Tyler Philp

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).

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.

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Old Port, Douro Valley (500ml)

A very fair effort in terms of terms of 10 yr tawnies. A nice nuttiness mixed with apricots on the nose but a slight tang on the palate that fades with some air. Good sweetness and a nice round mouth feel. Better the next day. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)

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.

Chateau De Gourgazaud 2009, Minervois

This just may be one of the best deals in the LCBO right now. Crafted in the south of France, just inland from the northwest coast of the Mediterranean Sea, this Syrah / Mourvèdre blend shows aromas of crushed sour cherries and subtle hints of cedar wood and dark earth. The palate is packed with juicy red fruit flavours of raspberry and cranberry while the finish is very smooth and quite dry; an elegant wine with a very humble price tag. Tasted Jan 2012.

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!

Château De Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé 2010, Ac

A great combination of cherry and cranberry, but it's the black pepper that grabs hold of me. This wine is head and shoulders above other similar styles in the LCBO at the moment. Don't expect a California white Zin here folks - no comparison! (northof9finewine.com, May 2011)

Bisol Crede Brut Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene Superiore 2010, Docg

Lovely golden straw colour and fine bubble prelude a combination of citrus intensity and stone fruit softness; refreshing and balanced with a slight creamy finish. Perfect to sip over the holidays. Tasted Nov 2012

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.

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.