Tyler Philp
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Reviews (380)
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Tyler is a member of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada and the Guild of Sommeliers. He writes about and reviews wine both online and via a variety of circulating publications.
In 2009 Tyler founded a free online wine education resource where he publishes his Thoughts, Theory, and Recommendations.
In the pages below, you will find a summary of my tasting notes to supplement much of the written material that I provide. Should I taste a wine and subsequently review that label, I do so because it offers something unique or of interest such as noted varietal or regional character.
My written articles and educational resource material can be found at www.tylerphilp.com and here at WineAlign via the CRU page.
For additional vinous related information and learning, follow on Twitter @TylerOnWine
Reviews
Flat Rock Cellars Twisted 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$16.95
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
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Lamothe De Haux 2010
Bordeaux, France$14.95
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.
3.0 Stars
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Plunkett Fowles Stone Dwellers Shiraz 2008, Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria
Victoria, Australia$19.95
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.
3.0 Stars
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Hardys Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer 2011, Southeastern Australia
Australia$9.95
Always a pleasure to sip and simply unavoidable at this price. A nice balance of sweetness and acidity. The Gewürztraminer adds an element of spice to the off dry character of the Riesling. Tasted July 2012.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Brokenwood Cricket Pitch 2009, South Eastern Australia
Australia$19.95
Bright, juicy, and fresh. A medium-bodied blend of Cab. Sauv, Merlot, and Shiraz that shows aromas of blueberry, raspberry and dried leaves. Nowhere near as heavy as so many Aussie efforts, and actually a refreshing change. The package finishes with just a hint of sweetness. A pleasant red to sip on its own or to pair with burgers / ribs on the bbq as the weather warms up. Tasted March 2012.
3.0 Stars
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Pierre Sparr Réserve Pinot Gris 2009, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$14.95
One of the better Pinot Gris products that I have tasted recently. Aromas of very ripe stone fruit such as apricot and peach followed by a rather full mouth-feel due to the lower than expected minerality. The finish brings to mind interesting tastes of orange creamsicle – remember buying those from the Dickey Dee guy? Tasted May 2012.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Tommasi Arele Appassimento 2009, Igt Veronese
Veneto, Italy$18.95
By dehydrating the fruit (appassimento), much of the water content is removed resulting in a wine of higher concentration. The most famous example of this style is Amarone which is dried for several months. Tommasi has used a shorter duration of appassimento for their Arele and for only a portion of the fruit in this blend of Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, Oseleta and Merlot. The culmination exhibits a wonderful juicy sweet cherry and chocolate core followed by hints of red apple skin and spice notes on the finish. At a fraction of the price of the great Amarone, this is ready to drink, though I did find it even better the next day. Decant 1-2 hrs before and serve slightly chilled. Tasted April 2012.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2010, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley
Washington, Usa$19.95
For those who prefer their Riesling with a touch of verve, this is your wine. Obvious effervescence in the glass hints at the potential for residual sugar while that same degree of sparkle carries through to an uplifting texture on the palate - though the sweetness doesn’t stand a chance against the wave of mouth-watering acidity [insert random martial arts exclamation here]! Copious amounts of green apple and lime zest quickly follow-up, and while my personal taste is for a Riesling of somewhat softer and arguably more restraint, the roomful of people present while I tasted this wine unanimously down-voted my opinion.
If you don’t care for the wine (and I’m told that view is preposterous) the label is certain to play up to the cartoon-loving kid in you. So don your Yi Fu and crack open this action-packed bottle with finger foods or as a compliment almost any dish. Tasted Oct 2012.
3.0 Stars
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Darting Dürkheimer Nonnengarten Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2011, Deutscher Prädikatswein
Pfalz, Germany$17.95
Ripe stone fruit with a creamy richness; stewed peaches, lychee(ish), and a hint of spice that grabs you mid-palate. The 10.5% alc/vol allows for the residual sweetness and there is the slightest amount of effervescence, though barely detectable in terms of texture. A touch more acidity would benefit, but this suffices nicely as a light, simple, and unassuming sipper. Serve well chilled. Tasted Sept 2012.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
De Bortoli Emeri Pink Moscato, South Eastern Australia
Australia$16.99
This just might be the perfect wine for Mother’s Day. A mix of strawberries and ginger ale on the nose followed by a refreshingly light and uplifting palate of candied cherry and lemon notes. The alcohol is only 8% so you can sip this fizzy rosé all afternoon. Oie! with a delicate touch.
Tasted May 2012.
3.0 Stars
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