Tyler Philp

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Valley/Monterey County/Santa Barbara County

This is nothing short of a full-on assault of modernistic Pinot. Certainly not ‘my style’ though I did find it pleasant enough to sip alongside conversation and finger foods recently. Gobs of sweet cherry and chocolate leave little else to the imagination, and but for the price tag, this is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Tasted April 2012.

Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Acongagua Valley

Herbal notes and a slight grass aroma greet you before a good hit of lime citrus, melon, and subtle spiciness on the palate. A clean light bodied wine with crisp acidity that should pair well with salads on the patio this summer.

Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2010, Southeastern Australia

Very little variation from one year to the next under this label which works out well for the consumer by providing a reliable off dry go-to white for under $10 bucks.

My review from the previous vintage applies here as well: This one puts many $15 bottles I've tasted to shame. Great citrus notes and a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. The Gewürztraminer adds an element of spice to the sweetness of the Riesling.

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).

Elgin Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Wo Elgin

Wonderful clean nose of zesty grapefruit and lychee followed by some characteristic grass/herbal spice on the palate all wrapped up in Sauvignon’s pungent finish. This one is quite good!

Errázuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2010, Casablanca Valley

Well I don't think it's faulty but egatz this is raunchy smelling stuff. Aromas of raw meat, leather, and musk. A bitter, dry finish follows a medium body of cherry, red currants, and spiced notes. I can think of a dozen Chilean wines for half the price that out perform this example. Tasted Jan 2012.

Masi Bonacosta 2010, Valpolicella Classico

A consistently reliable red for your casual gatherings. Expect smooth tannins with notes of cherry and raspberry. A good level of acidity will pair perfectly with a wide range of food styles, but it also sips well on its own. Tasted July 2012.

Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

In previous vintages, I have found the Flat Rock Twisted to be a rip-roaring, citrus zest infused fun-to-drink patio wine. This latest edition, while no less interesting, is somewhat more restrained and perhaps fuller on the palate, which I enjoy even more. Loaded with flavour, the 2010 Twisted shows pronounced melon and stone fruit with the lemon/lime infusion still very much alive, if only slightly subdued. Serve it well chilled. Tasted Nov 2012

Château Lamothe De Haux 2010

The typically green character of the Sauvignon in the blend is nicely balanced by the other two varieties. Gooseberry and lime prelude a very clean mineral finish; subdued, in a word; less complexity implies a relaxing beverage and one for the patio this summer. I’d grab a few bottles! Tasted July 2012.

Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria

In one whiff and a quick sip, and this wine sums up a multitude of adjectives used to describe Aussie Shiraz: full, jammy, extracted, generous, concentrated… With aromas of stewed black fruit and smoked meat right off the bat, I expected something rather overblown and excessive, but in all respects, this is really quite pleasant. The palate starts off rather full but then relaxes slightly to show a good balance of the whopping 15% alcohol and acidity before the characteristicShiraz pepper spice kicks in. Some juicy blackberry and dried cranberry flavours complete the package nicely. Sip this one solo or pair with ribs on the barbi… as they say ‘down under’. Tasted Feb 2012.