good balance of fruit and acidity with exotic fruits and a lovely grassy character which works quite well. I enjoyed this. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Roux Père & Fils Vieilles Vignes Volnay 2009, Ac
Burgundy, France$24.90
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.
3.5 Stars
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Amalaya Valle Calchaqui 2008
Salta, Argentina$16.20
This is a blend of Malbec, Cab. Sauvignon, Tannat, and Syrah.
Spearmint leaf on the nose followed by cherry and plums. As it rolls around in your mouth, expect a sweet smoothness to prevail with a mix of red and black fruit plus just a touch of black pepper on the finish. Substantial ‘Wow Factor’. Tasted March 2011 / again Feb 2012
3.5 Stars
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Cave Spring Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
I’m a big fan of Gewurtz and here is yet another fine example from our own Niagara region. Classic in terms of aroma with lychee, lemon, and grapefruit tropics. Fairly sweet by comparison to the equivalent from Germany or Alsace but really quite nice and a slight effervescence adds to the spicy finish. (northof9finewine, March 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2004, Igt Veronese
Veneto, Italy$24.95
Found this buried in the cellar and opened it without a great deal of thought. As a big fan of Allegeini's La Grola label, I blindly expected this to reflect a similar character. The Palazzo della Torre a much bigger wine in terms aroma and flavour intensity. Loaded with extracted black fruit and jam-like richness, at 8 years it still has the ability to overpower. Decant before serving and hold newer vintages. Tasted Oct 2012
3.5 Stars
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Williams & Humbert Walnut Brown Medium Sweet Sherry, Do, Spain
Andalusia, Spain$14.95
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)
3.5 Stars
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