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
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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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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
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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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Montecillo Crianza 2007, Rioja
Spain$12.45
I probably should have waited intil next week to buy this wine as it goes on sale ($2 off between Oct 11 and Nov 7th)
Good wine for the cooler season. Interesting complex notes of cherry fruit, raspbery, and secondary notes of leather, oak, cedar, and spice.
Smooth and round. Very easy to drink. Nice long finish. Buy a few when they go on sale.
3.0 Stars
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Rocca Di Castagnoli Chianti Classico 2007, Docg
Tuscany, Italy$19.95
Dark purple colour in the glass. Nose offers cherry, plum and vanilla notes. As expected with Chianti, high acidity which supports the fruits and supple, integrated tannins. Medium to full body. Long finish. A very good Chianti classico.
(tasted August 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Fielding Estate Rosé 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$15.95
Pink colour in the glass. Aromas of fresh raspberries, cherry, and strawberries. Crisp and fresh on the palate, delicious red berry fruit flavours. A refreshing glass that pairs well with the dog days of summer.
(tasted Aug 2011)
3.0 Stars
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Sampietrana Tacco Barocco Primitivo 2008, Igt Salento
Puglia, Italy$14.95
Very rustic. Primitivo is Italy’s Zin and like it's counterpart, this is a good wine to open when having a BBQ. Pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, hickory smoked ribs or my favourite, grilled Italian sausages.
Red cherry, tobacco, spices dominate the nose and palate. Medium body, nice balance and best of all, very affordable.
(tasted August 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
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Clos Du Bois Sonoma Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
California, Usa$22.95
The chardonnays from California that I have tasted often have too much oak influence. Not overdoing the oak adds a wonderful complexity to the wine. This wine a fine example of excellent balance between the fruit and oak.
Straw yellow colour in the glass. Nose offers citrus and floral notes with a hint of vanilla. Medium / full body. Complex taste notes begin with green apple, pear, and a hint if citrus. The vanillin oak influence follows in perfect balance. A citrus finish leads to a long and savoury finish. Delicious
3.0 Stars
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