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
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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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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Marimar Estate La Masía Don Miguel Vineyard Chardonnay 2007, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Unfiltered
California, Usa$25.95
This biodynamic wine explodes with the aroma and flavour of butter and hazelnuts. But that intensity is quickly neutralized by a lightning streak of freshly squeezed citrus and crisp mineral sensations. The butter aroma and taste are the product of ‘malo-lactic fermentation’ whereby the natural malic acid (think green apples) in the wine is converted to its lactic form – hence the softer creamy character. It can be too much for some people though this example does find a good balance. A definite shoe-in for sea food. Tasted March 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Estate Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2010
Greece$14.95
Not that I have an issue with Greek wine, but this one really caught me by surprise. Captivating from the first whiff to the very last sip. Floral delicacy with subtle tropical aromas but in no way aggressive. Just a hint of effervescence and oak lead to an uplifting and highly refreshing taste – you’ll enjoy this! Tasted Sept 2012.
3.5 Stars
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Maycas Del Limari Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Limarí Valley
Limari Valley, Chile$19.95
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
3.5 Stars
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Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
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.
3.5 Stars
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Carla Chiaro Reserve Malbec 2009, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$14.95
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.
3.5 Stars
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Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett 2006, Deutscher Prädikatswein
Mosel, Germany$17.95
Softer aromas of over-ripe melon, apricot, and hints of petrol. The obvious effervescence in the glass is barely noticeable to taste while vibrant acidity provides plenty of mouth-watering flavour. A wine like this pairs beautifully with a multitude of food styles but to be very honest, I`d enjoy it solo. Tasted Aug 2012.
3.5 Stars
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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
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Finca El Origen Gran Reserva Malbec 2010, Uco Valley, Mendoza
Mendoza, Argentina$19.95
At 14.9% alc/vol we are in the same playing field here as Amarone and the big Cali cabs. That said, a pleasant drinking experience at this level becomes a question of balance…
Densely purple in the glass with stained tears that reveal a high level of extraction. Obvious oak influence but not overpowering. Aromas include a collage of vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, and ripe berries. Full bodied, but balanced with chocolate, mocha, and dark fruit plus enough acidity to hold the package together – for the price, this Argentinean bombshell will (or should) have mass appeal. Tasted Aug 2012
3.5 Stars
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