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
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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Benziger Syrah 2006, North Coast
California, Usa$19.95
What a nice find at my local LCBO. Memorial weekend, a BBQ and a Cali Syrah fit the bill.
In search of a Syrah this one caught my attention because of the price.
Deep purple colour, Vanilla oak nose dominates the ripe, dark fruit, spice notes. Taste follows the nose. Well intergrated tannins, lovely balance with just enough acidity to keep it juicy.
Great value. Wish I had bought a few more.
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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Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Gris 2007, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$21.95
Both nose and taste scream tastes of peach, orange peel, and honey. Very ripe fruits.
Buy one or two, not case worthy.
3.5 Stars
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Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
Found this one at the LCBO Vintages while looking over the new releases. Bought it because I found the label interesting.
Wonderful tropical fruit flavours in this one. An excellent summer time sipper.
Buy and enjoy now. Sauvignon Blancs are not meant to be cellared.
3.5 Stars
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Henry Of Pelham Reserve Off Dry Riesling 2008, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.95
Petrol notes dominate both the nose and palate. Those who enjoy this mineral note in rieslings will really like this one.
Hints of treed fruit take a backseat, (apple, pear)
Very food friendly! a wonderful complement to spicey dishes.
3.5 Stars
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Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2007, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
Didn't see a year on my bottle so i assume that it was 2007.
Very food friendly wine, especially tomato based sauces will pair well with this one.
Big acidity, big tannins, big fruit (black cherry), plum, leather, and wood.
3.5 Stars
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Ornellaia Le Volte 2010, Igt Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$29.95
Having a few bottles of 2009 I was able to taste this 2010 vintage along side. Bigger body and structure than the '09. Much more wine for the buck. This is a real pleaser that will improve over the next few years as the tannins soften. Fruit / acidity balance will reward pasta with tomato sauce pairings. A great buy!
(Tasted October 2012)
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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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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