Tyler Philp

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)

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)

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.

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)

Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz 2007

A few years ago, this wine was bottled as Brown Label Classic Shiraz. With the label change WB also dropped the Barossa grapes from the blend making this more focused regionally. It's a big wine that can use some time on its side. Expect a fruit forward, full-bodied, modern style. Pair it with rich foods and decant before serving.
Quite nice.

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.

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.

Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000

Think of this as faux fur or leather; it's not exactly the real thing, but it is certainly not far off the mark - Vintage Port with a modern twist and perhaps a little more user friendly. This is vintage port for those who don't have the patience to wait 15-20 years. Blackberries, plums, cassis, and a touch of spice; you really can't go wrong here. Decant before serving to soften any hard edges and enjoy it with a rich dessert.

Studert Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2007, Prädikatswein

I have yet to serve this wine to someone who does not enjoy it. The spätlese (late harvest) designation indicates a greater degree of ripeness and therefore higher sugar level at harvest. That however, does not mean that the resultant wine is necessarily sweeter, and this is a brilliant example of exactly that.

Clean, fresh and lively with the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Round in the mouth and slightly herbal for a moment before tastes of honey and apricot linger indefinitely. A stunning wine that will keep you returning for more. Tasted again April 2012.

Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

My first experience with Woodcutter's Shiraz involved a near stampede at a Vintages release. I managed to secure a few bottles for myself and promptly opened one to see what all the fuss was about... This is a very big wine for the price; loads of black fruit on the nose with hints of spice and coffee. Full bodied and very new-world with a smooth mix of chocolate and stewed fruit followed by a solid hit of that Shiraz spice on the finish. Very nice. (northof9finewine, March 2011)