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
Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand$17.95
WOW ... this is good.
Tropical fruit leads the way. Crisp acidity and long finish. Treat yourself to this one.
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Ferraton Père & Fils Samorens Côtes Du Rhône 2007, Ac Côtes Du Rhône
Rhône, France$14.95
Enjoyable but didn't know my socks off.
For under $15 I don't expect too much but Rhone wines seem to always delivere. It is one of my favourite wine regions.
Purchased his one from my local LCBO Vintages and enjoyed it but wanted more of that pepper / spice from Rhone wines.
Often the heat from Rhone wines comes from the spice, this time it came from the alcohol (14.5%)..
Worth buying and trying ... but not the best the Rhone has to offer.
3.0 Stars
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Domaine Sarda Malet Réserve Côtes Du Roussillon 2007, Ac
Languedoc, France$17.95
You would have to go about as far south as one could go to find this winery. Deep southern climate shows in this wine. Ripe black berry, cherry, and spice notes, along with hints of chocolate.
You will notice the heat on the palate with this one, (14.8%).
Despite the high alcohol it is fairly well balanced by the ripe fruit notes. a bit astringent and bitter on the finish.
Suggest cellaring to see where this one goes.
(tasted Sept 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Sandeman Apitiv White Port, Doc Douro
Portugal$14.95
Brassy, clear colour shows the oxidative state of this wine. Nose is very assertive raison / walnuts and sweet floral notes.
Taste: raison, walnuts, old apples, fruit cake, dried fruits, candied pinapple
Very complex.
.
Not much acidity shown (hot climate wine)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Beronia Elaboración Especial Tempranillo 2009, Doca Rioja
Rioja, Spain$16.95
Impressive Rioja Tempranillo. Aromas of new oak, smoke, and cedar dominate the dark berry fruit notes.
Taste follows the same line. Medium to full body, dry, soft, velvety tannins lead to a moderate length finish. Priced under $18 in Ontario LCBO's this wine offers great value.
(tasted November 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Nk'mip Qwam Qwmt Syrah 2007, VQA Okanagan Valley
British Columbia, Canada$31.95
It's hard to put into words a description of this wine that will do it justice. It’s one of those wines that come along every now and then that just blow me away.
Rich, ripe and jammy red cherry and plum fruit notes. Hints of cedar and cigar box along with black pepper spice and vanilla notes. Complex and compelling on the palate. Tannins are still a bit grippy, if you can resist the temptation to open it now and give this wine a few years cellaring time you will be rewarded.
A signature example of a "Hot Climate" Canadian wine.
(tasted July 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
éric Texier Vaison La Romaine Côtes De Rhône Villages 2007, Ac
Rhône, France$13.95
I try not to let price interfere with my judgement of a wine but it's hard to do when it is such a great value. Éric Texier Vaison La Romaine is a steal, you get a lot of bang for the buck. It's ready to open right now and enjoy!
Black cherry, black pepper, spices on the palate. Goes good with a BBQ'ed hamburger. Lovely lingering finish. Good stuff!
(tasted July 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)V
Pelee Island Lighthouse Riesling 2009, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$11.95
A swirl of my glass showed curtains that where extremely fast. Reading the label on the bottle the alcohol per vol. was not too high so that told me to get ready for a blast of sweetness. It delivered as suggested.
This is a very sweet riesling, but interesting enough is balanced with some good old mouth watering acidity.
Fruits do take a back seat however. Noted apples and peaches on the nose and taste.
Long lasting finish. This one is a good summer time patio sipper. Just chill and serve.
3.0 Stars
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Ridge Three Valleys 2008, Sonoma County
California, Usa$35.95
A complex blend of Zinfandel (74%), Petite Sirah (11%), Carignan (5%), Mataro (4%), Grenache(3%) and Syrah (3%). Medium / full body, terrific balance, frruit forward notes of black cherry, currants, plums, blueberries, licorice and tobacco. A tasty partner with backyard BBQ'ed anything. An impressive Zin blend.
3.0 Stars
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Quinta Do Tedo Vinho Tinto 2007, Doc Douro
Portugal$12.45
When you aren't selling enough Port what do you do? Make a very good wine instead with the grapes.
Lots going on in this wine. very complex. Black cherry, black berry, oak, smoke, and firm tannins.
This wine will cellar for quite some time.
3.0 Stars
(0)V