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
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
Piper Heidsieck Brut, Champagne
Champagne, France$72.00
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+(11)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
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
Reinhold Haart Riesling Kabinett 2007, Qmp, Piesporter
Mosel, Germany$19.95
Saturday night cellar pulls are always fun. I grabbed this Riesling fearing that I may have held on to it too long before opening.
Thankfully it was still very good, drinkable and tasty.
Don't let the shy nose fool you. On the palate, peach, apple and citrus notes mingle and lead to a semi sweet finish.
Very nice!
(Tasted April 2012)
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Domaine Du Haut Des Terres Blanches Châteauneuf Du Pape 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$37.95
Simply irrestible. Picked up one at my local LCBO Vintages, and returned to pick up the last two after tasting. Wish they had more!
Big, full body. cherry, plums, spice, earth work together in a balance that is a joy to drink.
I am cellaring my last two bottles for special occassions.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Siduri Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley
California, Usa$37.95
Certainly not a delicate Pinot Noir but still quite good.
Raspberry, strawberyy fruits, wood, and smoke, Some tannin that fit in nice.
Only issue I had with this wine was that it had a rather hot finish. Too hot.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
Château Grand Rivallon 2006, Ac Saint émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France$21.95
While visiting my brother and his family he stated that people keep bringing Merlot to his house and he can't stand them. I found this wine after a quick trip to the LCBO.
After he tried it, his opinion changed.
All merlots are not alike. A good right bank Bordeaux merlot can convert many who do not like the grape.
This one is well balanced, Plums, black cherry, oak, leather with a lasting finish. Mild tannins.
3.5 Stars
(0)V
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
(0)V
Domaine Le Malaven Rosé Tavel 2009, Ac
Rhône, France$15.95
ahhh, perfect wine for one of the last weekends of summer. a perfect summer sipper.
Interest nose and taste: cherry, black pepper and herbs.
Crisp acidity.
3.5 Stars
(0)V