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
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, California
California, Usa$18.00
Tried this wine while on vacation in Florida. Bought it down there for about half the price LCBO is selling it for and amd glad I did.
It is good, but not worth $20.
Has some good flavours, blackberry, cherry, oak and leather but all some a little faded or light. Just nothing to get too excited about.
For around $12 this would be ok ... for $20 I was expecting better than this.
3.0 Stars
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Delas Frères Saint Esprit Côtes Du Rhône 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$16.95
A wine that was easy to enjoy. Tasted 5 Feb, 2010 on the eve before release at LCBO Vintages.
This is a wonderful blend of Syrah and Grenache. Balance and harmony working together.
Nose has some nice plum notes, nothing complex very enjoyable.
Taste is where the treat is. While much softer than I expected, I liked it this way. Notes some plums, strawberry and red licorice flavours. Very mild tannins which tells me to drink now.
Although it would pair well with a nice roast this one is soft enough to enjoy by itself.
3.0 Stars
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Vignerons De Roaix, Roaix Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$13.95
I have been enjoying quite a few southern Rhone wines lately. This one was good, but not one of the better ones.
Interesting, complex nose. Cherry, tobacco, and oak.
Taste of over ripe fruits and a bit bitter.
3.0 Stars
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D'arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$14.95
Oooh, I like it that way.
The nose is ripe, maybe just a litle too ripe. Plums, cherries, blueberrys, spicy .... there is a lot going on here.
Taste: Yummy stuff.
Nice body (talking about the wine).
Lots of spice mixed with some oak. I'm buying more of this one.
3.0 Stars
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Delheim Pinotage 2008, Wo Simonsbeg Stellenbosch
South Africa$15.75
Hints of nail polish, rubber on the nose and taste. Odd stuff that needs an acquired taste to really enjoy. Not for everyone.
3.0 Stars
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Michele Reverdito Simane Nebbiolo 2007, Doc Langhe
Piedmont, Italy$16.95
Interesting and complex. Good value.
Good acidity as expected, perfect for pasta and red sauces to cut into that acidity.
3.0 Stars
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Domaine De La Croisette Côtes Du Rhône 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$13.95
First impression after I opened a bottle an took a taste was that the fruits were a bit too over ripe.
Came back for a retry about an hour later and notice a big changed. The wine really opened up. Give the wine a little time after opening and you will be rewarded.
Cherry, pepper, plums on the nose and taste. Hints of oak also exposed in the taste. Soft and round with a nice long finish. Priced at under $14 makes this one a great buy.
3.0 Stars
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Lake Chalice Pinot Noir 2008, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
This is (was) one of those wines I wish I had bought more of. Sold out at my LCBO location. It's one of the best value priced pinots under $20 that I have tasted in a long time.
Cherry and strawberry notes along with a hint of red beets, Earthy notes follow on the finish. Well balanced and an enjoyable finish that sticks around.
Paired well with our mushroom risotto.
(tasted May, 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Hubert Reyser Clevner Sonnenberg 2008, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$13.95
Excellent!
Pear, honey, apple, crisp acidity and wonderful mineral backbone. Tasty long finish. Easy to sip on, a real treat.
3.0 Stars
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Nyarai Cellars Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$18.00
Very good!
Powerful, assertive nose shows ripe black cherries and herbs.
Powerful taste rocked my mouth with gushing, juicy cherry, ripeness, big acidity that bites back and smooth, almost sily tannins.
Very enjoyable and with it's stelvin twist cap it can travel anywhere and be ready to open at any time.
I see 7 bottle left at my local Vintages LCBO. I am heading there tomorrow to grab them all.
Can't wait to try more from this virtual winery.
3.0 Stars
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