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
Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$16.95
Impressive Rioja Tempranillo. Aromas of new oak, smoke, and cedar dominate the dark berry fruit notes.
Taste follows the same line. Medium to full body, dry, soft, velvety tannins lead to a moderate length finish. Priced under $18 in Ontario LCBO's this wine offers great value.
(tasted November 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Sarda Malet Réserve Côtes Du Roussillon 2007, Ac
Languedoc, France$17.95
You would have to go about as far south as one could go to find this winery. Deep southern climate shows in this wine. Ripe black berry, cherry, and spice notes, along with hints of chocolate.
You will notice the heat on the palate with this one, (14.8%).
Despite the high alcohol it is fairly well balanced by the ripe fruit notes. a bit astringent and bitter on the finish.
Suggest cellaring to see where this one goes.
(tasted Sept 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Lily Lily Sparkling
Ontario, Canada$17.95
At a recent Windsor / Essex Ontario Wine Society tasting the theme was sparkling wine. Colio’s Lily surprised the members attending who in a blind judging tasting voted Colio sparkling wine as their favourite. Considering another wines in the blind tasting was a 2002 vintage house Veuve Clicquot Champagne currently selling at the LCBO for $88.95 this was quite a feat.
Colio’s Lily is 100% Riesling. Like Sekt, a sparkling wine from Germany, it too is often made using the Riesling. The majority of Sekt is made by the Charmat method just like Colio’s Lilly.
Crisp and clean with lively acidity, apple and citrus fruit notes and a super buy at under $16. Perfect for any special occasion or with Sunday brunch!
3.0 Stars
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Récolte Du Domaine Voarick Mercurey Clos Paradis 1er Cru 2005, Ac
Burgundy, France$28.95
This is one excellent Pinot. Much more fruity than I was expecting. Both nose and taste offer sweet cherry. Tannins on the back end are wonderful.
All round this is excellent from start to the long finish.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Peller Estates Chardonnay 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$10.95
Found this one at our local LCBO here in Windsor. The price caught my attention. Anytime i see a VQA wine priced under $10 it catches my attention.
This is a very good chardonnay. Don't let the mild aromas fool you. Starts with citrus, and pineapple followed by a nice little bite near the finish. The bottle doesn't say that this wine is oaked .... but I believe it is. Not a big oak taste but it is there.
3.0 Stars
(0)G
Codorníu Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Cava, Spain, Traditional Method
Penedès, Spain$12.75
Very good bubbly.
A nice refreshing sipper to start off the evening. Raspberry and strawberry fruits on the taste.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Trimbach Riesling 2007, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$21.95
Very / Excellent.
I wasn't disappointed with this wine even as it approached the $20 price point. Serve this one to your wine snob friends, they will be impressed!
Nose: mineral / petrol with a hint of citus.
Taste: dry white, with a nice zing of acidity. Citrus, (lemon and orange) upfront, nice mineral balance. taste petrol need the end.
Long finish.
Tasted: Feb 2010
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Château De Fontenelles Cuvée Notre Dame 2007, Ac Corbières
Languedoc, France$16.95
(Nov 19, 2009)
Very tasty, juicy red wine.
Hints of pepper, spice, and herbs on the nose.
Taste is juicy fruits such as plums and cherry. The pepper notes follow in the taste.
Nice balance. Mellow tannins. nice and easy syrah blend to sip on.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Maculan Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Breganze
Veneto, Italy$14.95
Lip snack'n good stuff. Lemon, lime, fresh cut melons with a good punch of acidity to support a nice long finish.
Perfect on these hot, hunid days on summer. Chill and serve.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Malivoire Gamay 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
This is one easy drinking, delicious Ontario wine.
Nose shows fresh red fruit flavours. Taste is a wonderful balance of fruits, oak, acidity and light tannins.
Finish is long and enjoyable.
Not too many local wineries in my area (Lake Erie North Shore) region of Ontario are making a Gamay wine. They should if they can make one like this.
This was a January 9th Vintages release, checked online and noted two bottles were still available at one of our local Vintages LCBO's. Picked up the last two. What a treat they were. I plan to visit Malivoire Winery next month to buy more.
3.0 Stars
(0)V