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
Carabella Dijon 76 Chardonnay 2006, Chelahem Mountains, Willamette Valley
Oregon, Usa$24.95
I haven't tasted a lot of wines from Oregon. Tasted this one in wine class (Niagara College Master Taster).
Shy nose, not very open but hints of canned peaches noted. Also some sweet oak.
Taste shows more than the nose. Lots of peach, good acidity, nice mineral back bone and just a hint of oak.
3.5 Stars
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Loron & Fils Les Vieux Murs Pouilly Fuissé 2007, Ac
Burgundy, France$29.95
BIG mineral structure in this wine is so good. wines like this are a treat and so enjoyable to drink.
Also noted the acidity in this wine was big, but balanced with the minerality quite well.
Fruits noted were pear, and apple.
A must buy!
3.5 Stars
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Justino's 5 Year Old Reserve Fine Rich Madeira, Dop
Portugal$21.25
Established in 1870, Justino's is one of the oldest Madeira producers.
Loaded with layers of flavours and layers of sweetness that come alove on the palate. Fig, cooked plums, honey, and toffee and a hint of walnuts.
Great value. Lovely with walnut based dishes.
3.5 Stars
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Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2008, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.20
A delicious Riesling, slightly of dry, terrifically balanced and focused with citrus and green apple fruit and enticing stony mineral notes.
(Tasted 16 March, 2012)
3.5 Stars
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Tawse Quarry Road Riesling 2010, Vinemount Ridge, Niagara
Ontario, Canada$23.95
I consider this a lucky find. I was at my local LCBO in Windsor checking out the Ontario wines in the Vintages section. One odd bottle stood out, I recognized the Tawse label and wondered why it was the only one and it wasn't there earlier in the week.
It didn't have shelf space it could call its own which also meant I didn't know the price of the bottle. Checked the VQA isle, no more bottles were returned and lucky for me I was in the store to take it home.
Rieslings from Niagara are usually good, especially those from the bench. This one from Tawse did not disappoint!
A delicious, tasty mix of lime citrus notes, peach and mineral finish. Lip smack’n acidity. One bottle is not enough for me. I am going to order some more of this extraordinary wine!
(Tasted april 2012)
3.5 Stars
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Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island
Marlborough, New Zealand$24.95
One of my go to Sauvignon Blanc wines. Consistently good year to year. A wine I can always count on and recommend.
Crisp, lively citrus notes, gooseberry and tropical fruits,. Lip smack'n good.
(tasted 14 March, 2012)
3.5 Stars
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Trimbach Réserve Riesling 2008, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$24.95
Lovely layers of citrus, green apple and mineral notes. Lively acidity supports a long finish.
Very good right now, but suggest that you put this one in the cellar, it is just going to get better with time.
3.5 Stars
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Amarone Classico Masi Costasera 2007
Veneto, Italy$39.95
Nose shows blueberry notes now, also, spice.
Taste: full body, ripe, raisined fruits, cherry, blueberry, black pepper, earthy soil, cinnamon. Some leather too. Tannins are a bit grippy. Nice layer of sweetness on the finish.
Didn't notice the heat that I did when I first opened the bottle. (it's 15% alc/vol.)
Excellent balance and will only improve with time in the cellar. Lay this one down until at least 2015 before opening.
(tasted October 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2007, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$44.95
When this wine was released several years ago I bought a case immediately after tasting it. It was good but really needed some time in the cellar to resolve the austere tannins.
A year later and another tasting, still as good as when first tasted and still needs at least a few more years in the cellar.
This wine is a beauty! Complex taste, there is so much going on it is a wine that makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment. Dark berry, plum, cherry, chocolate, coffee bean, cedar ... If you can find this one of the shelf, BUY IT and put it away for a few years for a special occasion. You will be rewarded for doing so.
(tasted again July 2011)
3.5 Stars
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