Tyler Philp
|
Followers (20)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (380)
|
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
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
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
(0)V
Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001, Doca Rioja
Spain$39.95
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.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2004, Napa Valley
California, Usa$83.00
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)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Amarone Classico Masi Costasera 2007
Veneto, Italy$39.95
Here is a full bodied Italian style of wine that is the product of partially dried grapes - a process known as appassimento. Masi's Costasera is consistently good year after year and the '07 vintage is no exception. The nose is rather closed at this point (Oct 2011) but with an hour in the decanter, aromas of stewed fruit, chocolate, and a subtle earth/fungal notes come to life. To taste is much the same with more prunes, figs, cherry and cinnamon spice. Though the wine is quite dry, there is also a perceived sweetness; very lush and best served alongside an equally rich meal. Decant before serving or cellar and serve after 2014
3.5 Stars
(0)G
Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2009, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$18.95
Standing at the checkout in the wine shop, the two people ahead of me in line were also buying this wine – we must be on to something here…
From the Sangiovese grape, the nose is full of dark plum skin and more earth-driven aromas such as leather and cedar. Vibrantly refreshing to taste, even mouth watering; cranberry tartness and certainly delicious not to mention highly food friendly, though I could easily sip this one on its own all day! Tasted Sept 2012.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)V
Masi Costasera Amarone 2005, Venetia
Veneto, Italy$39.95
'Always good' is the best descriptor for Masi's Costasera. This one is not as robust as other vintages but still very much an enjoyable Amarone and certainly better than many of Masi's more expensive competitors. (Northof9finewine, April 2011)
3.5 Stars
(0)G