Tyler Philp

Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2007, Mendoza

A combination of black cherry and plum with a touch of spice that pulls it together nicely. Light to medium body with a juicy sweet core and clean acidity that will pair very well with a variety of food choices.

Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2009, Edra's Vineyard, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Somewhere between Kabinett and Spätlese in terms of style, this Niagara Riesling has an expressive nose of classic lemon/lime while the taste is off-dry but still very clean with a faint expression of minerality. I understand the winemaker has also included just a touch of Icewine in the recipe too… neat!

Farnese Daunia Sangiovese 2010, Abruzzo

Someone once told me that when the fancy $$$ bottles are empty at ritzy Rosedale functions, they refill them with Farnese and no one can tell the difference... fact or fiction, you decide but my opinion of this wine remains unchanged: this is a very good bottle of wine for the money and simply put, it’s an unbeatable deal. Expect a smooth, medium bodied feel with lots of fruit.

Concha Y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Central Valley

Mouth puckering Sauvignon, if not slightly aggressive (for my taste). Pronounced citrus and tropical notes plus the classic lemon grass/herbal character which is somewhat overshadowed by the lip-smacking acidity. Everyone else in the room seemed to enjoy it, so…

Tasted April 2012.

Aya Charming 2010, Alentejano

A blend of Casteloa, Trincadeira, Aragones and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Bright ruby in the glass with red fruit and baking spices on the nose. The taste is ‘juicy’ in a word, ‘refreshing’ for another; fresh cranberries and currants; slightly tart, which I like. Surprisingly light in both colour and body but full of lip-smackingly good taste. Sip this one solo or pair with a tomato based dish on the weekend. Enjoy slightly chilled for maximum pleasure. Tasted March 2012.

Seaglass Riesling 2011, Monterey County

This is the only California Riesling available in the LCBO General List. Floral soap aromas with subtle citrus notes cling to an uplifting light body and flavours of key lime pie. Easy drinking, off-dry, and very non-assuming - enjoy it for what it is. Tasted Mar 2012.

Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel 2008, Paso Robles

$25 - Are you serious?! If it was priced correctly at say, $12, I wouldn't even comment, but... Nope, I'm not even gonna go there. You can decide for yourself.
Tasted June 2012.

Ca' Dei Mandorli La Bellalda Barbera D'asti 2010, Docg Piedmont

This particular Barbera boasts aromas of bright red fruit and a funky new raincoat smell; the palate is slightly sharp, but in a good way; cherry and plum skin, a subtle spice as well, though it's the SweetTart candy finish that has me returning for a second glass.
The clean, fresh acidity will pair perfectly with tomato-based sauces and rich flavoured pasta dished. Chill slightly before serving. Tasted July 2012.

Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2010, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley

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.

Lindemans Bin 40 Merlot 2010

Soft, fruity, and easy drinking; basic but enjoyable as a casual sipper.