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
Pelee Island Eco Trail Auxerrois Chardonnay 2007, Ontario VQA
Ontario, Canada$11.95
This is a very nice blended chardonnay that I really enjoyed. The chardonnay is blended with auxerois which may very well be the Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) grape in this area.
Nice smooth taste. Nice value wine for under $10.
Pairs with most dinners or enjoy as a sipper. A good value.
Gary Killops
EssexWineReview.com
2.5 Stars
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Colio Estate Shiraz/Cabernet VQA
Ontario, Canada$8.75
Fire up the grill and opena bottle of Colio's Shiraz Cabernet, I'm ready for a good time. Sounds a bit like an Allen Jackson song.
Big berry taste to starts. Blackberries and cherry fruit notes. Some spice.
Note a little bit of a musty taste. No the wine wasn’t corked and actually added another complexity to the wine.
This is a medium bodied wine, not too heavy. While only oaked 8 month the oak taste is noticeable on the back end. Nice long finish to this wine.
This was a nice surprise from Colio. Very nice wine worth taking a look at. Easy to find at any of their retail stores or at the LCBO.
2.5 Stars
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Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2009, Trentino
Alto Adige-Trentino, Italy$13.95
A very nice, refreshing Pinot Grigio. Pear / apple nose followed by zesty citus (lemon / lime) taste. Nice long finish to boot.
(08 Vintage. tasted Jan., 2010)
2.5 Stars
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Pelee Island Cabernet Franc 2007
Ontario, Canada$11.95
This is one of my favourite local Cabernet Franc’s and at a price just over $10 you just can’t go wrong with this red wine.
Pelee Island Winery's Cab Franc is darker red than many the other local ones from Essex County. It also has a bolder oaky taste with some big tannins.
As much as I enjoy this wine I do not believe it is one that should be served on its own. You really need to open this wine when you are having a BBQ or pasta dinner.
This wine is widely available at many LCBO’s across Ontario. Try it and let me know what you th
2.5 Stars
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Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir 2008, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Light, almost rose in colour. Light body.
Nose and taste have earthy, forest floor notes. work at it to find strawberry.
It's a good pinot noir, not one to get to excited about.
2.5 Stars
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Domaine Montmartel Visan 2007, Ac Côtes Du Rhône Villages
Rhône, France$15.95
This one has been on the shelves of my local LCBO Vintages for almost a month. Not sure how I issed this one when it first came out.
Wonderful, rusty, and a must buy syrah from the south of France.
Black peper spice, plum, and a hint of oak. Dry and not overly tannic. Very enjoyable.
2.5 Stars
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Tbilvino Alazanis Valley Red 2007
Georgia$14.95
I have tried to get my hands on every Republic of Georgia wine released by the LCBO in the past year.
Price and quality they can't be beat.
The reds usually have gripping tannins. This one doesn't.
It's spicey, gritty, and a little bit warm. Interesting wine worth the adventure, but just buy one.
2.5 Stars
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Peninsula Ridge Shiraz 2008, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
Light t medium body.
Odd nose, can't figure it out.
Taste is typical Ontario syrah (which I like).
Cherry, plum, and a little acidity and spice and. Smooth texture on the palate. Nice sipper.
Not a lot of tannins. Probably not a good wine to cellar. Drink up now and enjoy.
(Tasted April, 2010)
2.5 Stars
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Lacheteau Les Loges Vouvray 2008, Ac
Loire, France$14.95
This is a nice sipping wine.
Fruits discovered in this wine were peach, green apple, apricot and some citrus.
Very interesting mineral notes in the nose and also the taste complete the complexity of this wine.
Medium length finish. a nice treat!
2.5 Stars
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Cooperativa Monção Deu La Deu Alvarinho 2008, Do Vinho Verde
Portugal$19.95
Get ready for an acid attack! The acidity is a bit overwelming for me. Sour and mouth puckering.
Some green apple taste noted. Not very complex. Dry but with big acidity.
2.5 Stars
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