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
Château Gigault Cuvée Viva 2005, Ac Premières Côtes De Blaye
Bordeaux, France$30.00
I’ve enjoyed several vintages of ‘cuvée viva’ and have yet to be let down but this Côtes de Blaye producer. Primarily Merlot in the blend with a touch of Cab.Sauv and Cab.Franc. Expect hints of oak, black fruit and some earthiness. Reliable, traditional, and really quite nice. Cellar until 2012 or decant before serving. (northof9finewine, Jan 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Hillebrand Trius Red 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$22.95
I've had several opportunities to try this wine and I desperately want to like it. But to be very honest, it's a little too green and falls short even after a couple of years in the cellar. The hard to find '07 Trius 'Grand Red' on the other hand is absolutely stunning... Why I ask should the two wines be worlds apart? The answer, in my opinion, and since we are attempting to duplicate Bordeaux here, is that this is Trius' second label and the Grand Red is their Premier Grand Cru. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
California, Usa$99.95
One of the better Cali Cabs in this price range. Rich, jammy, and quite smooth after some breathing time. A good mix of black fruit and earth; the oak influence is obvious but certainly not overpowering. Decant 1hr before serving. (northof9finewine, Feb 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$39.95
This is good stuff! At six years old, this smooth Australian Cab is ready-to-go. A full bodied red to pair with equally full flavoured foods or even a chunk of dark chocolate by the fire on a cold winter night
3.5 Stars
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Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2008, Barossa Valley, South Australia
Australia$30.95
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)
3.5 Stars
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Lammershoek Chenin Blanc 2008, Wo Swartland
South Africa$16.14
In South Africa, Chenin is commonly referred to as Steen. This example has a slight petrol aroma initially, but it quickly fades with the open air to reveal a rich combination of honey and melon. Somewhat astringent straight out of the bottle but again, it vastly improves with some breathing time to become quite smooth with a lovely clean finish. Decant 1hour prior to serving. (Tasted Nov 2010, northof9finewine)
3.5 Stars
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Zonin Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, Doc
Veneto, Italy$39.95
I bought a few of these when it was first released in 2010 and with almost a year in the cellar, this modern Amarone is now ready to enjoy. It a big wine so you'll want to pair it with a hearty meal. Lots of fruit here and seamless tannins - lovely stewed fruit core with hints of chocolate and spice. Decant 1-2 hrs before serving. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart Of The Barossa Shiraz 2008, Barossa, South Australia
Australia$20.95
Muted nose when compared to so many other Aussies of the same variety. Rich fruit on the palate adds nicely to the chocolate and leather core. A good spicy finish tops it off. Ready to drink. (northof9finewine.com, May 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005
Portugal$16.95
The name of the wine also explains the process by which it is made. Bottling Port wine later allows the oak barrels to impart a softness to wine, making it approachable much sooner than traditional Vintage Port. LBV Port is perfect as an after dinner sipper with dessert.
Expect a viscous quality with aromas of figs and stewed black fruit. It’s rich but not ridiculously sweet with tastes of chocolate and fresh blueberries. I’ll bet you go back for another bottle. Tasted Nov 2011.
3.5 Stars
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Muga Reserva 2006, Doc Rioja
Spain$23.95
Of the five wines tasted at our Rioja session, this label was the most robust of the lot. Good combination of red and black fruit here but what really caught my attention was the pronounced black pepper notes. It will benefit from time in the cellar or should decanted well before serving with a hearty meal. Quite nice. (northof9finewine, Oct 2010)
3.5 Stars
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