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
Quinta Do Portal Fine Ruby Port 2008
Portugal$15.95
Dried cherries, raisins and prunes entertain the nose. A sweet, fruity taste greets the palate, notes of cherry, blackberry, raisin and nuts. Lengthy finish makes for a wonderful partner to blue cheese.
2.5 Stars
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Barefoot Chardonnay
California, Usa$13.00
This was a Christmas gift that I finally opened. I am glad I did as this bottle was a pleasant surprise.
The Cally chards that I have tried tend to be overoaked. This one isn't. There is a little hint of oak. just nough to give it a little extra flavour.
Taste noted include citrus, apple, and oak with a moderate finish. Alcohol is a bit high which suggest that the grapes are from the warmer regions of California.
Overall, a very good Chardonnay to sip on.
2.5 Stars
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Peninsula Ridge Shiraz 2007, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
This is a must buy wine.
I have been tasting so many wines of the world that I forgot to come home and taste a (semi) local wine. I am from the Lake Erie North Shore wine region of Ontario and just a few hours down the road is the Niagara Peninsula where this wine is from.
Pepper, cherry and oak nose. Much like a Shariz from France.
Taste ... WOW. this is good stuff. Spicey black pepper, cherry, black licorce, and oak. Wonderful complexity. Balance is right on.
2.5 Stars
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Pelee Island Monarch Vidal 2009, Ontario VQA
Ontario, Canada$10.95
Chill this one and you will enjoy it.
This is a fresh and zesty wine with a fresh floral and citrus nose.
It’s very easy to sip on. Even with all of the rain we have been having I wanted to get outside to the BBQ. I fired it up, put some chicken breast on the BBQ and got this wine ready for dinner. This wine paired very well with BBQ’ed chicken.
2.5 Stars
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Chanson Père & Fils Le Bourgogne 2007
Burgundy, France$21.95
This is a light pinot. Perhaps a bit too light for my taste.
Cherry nose and taste. Good acidity and tannins. Good balance. Just not near as powerful as some of the other pinots I tasted on the same evening.
2.5 Stars
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Schloss Schönborn Riesling Kabinett 2007, Qmp, Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg
Rheingau, Germany$18.95
Outstanding riesling at a great price.
Nose: waffs of citrus fruit.
Taste: This is one of those wines with a great mouthfeel. Med. body and a bit heavier than other rieslings. Good balance, with just enough acidity to give it a bit of zing. Some hints of citrus.
An enjoyable sipper.
2.5 Stars
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Finca Flichman Misterio Malbec 2008, Mendoza
Argentina$8.95
Was at my local LCBO today and saw this Malbec from Argentina for just under $8 ($7.95 plus bottle deposit)
I wasn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised. It is actually a pretty good wine.
Nose is full of ripe red fruits.
Taste: Oak dominates this wine. (I like that). Not a lot of tannins and that is okay, just enough to give it a good balance.
A pleasant surprise and a hidden gem. A good buy!
2.5 Stars
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Château Des Charmes Old Vines Cabernet/Merlot 2005, VQA Niagara On The Lake, Estate Btld.
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Nose waffs blackberry and plums. It is a very nice Bordeaux blend that begins with dark fruits, hints of spices and earth.
Big tannins in this one caught me a little off guard, they could be a little softer.
Nice finish to round out this wine.
(Nov 25, 2009)
2.5 Stars
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Café Culture Pinotage 2009, Wo Western Cape
South Africa$13.95
Pinotage is an interesting wine. It is a a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault and is unique to South Africa.
The nose offers a rather odd rubbery note that is common in Pinotage. Coffee flavour dominate the palate along with hints of ripe cherry and earthy notes. Medium to full body, good balance, short finish.
Interesting wine, will get you thinking about what's in the glass.
2.5 Stars
(0)V
Cave La Romaine Venus Laurée 2007, Cotes Du Rhone Villages
Rhône, France$9.94
In my quest to find some very good value wines from France I came aross this little gem.
Spicey, black pepper, some tannins,
A nice way to visit the hills of the Rhone on a tight budget.
2.5 Stars
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