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
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
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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
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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
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Huff Estate Cuvée Peter F. Huff Sparkling 2008, VQA Prince Edward County, Ontario, Traditional Method
Ontario, Canada$29.75
(Tasted September 2012)
Bubbly at its' best. Crisp, clean and lively acidity and refreshing on the palate. Lovely baked bread nose. Dam good!
3.5 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Baco Noir Reserve 2005, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$24.95
She's a beauty ... she's one in a million .... remember that tune by the Tubes? Probably dating myself but it's the song I am singing today (on a Canadian civic holiday because I was doing a little reorganizing in my cellar and came across this beauty.
Baco Noir doesn't get a lot of respect ... but sipping on a glass of this vintage could change your mind in a hurray.
Smokey notes, black cherry, and plum fruits collide to make one tasty treat. Well balanced, there is enough food friendly acidity. Wish I had a few more bottles of this one still around. Cheers!
(tasted August 2011)
3.5 Stars
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Henri Bourgeois Les Baronnes 2007, Sancerre
Loire, France$24.95
Big mineral nose and taste.
Zesty grapefruit taste and classic Sauvignon Blanc "cat pee" character.
Long lingering finish.
Enjoyable, rememberable wine.
3.5 Stars
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Rosemount Diamond Blends Shiraz Cabernet 2007
Australia$12.95
Nice blend of spice and fruit. Very easy to sip on with a soft finish.
3.5 Stars
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Clos Lachance Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Central Coast
California, Usa$34.95
I did cellar this wine, let lie on it side but perhaps my fault as the cork was a little dry and left a lot of particles in the wine once pulled.
Deep red / ruby colours. Dense consentration. Still shows youthful age.
Nose was a bit shy but I was able to coax out some cherry, vanila and oak.
Taste has a nice balanced. Great acidity, some sweetness and just enough tannins. Left a mouthwatering long finish.
Cherry, vanilla, oak, and some mineral noted in the taste. Very good wine.
3.5 Stars
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Finca Sobreño Crianza 2005, Do Toro
Spain$17.95
Ripe fruits. Reminded me of fruit cake. (almost mercaptan in fault). some fruits noted but hidden by the over ripeness.
3.5 Stars
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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
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