Tyler Philp

Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Limarí Valley

There is an uplifting character to this Chilean Syrah (Shiraz). It is loaded with all the classic characteristics but retains a degree of freshness at the same time. Dark fruit (blackberry and cherry) combine with chocolate and spice on the palate; this will pair with the more pronounced flavours of the holiday meal. Tasted Nov 2012

Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island

Reminds me of the Shower Massage commercial with the stodgy old fart; this wine too will awake your senses. Sauvignon Blanc fortissimo: grassy and herbal with loads of grapefruit; sour and bitter at the same time while only hinting at sweetness on the finish; laser focused acidity. Try it with Asian cuisine but avoid any salads that are vinegar based. Tasted July 2012.

Graham's Late Bottled Vintage Port 2005

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.

Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza

A good value Argentinean red that will give back much more than you have invested. Rich ripe black fruit such as blue and blackberry on the nose while the palate is by no means heavy; vibrant plum skin, balanced oak and a touch of spice - delicious. The clean acidity will cut through the weight of heavier food styles and sauces. Tasted July 2012.

Falernia Reserva Syrah 2007, Elquí Valley

A fantastic earthy nose misleads you, for the palate shows great red fruit and the perfect amount of acidity. Lots of extraction during the winemaking process has created a deep, dark, and full flavoured Syrah. Enjoy it with ribs on the bbq. (northof9finewine.com, June 2011)

K W V Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Western Cape

So many people look past the South African section of the wine shop for something more familiar, but this label is a good reason to make an unscheduled stop. A medium bodied Cab to pair with a hearty meal this weekend. The weight of the food will soften the tannins in the wine. Expect a mix of dark cherry and blackberry fruit with an earthy complexity and a touch of mint on the finish. Tasted Jan 2012.

Decant this wine an hour before serving.

Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2004, Napa Valley

The Clos du Val SLD finish third at the North of 9 California Cab tasting.
This was good, but I expected much more. An old-world cab by comparison to so many others from the region. A deep rich red colour and an earthiness greet you initially; mushroom and truffle - the fruit is there but it`s rather subdued. I enjoyed this but I was looking for something rounder on the palate. Decant 2-3 hrs before serving. (Tasted June 2010, Northof9finewine)

Château Gigault Cuvée Viva 2005, Ac Premières Côtes De Blaye

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)

Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja

This is one of the nicest bottles of Rioja that I have ever tasted. Absolutely classic in terms of style, velvety smooth with rich flavours of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of spice on the finish. The fruit is not overpowering. Instead, Bodega Valdemar perfectly balances the finesse of the old-world with the intensity of the new. I would be very surprised to hear that someone did not thoroughly enjoy this Gran Reserva.

Hillebrand Trius Red 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula

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)