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
Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough
New Zealand$18.95
Crisp and clean. Typical grassy notes.
Medium body, shows some good weight on the palate.
Good balance with medium length finish. Very enjoyable.
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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Les Vignerons Du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues Côtes Du Rhône-villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$16.95
Very nice.
Smoky oak nose.
Taste: cherry, smoky oak, and pepper.
Nice, well rounded red. Excellent balance aith a wonderful finish. Big tannins indicate that this one will sit well in the cellar for a few years.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2007, Mendoza
Argentina$13.65
Get ready for a big red. Lots of Alcohol, acid, tannin. Big and chewy.
I'd hold this one in my cellar for a few years to see what happens.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Mission Hill 5 Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2007
British Columbia, Canada$15.95
Tasty, tasty, tasty!
Fresh and alive. This wine will wake up your palate with the fresh citrus taste. Perfect acidity to keep it crisp and clean.
Long finish.
Salute the Winter Olympics with this one. This is good stuff!
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
(0)V
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
(0)G
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
(0)V
Terres D'Avignon Les Cardinalices Grande Réserve Côtes Du Rhône 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$14.95
Excellent.
Easy to drink. A real good quaffer.
Nice big red cherry taste lead to a wonderful smooth mouthfeel. Tannins balance this wine perfectly.
Easy drinking wine. Enjoyable.
Tasted: Feb 2010
3.0 Stars
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