Tyler Philp

Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2007, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Ontario's Hidden Bench hit the nail right on the head in 2007 with their Estate Chardonnay. The exceptional vintage conditions in Ontario that year allowed both red and white varietals to ripen to their full potential laying the path to a great wine by any standard. There is a soft oakiness to this Chardonnay; a touch of the old-world with some refreshing notes of the new. While quite full on the palate, this wine has some soft citrus notes that follow up its traditional oaked style. You could easily pair this with a delicate white fish and I will confidently say that it even has the stuffing the accent your holiday turkey feast.

Domaine Des Bernardins Muscat De Beaumes De Venise 2009, Ac, Vin Doux Naturel

Pale tawny-orange colour in the glass and incredibly fragrant; aromas of orange peel and apricot with a slightly solvent scent but in the most positive way imaginable. There is an initial combination of sweetness and clarity that quickly fades to a delicious creamy finish that lasts indefinitely. This is nowhere near as sweet as one would expect which is certain to appeal to a wider audience. Do not over chill. Tasted again Aug 2012.

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.

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

Malivoire Mottiar Chardonnay 2008, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Exceptional Chardonnay and arguably the top wine in Malivoire's line-up. The oak influence is obvious on the nose but very well integrated. A citrus crispness is balanced by a soft and roundness to the body of this wine. Comparable to a much more expensive Côte du Beaune. Lovely! (northof9finewine, March 2011)

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.

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.

Remo Farina Monte Fante Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004, Doc

Where to start… a carrousel of aroma and flavour spinning in perfect harmony with layer after layer of cassis, cocoa and spice. The hint of cherry-chocolate sweetness is immediately followed by the most incredible black pepper finish; an expensive bottle but you really should try this!

Graham's 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro Valley (500ml)

This is really nice tawny and the 500ml bottle is perfect for sitting by the fire with your sweetie! There is an initial bite that some people like (I don't) but it smooths out beautifully in the glass. And if there is any left the next day, it tastes like the Graham's 30 which is absolute perfection in a bottle if you ever have a chance to buy one.

Try this tawny at room temperature with milk chocolate.