Tyler Philp

Domaine La Grappe D'or Pouilly Fumé 2008, Ac

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)

Sandeman Vau Vintage Port 2000

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.

Ascheri Vigna Dei Pola Barolo 2005, Docg

The 2000 version of Ascheri's Vigna dei Pola was voted top wine at the North of 9 Fine Wine Barolo tasting last March. Italy's Barolo is a product of the Nebbiolo grape and wines from the 2005 vintage will benefit from at least 7-10 years in the bottle. Vigna dei Pola is aged as separate components in large Slovenian oak, new barriques, and stainless steel and then rejoined before bottling. Expect a big wine which is surprisingly light in colour filled with red fruit, subtle earthy notes, and a touch of spice. Cellar it until 2012 - It's worth the wait.

Studert Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2007, Prädikatswein

I have yet to serve this wine to someone who does not enjoy it. The spätlese (late harvest) designation indicates a greater degree of ripeness and therefore higher sugar level at harvest. That however, does not mean that the resultant wine is necessarily sweeter, and this is a brilliant example of exactly that.

Clean, fresh and lively with the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Round in the mouth and slightly herbal for a moment before tastes of honey and apricot linger indefinitely. A stunning wine that will keep you returning for more. Tasted again April 2012.

Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant 2006, California

But for the pronounced black pepper spice on the finish, this wine is not unlike a high end Pinot Noir. I was chatting with founder and winemaker Randall Grahm online the other day and expressed exactly those thoughts to which he responded: “Cool. I can confess just between us that with every wine I make what I really want to be making is pinot noir.”
Transparency is the key here. Don’t expect a stylistic, over-blown California red; this reflects another place and another time. Earth-driven aromas intertwine with cinnamon and cherry. Across the palate, a medium body filled with cherry, raspberry, cracked pepper, and sage all demonstrate purity and clean lines. Nothing is masked by artificial additives or industrial meddling; this is a fantastic bottle of wine intended for those who prefer to think while they drink! Tasted Dec 2011.

Alain Hudelot Noellat Chambolle Musigny 2005, Ac

Lovely Chambolle and a clear demonstration that even at the village level, when Burgundy gets it right, nothing else can compare. Elegantly ageing red in the decanter showing only minimal signs of maturity at 7 years; subtle red fruit and spice on the nose and a juicy palate of raspberry and cherry sensations. The fruit intertwines beautifully with the a hint of spice on the lasting finish.
If you have this label in your cellar, now is the time - Absolutely stunning! Tasted again Sept 2012.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley

The effect of time on this wine is tremendous; give it a couple of years in the cellar or decant 2-3 hours before serving.
You can expect a full bodied but balanced dose of black fruit, spice and smoke. This is a big wine but it is not over-extracted. Very enjoyable with grilled meat on a special occasions. Tasted July 2012.

Castello Di Nipozzano Mormoreto 2005, Igt Toscana

I have enjoyed this wine (in previous vintages) on several occasions. Toscana IGT indicates this is a ‘SuperTuscan’ made with grapes not traditional to the Italy’s Tuscany region. This is high-end Frescobaldi and you will not be disappointed but don’t rush into this one, it needs 3 -5 years to find its sweet spot. Over time, the tannins will soften and the fruit will integrate to become full bodied and velvety smooth.

Moulin Touchais Coteaux Du Layon 1996, Coteaux Du Layon

This Loire icon is for the serious wine enthusiast. Still in its youth in terms of approachability right now. Notes of petrol are not unusual with this style of wine but it fades with age bringing honey, almond extract, and apricot. The wine is not as sweet as you might expect and if you do open the '96 anytime soon, do so the day before you intend to drink it. You will be amazed by the difference 24 hrs will make.

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2009, Igt Toscana

Deeply rich, ink staining colour with an intising nose of plum, blackcurrant, and herbs. The initial taste demonstrates the intensity of the Sangiovese while reflecting the softness of the Merlot in the blend. A slightly hollow mid-palate left me wondering if the Tuscan IGT might be experiencing at a lull at the moment, but the flavours returned for a lasting finish. I recommend cellaring this until 2014. Tasted Nov 2012