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.

Small Gully Formula Robert's Shiraz 2006, South Australia

Tasted Jan 2012 - This has just reappeared on LCBO store shelves well over a year after it was first released - did they misplace a skid of it? Murky brownish purple in the glass and now well past its prime - (avoid).

Tasted Dec 2010 - At 15.9% alcohol, this is another big bold Aussie Shiraz and one that is nicely in sync. The nose is incredibly fragrant showing intense black fruit, spice box, and notes of chocolate; mouth-coating flavours smoothly slide across the palate to leave a tingling sensation of cracked pepper heat on the finish. I’m thinking BBQ wine here - (88).

Amalaya Valle Calchaqui 2008

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

Château De Galifay Cairanne Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2010, Ac, Rhône, France

Located just over an hour from the Mediterranean Sea, Cairanne is the western-most village in the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation.   This outstanding value shows aromas of strawberry and sweet spices.  Medium bodied and uplifting with hints minerality followed by a core of plum sweetness that lasts through to the finish.  Sip it solo or with tapas on the side.  Tasted Nov 2012

Flat Rock Cellars Riesling 2010, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

A fragrant nose of pronounced lemon and lime. Crisp minerality and a clean level of acidity will pair this nicely with summer salads or fish on the BBQ. But the clincher for me is how it smoothes-out toward the finish placing this Riesling above so many other similar examples.

Studert Prüm Riesling Kabinett 2009, Qmp, Wehlener Sonnenuhr

I have continually praised the Rieslings of Studert Prüm and that trend continues with the '09 Kabinett. Fragrant aromas of peach, apricot, and honey; you expect it to be quite sweet but rather the palate shows an off-dry crispness of lemon and lime; the sweetness is there, but it is not overpowering and the finish displays a slight mineral/clean stone character. Very nice. (northof9finewine, March 2011)

Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Riesling Kabinett 2004, Qmp, Graacher Domprobst

Lots of residual sugar here and quite sweet for a Kabinett; I'd of labelled it Spatlese had I not known otherwise. Lemon and pear on the nose followed by more of the same plus some peach and honey in terms of taste. Not as crisp as expected but still quite good. (northof9finewine, March 2011)

Raimat Abadia Crianza 2007, Do Costers Del Segre

An entry level wine from a relatively unknown region. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo. Crianza indicates oak ageing and more specifically, that this wine was aged for two years with at least 6 months of that time spent in oak casks or barrels. Be careful with this one, you might find yourself hooked on Spanish wine. Incidentally, I have never had a bottle of wine from Spain that I did not enjoy, and there have been far too many to count!

Malivoire Gewurztraminer 2008, VQA Beamsville Bench

The Malivoire smelled of peaches and soap - in a good way and quite interesting at that; fuller in the mouth while still displaying the typical Gewurztraminer aroma and flavours profile; a bigger wine than most examples of the variety though a little flat on the mid-palate. On the whole, a nice wine with just a touch of effervescence. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)

Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin 2006, Ac

Wonderful nose of wintergreen mint followed by combinations of cherry, cranberry, and subtle spice on the palate. Try it with pork tenderloin brushed with Dijon mustard and thyme. Tasted Oct 2012.