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
Ironstone Obsession Symphony 2009
California, Usa$9.95
I had never heard or tasted "Symphony" until recently when it was offered at a presentation. I can see now why this wine flys off of the shelf every time it comes into the LCBO inventory. It's very good.
Highlighted by a floral nose, it is very aromatic. On the palate, tastes incluse peach and fresh flowers with a bit of sweetness on the finish.
It's different, and interesting to try for a change of pace.
(April 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Pelee Island Lighthouse Cabernet Franc 2008, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$11.95
Often simple is good. I know, complexity is shown in quality wines but really, what are you looking for in a $12 bottle of wine.
Simple is good in this case.
The wine shows good concentration with perhaps just a little fading near the rim. Could be that 13% alcohol displaying itself.
Nose is quite assertive. I could smell the plum fruit from a distance and without sniffing inside my glass.
Taste is simple, it’s plum, and not much more. It is fruit forward and easy to drink.
Pelle Island Winery has been on a roll …. I realy like what they have been producing over the past year or so. This new “Lighthouse” brand is a success. The price is right and the wine is good.
2.5 Stars
Irony Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley
California, Usa$21.95
Big spice and red cherry nose.
On the palate, ripe cherry, sweet tobacco, and leather. Some hints of toasty oak also noted
Good, crisp acidity on the finish.
Had this with a pizza, good match.
2.5 Stars
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Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2009, Lodi
California, Usa$17.95
It is one of the cheaper Zins on the shelf but cheap price doesn't have to mean cheap wine. You get a lot of Zin for the price.
Fruit forward notes of dark berries backed by cedar, smoke, and earth notes. Perfect for pairing with just about anything on the grill on the BBQ.
(tasted August 2011)
2.5 Stars
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L'amphore De Provence Rosé 2010, Ac Côtes De Provence
Provence, France$13.95
The bottle this rosé came in sure did grab my attention. Reminded me of Old Mother Hubbard with her hands on her hips. Really intriguing, and so is the wine!
Light rose colour in the glass. Hints of strawberry on the nose, had to give the glass a good swirl to coax the aromas out. Strawberry notes on the palate. Dry, crisp acidity with a lingering finish. A nice sipper, get one before the season changes.
(Tasted August 2011)
2.5 Stars
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Bear Flag Smooth Red Blend
California, Usa$10.95
Sometimes I get in a rut and reach for the same old same old wine. Bear Flag Smooth Red Blend from California is an intriguing blend of Tempranillo, Touriga, Zinfandel and Alicante Bouchet.
Juicy black fruit notes with a bit of sweetness on the attack. Very smooth, velvety mouthfeel. An interesting blend that makes a good sipper. Perfect for a change of pace! (tasted Feb. 2012)
2.5 Stars
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Strewn Two Vines Cabernet Merlot 2006
Ontario, Canada$12.95
Although this is a value wine I was a little bit disappointed with it.
Nose has some nice herbal and earthy notes.
Black currant taste folowed by some hints of swwet cherries. Mild tannins noted near the finish.
Finish was quick and seems to have a bit heavy in malic acid. Perhaps needed some malolactic fermentation??
2.0 Stars
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Krizevci Grasevina 2008, Kalnik Region
Croatia$11.95
Never having tasted a wine from Croatia I had to try this one. Unfortunately all local LCBO Vintages did not order this one. I was able to get this one via a friend who was heading to Toronto for the weekend and picked one up for me.
I can see why. It is simple and seems to lack taste. Some citrus and that is about it.
2.0 Stars
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Hilltop Neszmély Premium Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Neszmély
Hungary$12.85
Unbalanced acidity. It's crisp, acidity, but actually a little too much acidity, like biting into a lemon.
2.0 Stars
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Pelee Island Zweigelt Gamay Noir 2006, Ontario
Ontario, Canada$11.95
Taste 2008 Vintage:
This is mood wine. I need to be in the right mood to really enjoy it.
After work, before dinner when I am just winding down seems to be the right mood. Chill and pour for best results.
Nose: Interesting, …a bit earthy (forest floor), some green pepper, and something else that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Taste: Nice acidity and a bit of sweetness for good balance. Cherry, tobacco, green pepper, and a nice finish that lingers.
For me this is a sipper, or paired with cheese.
Excellent price makes this a good wine to have around the house for guest.
2.0 Stars
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