Tyler Philp

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

Muskoka Lakes Winery Red Maple 2007 (375ml)

I enjoyed this so much at our Thanksgiving feast that I wrote Muskoka Lakes a letter praising their effort.
To be very honest though, you'll either love this dessert wine or find it a bit too much and at the last North of 9 Pairing Dinner that was exactly what the group thought. Those who find it a bit too intense might try adding tonic water to create an aperitif style wine. I love it just the way it is though...

Domaine Luquet Crémant De Bourgogne

A lovely alternative to the more expensive wines of Champagne and for a quarter of the price. Blanc de Blanc literally means ‘White of Whites’ stating that no black fruit such as pinot noir was used in the production of this wine. Made using the ‘traditional method’, this crémant is purely chardonnay and shows just a touch of sweetness and typical toasty notes surrounded by crisp acidity for the style. Quite nice. (northof9finewine, March 2011)

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.

Conde De Valdemar Reserva 2004, Doca Rioja

Enjoyed our last bottle of this label with roast turkey and all the fixings - a match made in heaven. The nose is rich with cinnamon, cedar, and dried red fruit; a touch sharp on its own but with the complexity of food flavours, the wine integrates seamlessly with a dry finish and a hint of spice. Tasted Nov 2011