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
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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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
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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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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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Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2008
Spain$25.00
Big juicey and tasty wine.
Plum nose and taste. Also noted cherry,
A nice find!
3.5 Stars
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Tawse Sketches Of Niagara Chardonnay 2008, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Oak chards when balanced are a wonderful treat. Too much oak and they can be difficult to drink.
While this one still is very drinkable it borders on the edge of too much oak. balance is just a little bit off.
Still, despite this balance issue, its worth a try.
3.5 Stars
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G. D. Vajra Albe Barolo 2005, Docg
Piedmont, Italy$26.85
Smooth, silky tannans. Rich and complex. Rose petal and anise nose.
taste shows lots of cherry, orange peel and herbacous highlights. Medium body. Open now and enjoy.
3.5 Stars
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Clos Laborie 2006, Ac Margaux
Bordeaux, France$33.95
Wow, this is good.
It's a September 18th, 2010 Vintages release. One of our local Vintages had this one on the shelf on the 17th and I had it on my BUY LIST so the corked was pulled this evening.
Interesting complexity of dark berry fruits, cedar, pencil shavings with grippy tannans that give it a good edge.
Med length finish. A must buy!
3.5 Stars
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Concha Y Toro Trio Reserva Merlot/Carmenère/Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Rapel Valley
Chile$14.95
(Tasted Feb 6th, 2010)
Yes this is a very good wine but I am just buying into all of the hype over it.
Herbal, earthy nose. Taste continues with this, add in some spiciness. nice balance right from the attack. Good complexity that you would expect from a blended wine. Finish is just a little bit hot and out of place.
You are getting your money's worth, it's a good value.
This wine has a synthetic cork.
3.5 Stars
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