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
Gilberts White Port, Doc Douro (500ml)
Douro, Portugal$10.70
White port is best served slightly chilled and this example showed interesting aromas of solvent and spice while the taste was much softer, hinting at pears and apricot. It's not as dry as the label might suggest and finishes with just a touch of sweetness before you top-up the glass for a second go. (northof9finewine.com, April 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Jim Jim (The Down Underdog) Shiraz 2008, South Australia
Australia$15.95
Very reflective of the big Aussie style; dark fruits on the nose: current and cassis, though not as much spice as one might expect of the variety. Full bodied, with great fruit and lots of chocolate; lip-smacking good wine here. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Cave Spring Chardonnay Musqué Estate 2008, VQA Beamsville Bench
Ontario, Canada$16.95
This is a clone of the traditional white Chardonnay grape and the term musqué in the name implies pronounced aromatics. Another and perhaps more familiar example is Gewürztraminer, the musqué clone of the Traminer grape. Expect a mix of minerality, citrus and a black pepper finish which lingers for at least a minute. Atypical Chardonnay for sure but really enjoyable. (northof9finewine, March 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Bodegas Felix Solis Blume Verdejo 2008, Do Rueda
Spain$12.95
This is the ‘Night Grape’ – workers harvest the Verdejo after sundown. The cooler temperature reduces the fruit’s tendency to oxidize quickly. This example shows good expression of the grape's character, though the aromas of grapefruit and gooseberry combined with this wine's richer body will surprise you. Initially lemon tart across the palate but it quickly changes to become quite mineral driven with pronounced spice on the finish. Tasted Dec 2011.
2.5 Stars
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Baron Philippe De Rothschild Viognier 2008, Pays D’oc
Languedoc, France$10.95
Over all nothing special; very mild notes of lemon and lychee fruit but it's the faint though rather noticeable presence banana on the palate followed by a hit of black pepper that prompts me to recommend this wine. (Northof9finewine, March 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Chateau Des Charmes Estate Cabernet Franc 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$12.45
Brownish red in the glass with red fruit aromas of raspberry, currants, plus dark chocolate and a slight herbaceous character which is quite typical of the variety. A bit out of sorts initially but with some open air, this 100% Cab Franc evolves nicely to reveal cherry, dried currants, and dusty tannins. A lovely combination of black pepper and strawberry sweetness lingers on the finish. Decant to breath. Tasted Dec 2011.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine Du Vieux Chai Muscadet De Sèvre Et Maine Sur Lie 2009, Ac
Loire, France$13.95
This light-bodied white is from Sevre-et-Maine, a sub-region in Loire, France. The term Sur-Lie (on lees) is a style of winemaking where the wine ages in a vat or barrel which also contains the sediment produced during the winemaking process. Normally, the clear wine is pumped off into a new barrel after which the sediment is discarded. In this example, the wine was left 'sur-lie' to absorbed additional flavour. This selection has pronounced pears and citrus notes but even more interesting is the slight effervescence or carbonation which adds a nice tingle as you sip. A good effort.
2.5 Stars
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Tolloy Pinot Noir 2008, Igt Dolomiti
Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy$12.15
This one is interesting for a couple of reasons: In Italy, Pinot Noir is also known as Pinot Nero which at the LCBO we don't see very often. The 2009 Tolloy is very much an old world wine: you will find it soft and very light in both colour and body. The fruit hides behind a very dry core of earthy notes. It was better with food than on its own.
2.5 Stars
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Rj Viñedos Pasión 4 Malbec 2008, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Argentina$11.95
This one seemed rather off; not flawed, just below the level we are used to for Malbec in this price range. I found it acidic and angular. There was some fruit but it was buried behind the overall rough edges. I'll pass on this one.
2.5 Stars
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Cumulus Rolling Shiraz 2009, Central Ranges
Australia$14.95
Rich red fruit greets you right off the top combined with some earthiness. The two actually balance each other out quite nicely. On the palate, sweetness and lots of it coats your tongue with ripe juicy fruit and a hint of spice. It is by no means a full-bodied Shiraz; the style is much lighter and very easy to drink. A bargain at this price.
2.5 Stars
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