Tyler Philp

Clos Du Marquis 2005, Ac Saint Julien, 2nd Wine Of Château Léoville Las Cases

Yes it was good, but I must question the 55% price increase from the previous year. Clos du Marquis is the second label of the great Léoville-Las-Cases on the ‘left bank’ and this vintage represents the edge of affordability for most who wish to dabble in the fascination of high-end Bordeaux. This is not a fruit-forward wine and those who expect a California style will be disappointed. Bottled tradition and a truly profound wine. Decant 2-3 hrs before serving. (northof9finewine, Dec 2010)

Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula, With Gift Box (375ml)

This is Canada's wine ambassador to the world. Aromas of orange peel meets honeyed tropical fruit; the viscosity only hints at the intense sweetness on the palate that quick fades to reveal a clean finish of indefinite length. Tasted Dec 2011.

Remoissenet Meursault 2007, Ac, Cuvée Maurice Chevalier

This is textbook Meursault and an absolute pleasure to drink. As the afternoon continued, this wine became richer and increasingly more full bodied to the point where I’d almost say that it was overpowering. Fantastic though - if you like buttery chardonnay, which I do. (northof9finewine.com, June 2011)

Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny Montrachet Les Folatières Premier Cru 2008

This is a stunning bottle of wine and a welcome surprise from what one producer called 'the most challenging vintage in the past 15 years'. Light minerality and beautifully balanced fruit vs. acidity; unaggressive but shockingly complex. A radiantly delicious chardonnay that shows classic characteristics of melon, peach, almond, and a finish that lingers until the next sip. Well worth the price - You need to try this! (northof9finewine, Mar 2011)

Helfrich Gewurztraminer 2010, Ac Alsace

The classic recipe for Gewurztraminer, showing floral and lychee notes with hints of spice and balanced by a refreshing citrus zest. You really can’t go wrong here; sip this solo or with a variety of food choices including Asian cuisine. Delicious!
Tasted May 2012.

Buller Victoria Tawny, Victoria

Wood aging softens the tannic structure of port wine leaving it with a slight nutty character combined with hints of orange rind, raisin, and figs. Traditionally port is served slightly chilled, though I prefer mine at room temperature – try it both ways and see which you like best. Either way, make sure you have a chocolate dessert on hand to savour with this sweet treat - delicious! Tasted Aug 2012.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2009, South Australia

Aggressive in its youth but smooth and classy with some time; I typically let the Bin 28 cellar for 3-5 years after purchase.

Expect a full bodied but balanced dose of black fruit, spice and smoke. This is a big wine but it is not over-extracted. Very enjoyable with grilled meat on a special occasions. Tasted Nov 2012

Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu 2007, Ac

Review of the 2009 vintage:
The lime filled aromas only hint at what the palate has to offer. Racy acidity assaults your taste buds in the most pleasing way imaginable, and it becomes increasingly more impressive by the sip as the air begins to soften the citrus infusion bringing to the surface mineral notes and a more softer honeyed tone. Stunning wine and one to hold for several years. Tasted Dec 2011

Paul Misset Vosne Romanée Les Barreaux 2002, Ac

This was my introduction to good Burgundy several years back which sent me off on a tangent in search of perfection from the Côtes de Nuits. If you ever see this wine or producer, I strongly recommend that you buy a few bottles. The '02 VR had lovely cherry and raspberries notes. The wine is soft and fresh on the palate but it shines brighter with food: can I suggest that you try it along side pork tenderloin with a Dijon mustard glaze - Unbelievable for a village wine!

E. Guigal Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde 2004, Ac

This is undoubtedly the best label for experiencing the essence of old-world syrah(shiraz) while still remaining somewhat affordable. Guigal is the shinning star of Northern Rhône and this is the most accessible wine of his high-end profile.
Sampled at the January 2010 North of 9 tasting session, the '04 vintage is a lighter style than the more aggressive '03s but if you normally drink heavily extracted Australia Shiraz, this will be a lesson well learned.
The '04 is 96% Syrah with an additional 4% Viognier.