Gary Killops
|
Followers (1)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (280)
|
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
Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Napa Valley
California, Usa$25.95
Have a couple of these in my cellar, time to open one and give it a try!
Very aromatic. Nose whaffs dark fruit notes, blackberry seems to dominate.
Do decant this wine for a 1/2 hour or so, a little exposure to air really improved this wine's taste.
Well structured taste. Ripe fruit notes, blackberry and black cherry along with vanilla and cedar. Soft tannins with a nice lip smack'n finish.
Still tasting very good!
(Tasted April 2012)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)W
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
Tyrrell's Brookdale Semillon 2011, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
New South Wales, Australia$24.95
Ever since I did a class presentation on Semillon in one of my wine classes it has been a favourite grape of mine. Especially Semillon from the Hunter Valley where it shines.
This Trrell's Brookdale Semillon does not disappoint. Light crisp citrus notes (lemon / lime) with a juicy long finish. Perhaps a little pricey to consider as just a sipper but it is great to just sip on and enjoy none the less.
(tasted April 2012)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Lillet Blanc
Bordeaux, France$26.95
This one didn't lasttoo long on the shelves of our local LCBO. It is a popular local favourite and when word gets out that it has arrived, it flys out the door.
Very tropical, banana, kiwi aperitif. Good thick body gives it a nice smooth mouthfeel.
3.5 Stars
(1000+)V+(41)O
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
Piper Heidsieck Brut, Champagne
Champagne, France$71.60
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+(1)O
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
R. Pouillon & Fils Cuvée De Réserve Brut Champagne
Champagne, France$43.95
Very nice yeasty nose. Old apple and nuttyness, oxidative taste.
A wonderful, assertive and classic bubbly. Lots of secondary flavours in this one.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Zonin Amarone Della Valpolicella 2006, Doc
Veneto, Italy$39.95
This one left me wanting more when I fished my glass. Excellent! very food friendly wine.
3.5 Stars
(0)V