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)

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.

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

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)

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)

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.

Masi Costasera Amarone 2006, Veneto

Reliable. That's what this is. Masi has hit the nail right on the head with their amarone in 2006 but then, the Costasera is always good. This is a big wine, full bodied and full throttle - one glass is enough but you'll come back for another. Expect dark fruits, some spice and yes, chocolate - that does it for me every time. Decant well before serving or cellar it for years to come.

Domaine La Grappe D'or Pouilly Fumé 2008, Ac

I've been drinking new world sauvignon lately so this is a very welcome change. So often is sauvignon blanc overpowering but this one is less aggressive; soft mineral notes on the nose and beautifully rich on the palate; great citrus acidity but good balance with a lovely butter aftertaste. Tasted alongside rosemary chicken and oven-roasted vegetables. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)

Ascheri Vigna Dei Pola Barolo 2005, Docg

The 2000 version of Ascheri's Vigna dei Pola was voted top wine at the North of 9 Fine Wine Barolo tasting last March. Italy's Barolo is a product of the Nebbiolo grape and wines from the 2005 vintage will benefit from at least 7-10 years in the bottle. Vigna dei Pola is aged as separate components in large Slovenian oak, new barriques, and stainless steel and then rejoined before bottling. Expect a big wine which is surprisingly light in colour filled with red fruit, subtle earthy notes, and a touch of spice. Cellar it until 2012 - It's worth the wait.