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
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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2008, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$21.95
Big and Rich, not to be confused with the Country music band this wine is a whopper of a red. Lively acidity, full of flavours such as dark cherry, plum, raspberry, cedar and vanilla. A wonderful roundness on the palate and soft, well integrated tannins leading to a long finish.
(Tasted August 2011)
3.5 Stars
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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
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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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