Tyler Philp

Emilio Lustau East India Solera Sherry, Do Jerez (375ml)

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!

Celler De Capçanes Mas Donís Barrica Old Vines 2007, Do Montsant

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.

Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2006

With a few years in the cellar, this South Australian gels perfectly to deliver a solid but balanced dose of black fruit, spice and smoke. This is a big wine but it's not over-extracted like so many Aussie Reds. Enjoy with beef tenderloin and a creamy peppercorn sauce.

Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia

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)

Masi Costasera Amarone 2006, Veneto

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.

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.

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 Huet Vouvray Le Haut Lieu 2007, Ac

Review of the 2009 vintage:
The lime filled aromas only hint at what the palate has to offer. Racy acidity assaults your taste buds in the most pleasing way imaginable, and it becomes increasingly more impressive by the sip as the air begins to soften the citrus infusion bringing to the surface mineral notes and a more softer honeyed tone. Stunning wine and one to hold for several years. Tasted Dec 2011

Graham's 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Dop, Portugal (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.