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
Fontanafredda Serralunga D'Alba Barolo 2005
Piedmont, Italy$44.95
Interesting amd complex nose: black cherry, earth, and a floral hint of rose pedal and lilac, ... yes lilac!
This is a full bodied wine with firm tannins. Good balance.
Taste is also complex. black cherry, plums, black pepper.
There is a hard mineral finish. The finish itself is long.
Not a bad barolo at all.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Lan Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja
Spain$21.95
Simply Irresistible! I can't get this Robert Palmer song out of my head after tasting this wine because it best decribes this wine! It really is "simply irresistible".
Aromas of smoke, spice, and black berry. Same notes greet the palate along with leather, dark chocolate, and expresso. Complex and perfectly balanced.
Simply Irresistible!
3.5 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)V
Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2009, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$35.20
(Tasted September 2012)
Light straw colour, those who have cellared this wine will be rewarded now with lovely mineral / petrol notes that have started to develop. Baked apple fruit notes balance the acidity and mineral notes. Enjoy this one now or hold and see what else develops over the next year or two.
3.5 Stars
Saint Clair Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$16.95
Loaded with a grapefruit nose. Taste shares the same fruit nose along witha nice mineral backbone.
Great zesty acidity keeps the citrus taste going for quite some time in the finish.
Chill to serve. Allowing the wine to warm to room temperature reveals some sulfer tastes.
Tasted: May 2010
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Puig-parahy Georges 2007, Ac Côtes De Roussillon
Languedoc, France$17.95
This one may benefit from a years in the cellar. Tannins leave the mouth dry. Tannins are a bit too harsh right now, it will be interestin to see what happens when they soften.
Complexity is good in this wine. . blackberry, toasted oak, smoky flavours,
Just a bit too tannic right now to really enjoy.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
La Velona Brunello Di Montalcino 2005
Tuscany, Italy$39.95
A stunning Sangiovese that needs at least an hour to open. Decant to fully appreciate this beauty. Complex notes of leather, cola, tobacco, and an interesting floral thing going on. She’s a beauty, and will only get better over the next few years. If you can, cellar a few to open between 2015 – 2018.
(tasted August 2011)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Twenty Mile Bench
Ontario, Canada$60.25
If I could only win the lottery I would buy a case (or two) of this wine. Since I haven't hit the jackpot one bottle will have to do and is enough to make me feel like I won the lottery for a little while.
Complex nose and taste. Earth, smoke, cherry, leather, and spice. Lively acidity supports the long, enjoyable finish.
This is the good stuff! Buy as many as you can afford.
(tasted December 2011)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Piper-heidsieck Brut, Champagne
Champagne, France$71.45
What a great way to start of my study of "Old World Wines" with a bottle of this bubbly.
Amona of fresh baked bread with a hint of minerality. Lots of mineral on the taste along with fresh bread, toast and lemon citrus.
A wonderful bubbly.
3.5 Stars
(1000+)G+(28)O
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
(0)V