Gary Killops
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Reviews (280)
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Growing up in Essex County most of life I really wasn’t aware that there were so many local wineries producing such good wine. My first introduction to an Essex County wine that I can recall was way back in the early 80’s when Colio wine was the only local winery that I had ever heard of. At weddings it was often Colio wine that was found on the table.
Several years ago Wanda and I took a tour of several wineries in the Niagara Region. This sparked our interest in Ontario wines. Up until that time my perception was that good wines only came from California, France, Italy, and maybe Australia. It didn’t take me long to find out that I was wrong. Grapes grown in Ontario produced some of the best wines I have ever tasted.
After the Niagara tour Wanda and I decided to check out the wineries in our own backyard. It didn’t take us very long to discover one of Ontario’s biggest secrets. Wines produced in Southwestern Ontario (Essex County) are just as good and often even better than wines we have tasted from around the world.
Reviews
Château De St. Preignan 2005, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc
Languedoc, France$12.35
OK, it is a little bit hard around the edges and has some hottest that is from the spicy (not the alcohol).
I was a bit dissappointed with this one right now has it just isn't a wine that comes together in one balanced package.
Nose is not overwelming, has some spice and tobacco.
Taste, lots of spicy from the syrah. Not worth waiting for a few more years to see how this one cellers but if you buy this one. Celler it, do not open now. Give it a chance.
3.0 Stars
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Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve 2008, VQA Pelee Island
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Reviewing the 2008 Vintage Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve.
This is a wonderful premimum wine at a not so premimum price. If I owned a restaurant, this is one of the wines I would have on my wine list. It’s affordable and will pair well with most meals.
Keep in mind that Pelee has three Pinot Noir labels. There is this one, the Reserve, a VQA Ontario red label bottle and a NON VQA Cellered in Canada blend. Buy the reserve!
Nose is not overwelming, but most Ontario Pinot Noir’s arn’t anyway. Some hints of earth, soil, and oak.
Great balance, making this a nice smooth wine. Mild tannins on the finish. Noted flavours of strawberries, earth and oak in the taste.
This one is currently available at Pelee Island’s retail store in Kingsville. Now also available at the LCBO, would make an excellent LCBO Vintages selection.
3.0 Stars
Colio Cev Barrel Aged Reserve Merlot 2002, VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$16.25
The 2005 Vintage is currently available at LCBO Vintages. (tasted May 2010)
This is one complex wine that is deserving of all of the awards it has one.
Complex primary and seconday nose and taste: Leather, raisins, plums, black cherry, toasted oak with just the right amount of tannin.
This is a big bordeaux style wine, big and chewy and oh so good!
Pair with a nice roats beef meal to fully enjoy.
Available at the winery and at selected LCBO Vintage locations. BUY this one, it is the good stuff!!
3.0 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
A classic Alsacian style riesling made right here in Ontario.
Nose offers citrus and mineral (petrol) notes.
Taste is much the same. Those looking for that classic taste of "petrol" in a riseling will find it here.
Wonderful long finish. Exceptional riesling that will impress.
3.0 Stars
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Pelee Island Riesling Dry 2008, Ontario VQA
Ontario, Canada$11.95
A nice simple easy going wine offered at a very good price.
While it didn’t knock my socks off, this Riesling fit the bill as a nice patio sipper or cocktail wine for a social event.
Light pear colour, nose has some floral hints.
Taste begins with some sweet honey, followed by lots of tangy citrus flavour, lemons and limes were noted causing a little bitterness near the finish.
This is a lovely sipping wine.
3.0 Stars
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Nederburg Shiraz 2006, Western Cape
South Africa$11.95
The 2008 Vintage is currently available. that is what I had and that is what this review relates to.
A friend drop by yesterday, I invited him for dinner. It was the first real sign of spring here in Southwestern Ontario so I was outside BBQ steaks.
His wine selection for a steak BBQ was very good! This is a good wine and at a price point that makes it even better. (LCBO website indicates the 2008 vintage is $ 10.95.
Moderate nose of oak, smoke and spice.
Taste pretty mush is a mirror of this with extra notes going to the smokiness. Some cherry also noted in the taste.
3.0 Stars
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Seifried Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Nelson, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
I tasted this Pinot shortly after tasting a fruity pinot.
This one is much more earthy, forest floor nose and taste. I also picked up some cherry in the taste.
Very interestin Pinot Noir.
3.0 Stars
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Ortas Tradition Rasteau 2008, Ac Côtes Du Rhône Villages
Rhône, France$17.95
This is a very good wine. (Tasted Jan 9th, 2009 - release date)
Very smooth with a nice velvet mouthfeel. Cherry and pepper taste. Paired very nice with the big old juicy BBQ burger that I had.
Good value for $15.
3.0 Stars
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Cazes L'excellence De Triniac 2005, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Latour De France
Languedoc, France$14.40
An outstanding red. Found this one at my local LCBO Vintages. Enjoyed it so much I returned to buy the rest of their stock on hand.
Nose is full of herbs, spices, and blueberries.
The palate gushes with cherry and blueberries. Nice firm tannins on the finish. Very nice balance.
Pairs well with red meats cooked on a grill.
3.0 Stars
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Pierre Sparr Réserve Gewurztraminer 2008, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$18.95
Gewurztraminer is not my "go to" wine but this one could have me changing my mind.
Light yellow colour in the glass. Aromas of white flowers and classic lychee.
On the palate this wine dry, medium to full bodied and offers terrific balance. Lycee, apricot and lime notes. Lovely long finish.
3.0 Stars
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