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
Boutari Assyrtiko Santorini 2009
Santorini, Greece$15.75
I recently discovered this one while tasting wines from Greece and loved it.
Lively acidity, citrus notes supported by a mineral finish. Lovely taste. If you see this wine on the shelf, BUY IT!
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château Moncontour Tête De Cuvée Brut Sparkling Vouvray, Traditional Method, Ac, Loire, France
Loire, France$19.95
This is a lovely sparkler that won’t hurt the pocket book. Green apple notes dominate the nose. Palate offers layers of green apple, citrus, while a slight mineral edge on the finish. Great acidity, very food friendly.
(tasted August 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Mike Weir Riesling 2008, VQA Niagara On The Lake
Ontario, Canada$18.25
I first tasted this wine in a blind taste as part of a midterm wine exam I recently took and was so intrigued with it I ordered a case the next day. I’d go broke pretty quick if all Rieslings tasted like this one.
Highlighted by big, lively, crisp acidity rarely tasted to this degree and a mineral backbone this wine is in a class of its own and a steal at under $15. Extremely food friendly. A great buy if you can still find it.
3.0 Stars
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Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
California, Usa$22.95
The chardonnays from California that I have tasted often have too much oak influence. Not overdoing the oak adds a wonderful complexity to the wine. This wine a fine example of excellent balance between the fruit and oak.
Straw yellow colour in the glass. Nose offers citrus and floral notes with a hint of vanilla. Medium / full body. Complex taste notes begin with green apple, pear, and a hint if citrus. The vanillin oak influence follows in perfect balance. A citrus finish leads to a long and savoury finish. Delicious
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2007, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
Dark purple colour in the glass. Nose offers cherry, plum and vanilla notes. As expected with Chianti, high acidity which supports the fruits and supple, integrated tannins. Medium to full body. Long finish. A very good Chianti classico.
(tasted August 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Red Knot Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$18.05
This is a general list wine at the LCO, meaning that rather than found in the "Vintages" section of the store, it is found in the Australian wine isle and should be available year round.
As expected this is a big, fruit forward Australian red wine. Juicy, ripe cherry notes backed by hints of vanilla. Moderate tannins and finish.
A nice BBQ wine ... throw on some angus burgers and enjoy!
Cheers!
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Sampietrana Tacco Barocco Primitivo 2008, Igt Salento
Puglia, Italy$14.95
Very rustic. Primitivo is Italy’s Zin and like it's counterpart, this is a good wine to open when having a BBQ. Pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, hickory smoked ribs or my favourite, grilled Italian sausages.
Red cherry, tobacco, spices dominate the nose and palate. Medium body, nice balance and best of all, very affordable.
(tasted August 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Fielding Estate Rosé 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Pink colour in the glass. Aromas of fresh raspberries, cherry, and strawberries. Crisp and fresh on the palate, delicious red berry fruit flavours. A refreshing glass that pairs well with the dog days of summer.
(tasted Aug 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Éric Texier Vaison La Romaine Côtes De Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$13.95
I try not to let price interfere with my judgement of a wine but it's hard to do when it is such a great value. Éric Texier Vaison La Romaine is a steal, you get a lot of bang for the buck. It's ready to open right now and enjoy!
Black cherry, black pepper, spices on the palate. Goes good with a BBQ'ed hamburger. Lovely lingering finish. Good stuff!
(tasted July 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Nk'mip Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2007, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$31.95
It's hard to put into words a description of this wine that will do it justice. It’s one of those wines that come along every now and then that just blow me away.
Rich, ripe and jammy red cherry and plum fruit notes. Hints of cedar and cigar box along with black pepper spice and vanilla notes. Complex and compelling on the palate. Tannins are still a bit grippy, if you can resist the temptation to open it now and give this wine a few years cellaring time you will be rewarded.
A signature example of a "Hot Climate" Canadian wine.
(tasted July 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V