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
Château De St. Preignan 2005, Ac Côteaux Du Languedoc
Languedoc, France$12.35
OK, it is a little bit hard around the edges and has some hottest that is from the spicy (not the alcohol).
I was a bit dissappointed with this one right now has it just isn't a wine that comes together in one balanced package.
Nose is not overwelming, has some spice and tobacco.
Taste, lots of spicy from the syrah. Not worth waiting for a few more years to see how this one cellers but if you buy this one. Celler it, do not open now. Give it a chance.
3.0 Stars
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Seifried Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Nelson, South Island
New Zealand$19.95
I tasted this Pinot shortly after tasting a fruity pinot.
This one is much more earthy, forest floor nose and taste. I also picked up some cherry in the taste.
Very interestin Pinot Noir.
3.0 Stars
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Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2007, Mendoza
Argentina$13.65
Get ready for a big red. Lots of Alcohol, acid, tannin. Big and chewy.
I'd hold this one in my cellar for a few years to see what happens.
3.0 Stars
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Greg Norman Estates Cabernet Merlot 2007, Limestone Coast, South Australia
Australia$24.95
I normally shy away from Vintages Esseentials, reason ... I can get them anytime so those limited release wines seem to get more attention from me.
A few weeks ago Vintages had a rather boring wine release so I explored a little and picked up this wine. I am glad I did.
Meduim to full bodied red, dark fruits, oak and smoky flavours were noted in this one.
This is a very good wine with a long finish. This is certainly one wine that I would revisit and buy again.
3.0 Stars
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Cave De Bleblenheim Old Vines Riesling 2008, Ac Alsace
Alsace, France$17.95
Alright, I should be studying for my mid term wine and food synergy exam but it is just too hot here in South western Ontario to hit the books. Chicken on the BBQ and my lovely wife made an assume Asian orange sauce for it so I thought I could pit some of my studying that I had already done to good use.
That is where this wine comes in, it has been sitting in my wine refrigerator for a while now, I’m not sure when this wine was an LCBO Vintages release. I thought it might pair well with the orange sauce so I opened it for dinner. It made an excellent pairing, actually brought out more of the orange flavours in the sauce and citrus notes in the wine.
My tasting notes on the wine: Excellent balance of apple, citrus, and mineral notes. A touch of sweetness on the attack followed by fresh acidity which supports a long finish. I love the balance and complete experience of this wine from start to finish.
3.0 Stars
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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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Masi Campofiorin 2007, Venetia
Veneto, Italy$20.95
Deep red colour in the glass. Powerful dark fruit and cedar nose. Excellent acidity keep this wine juicy on the palate. Taste include black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, and moderate oakiness.
A tasty treat!
3.0 Stars
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