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
Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000
Douro, Portugal$15.85
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.
4.0 Stars
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Domaine La Grappe D'or Pouilly Fumé 2008, Ac
Loire, France$23.95
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)
4.0 Stars
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Masi Costasera Amarone 2006, Veneto
Veneto, Italy$41.95
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.
4.0 Stars
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Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Australia$30.95
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)
4.0 Stars
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Emilio Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Do Jerez (375ml)
Andalusia, Spain$16.95
My wife makes the best French Onion Soup on the planet and this is the secret... add a half cup of Lustau East India Sherry to the broth. I actually have no idea what this stuff tastes like on its own, but in the soup... OMG!
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Ruffino Greppone Mazzi Brunello Di Montalcino 2004, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$49.95
Brunello is one of the ‘Big Italians’ and a clone of the Sangiovese grape common in Italy’s Chianti region. The main difference is one of climate, for in Montalcino, Brunello achieves a greater degree of ripeness. Expect a big wine with smooth tannins and full of dark cherry, raspberry, and chocolate. You can enjoy this one now by decanting but it will also continue to evolve over the next 5 years in the cellar. (northof9finewine.com, May 2011)
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château La Confession 2006, Ac Saint émilion
Bordeaux, France$62.00
Surprisingly concentrated in term of body and colour; I expected something lighter from the`06 vintage. Nose of blackberry and currants but a bit sharp on the palate. There is lots of potential here but give it a year or two in the cellar to develop. Hold until 2012 (Tasted Jan 2011, northof9finewine)
4.0 Stars
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Warre's Otima Tawny 20 Ans (500ml)
Portugal$39.95
I’ve been drinking this barrel-aged port for several years but have always had to purchase out-of-province so it’s nice to finally see the 20-year Warre’s at the LCBO. Next to Kopke, Warre’s is the oldest brand of port; I believe the house was established in 1670! This wine shows a lovely nose of figs, raisin, and apricot. A slight orange-peel tang greets you on the palate but it quickly fades in the glass to show that great tawny smoothness. You’ll enjoy this! (northof9finewine.com, May 2011)
4.0 Stars
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Torres Floralis Moscatel Oro, Spain (500ml)
Spain$16.95
An intriguing golden tawny colour, this is a sweet Spanish dessert wine that shows aromas of white flowers, honey, and candied apricots. It’s full and intense on the palate with an interesting tea flavour on the finish. It will warm you from the inside out as the cold weather approaches.
I don’t normally comment on the appearance of the bottle but this one is really eye-catching and will make a lovely hostess gift as we near the holiday season.
4.0 Stars
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Celler De Capçanes Mas Donís Barrica Old Vines 2007, Do Montsant
Spain$16.95
It takes some time to open in the glass, but with an hour of air, this blend of Syrah and mostly Garnacha displays aromas of dark fruit, cinnamon stick and a hint of graphite. It mellows across the palate showing a lovely dark cocoa powder dryness initially followed by a juicy dark cherry freshness. Decant before serving to breath. Tasted alongside pork tenderloin and then again with a chocolate dessert - It works both ways. March 2012.
4.0 Stars
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