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
Domaine Du Chardonnay Chablis 2009, Ac
Burgundy, France$19.95
Chablis is a key component of the Burgundy region. It sits slightly higher in terms of latitude than the Côte de Beaune where Chardonnay is traditionally oak influenced. Chablis however is primarily unoaked and this example clearly demonstrates the region’s clean lines and mineral driven finesse. Lemon-lime freshness combines with green-apple and a good amount of minerality through to the finish. Quite nice. Tasted Feb 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2008, Limarí Valley
Chile$18.95
This Chilean wine spent 10 months in French oak which imparts to the wine a softer, rounder body and feeling on the palate. It is not as aggressive as say, a Californian oaked Chard. Think of the style as somewhere between Meursault and Chablis in terms of buttery richness vs. minerality. Quite nice.
3.5 Stars
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Belje Grasevina 2009, Suho Vrhunsko
Croatia$16.95
The most widely planted white grape variety in Croatia is Graševina. It is also known as Welchriesling in Austria and is of no relation to the traditional Rieslings from Alsace and Germany that we are more familiar with.
The nose is filled with a combination of floral and stone mineral notes intertwined with an unusual honeyed sort of apricot twist. As it rolls across your palate, the slightly exotic taste is clean, refreshing and finishes with just a touch of spice. Serve this well chilled and enjoy it with cold salads. Tasted Feb 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Domaine Bernard Defaix Côte De Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2008, Ac
Burgundy, France$31.95
Chablis is a satellite of the French appellation of Burgundy. The Chardonnay here has a pronounced minerality and freshness when compared to its buttery counterparts in the Côte de Beaune. This premier cru will benefit from 2 to 5 years in the cellar over which it will develop a fullness on the palate to balance out the crisp acidity right now. Aged Chablis is always worth the wait.
3.5 Stars
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Malivoire Gewürztraminer 2009, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$20.25
Gewurtz does well in relatively cool climates and judging by the quality of this wine, the Niagara peninsula has just the right qualities; Lovely aromatics and classic on the palate with just a touch of spice on the finish. Highly recommended. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Montecillo Reserva 2006, Rioja
Spain$17.95
Balance is key here (the wood can overpower) and Montecillo has achieved perfect harmony in their 2006. Red fruit abounds: raspberry and cherry; a touch of smoke; the oak is present but in no way intrusive; perhaps just a hint of caramel - lovely. The tannins are like velvet with a juicy sweet core and a lingering finish. I’ve paid much more for wine of this quality – is one bottle enough? Tasted April 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Tedeschi Amarone Della Valpolicella 2007, Doc
Veneto, Italy$42.95
The '07 Amarone is the best I have tasted from the this house. Ultra concentrated in the glass showing aromas of raisin, fig, rich blackberry, and chocolate. To taste is divine... mouth-coating flavour and intensity; no edge whatsoever and ready to drink right now. Outstanding with a bite of milk chocolate. Tasted Nov 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Riesling 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
How about a top-notch off-dry Riesling… We do this very well in Ontario as Tawse demonstrates with this beautifully balanced example from the 2010 vintage. A fruit forward, clean, and very food friendly style with just a touch of sweetness. Pair it with an Asian dish or with a salad topped with spice rubbed chicken. Tasted Jan 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Vidal Fleury 2009, Cotes Du Rhone
Rhône, France$15.75
From the oldest continually operating winery in France’s great Rhône region, this estate is owned by the famous Guigal family but is operated as an independent firm. This medium-full bodied red is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan and offers up dark fruit aromas which are matched by generous fresh fruit on the palate and perfect amount of pepper on the finish.
At this price, you can buy some to enjoy now and a few bottles to cellar as well. Try it with beef tenderloin drizzled with a creamy peppercorn sauce. Tasted March 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer 2009, Alsace
Alsace, France$16.95
Alsace tends to craft a softer and more classical version of Gewurztraminer; this one is off dry but certainly not sweet; lychee with pronounced floral and herb aromas integrate nicely with the roundness of the flavour profile. This is a wine that you can sip solo or with lunch on the weekend. Tasted Jan 2012.
3.5 Stars
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