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
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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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
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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Henry Of Pelham Non Oaked Chardonnay 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$14.95
A Chardonnay with good body. (Medium).
Some hints of citrus in the nose and taste followed by some mineral / sulfer taste.
Best part of this wine was the long mineral finish.
2.0 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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