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
Cesari Merlot 2008, Venezie
Veneto, Italy$7.95
Very good value for this Old World wine.
Nose shows some complexity with raspberry and floral notes. Taste show the same complexity and offers a nice balance.
This is a dry red wine, pairs well with pasta meals.
Lots of bang for the buck here.
2.0 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.
2.0 Stars
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Yellow Tail Shiraz 2009
Australia$11.95
I know the LCBO sells case after case of this Austrialian "Clearskin" wine but I am not sure why. Perhaps it is the cute kangaroo on the bottle because the wine inside is not that good at all.
2.0 Stars
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Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay 2009, Southeastern Australia
Australia$10.95
A very popular chardonnay over the years. Remains fairly consistance however I suspect that as the taste of Ontario wine drinkers has developed this product has lost some appeal.
It is still a very good chardonnary. Big ripeness in this one. Ripe tropical fruits noted. Some secondary oak.
Very good.
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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Colio Cev Sauvignon Blanc 2006, VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$13.25
This is a wine that had to grow on me. First sip was not so good.
I certainly am not going to knock down a wine that was awarded Les Citadelles du Vin’s “Trophée Excellence” at
VinExpo Asia Pacific 2008 in Hong Kong, China. It is an excellent wine but for me took a little warming up too to enjoy.
It has very typical Sauvignon Blanc notes. Citrus (grapefruit) at first followed by taste of fresh cut grass. There is a little bit of acid in the taste that makes it a little harsh but stay with it and you will discover why this wine is an award winner.
The harsh taste may have been due to the temperature of the wine and first tasting it without any food pairing.
It does have a nice long citrus finish.
Okay, some recommendation are in order for this wine. It is not a sipper …. this one deserves to be paired with a nice meal. If you open this wine planning to enjoy it alone you are not doing this wine any justice.
2.0 Stars
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Pelee Island Monarch Red 2007
Ontario, Canada$10.45
I picked up this wine while on a recent visit to Pelee Island Winery. It’s was a new release. I hope I am not becoming a wine snob but when I saw the wine was priced under $10 I wasn’t expecting too much.
Was I ever wrong. This one caught me by surprise. The blending of the three grapes Baco Noir 34%, Marchel Foch 33%, and Zweigelt 33% in almost equal amounts was perfect.
The wine is full of red cherry flavours following my a mild oaky taste. It’s just right and ready to drink right now.
Don’t let the cheap price fool you. It’s a good one.
2.0 Stars
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Mastronardi Estate Brianjë Riesling 2007, VQA Lake Erie North Shore
Ontario, Canada$8.94
If you liked Mastronardi’s 2006 BriAnjë Riesling you will want to put this one on your wine list to purchase.
I enjoyed the 2006 and believe that this one is even better. It is a little sweeter, with a bigger floral aroma and taste.
Take your time with this wine and enjoy the nose. It is wonderful. I don’t know of any other local wine that has such a nice floral bouquet. Enjoy it!
Taste is smooth from beginning to end. Notes of pineapple and some other tropical fruits. Finish is quite long.
Very enjoyable alone or with a nice chicken dinner.
This wine has been selected for the LCBO Vintages Program and should be a good seller priced at only $15.
If you like Rieslings, don’t miss this one. Excellent!
2.0 Stars
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