Gary Killops
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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
Marquis Philips Shiraz 2008, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
Australia$0.00
A great weekend, value priced wine that screams at you to fire up the BBQ. Keep things simple, hamburgers will do.
Very inviting nose offers hints of tobacco, smoky wood, and plum. The same notes attack the palate with some added complexity from hints of bacon, and black pepper.
Full body, with a noticeably hot finish.
Which the high alcohol in this wine do share it with friends, as more than one glass in a sitting will sneak up on you fast, you won’t see it coming.
3.0 Stars
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Vinedressers Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, VQA Ontario
Ontario, Canada$19.95
Let’s have a look at this fine wine. It shows excellent concentration which deep red colour right to the rim. A sure sign of quality. Nose whaffs its complexity (another sign of quality). Black cherries, plums, toasty oak, and some spice. A wonderful, complex taste that mirrors the nose. While the wine is dry there is a hint of sweetness that greets the palate in a pleasant way. Fruit ripeness that screams Essex County. Balance with good acidity, and tannins that are well integrated, silky smooth and refined.
No need to cellar this wine, it is ready to drink right now and will be a wonderful companion with a roast or next summer with a BBQ’ed steak.
3.0 Stars
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Château De Nages Réserve 2009, Ac Costières De Nîmes
Rhône, France$11.45
If you can find this one at your local LCBO Vintages, buy what they have left. The wine has been marked down to $11.25 which is a real bargain.
Deep, concentrated purple colour in the glass. Black pepper and black fruits on the nose. Taste offers spice, pepper, cedar, and dark berries all in good balance. Didin't expect a lot but delivered more. Has a synthetic cork, so cellar standing up, or drink now. (tasted Jun 2011)
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
Viewpointe Cabernet Franc 2006, Lake Erie North Shore VQA
Ontario, Canada$12.95
Nose was a bit shy but did eventually reveal bell peppers, herbaceous notes, and hints of red berries.
Taste offered bell pepper, sweet tobacco, red currants, and hot spices. Lively acidity to keep the mouth watering, light tannins and moderate finish that had some heat to it.
While not as complex as Viewpointe’s other LCBO release (2006 Cabernet Merlot) this wine does offer good value.
(tasted April 2011)
3.0 Stars
(0)G
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
(0)V
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2009, Sonoma County
California, Usa$29.95
Quite a tasty zin. Shows good concentration in the glass and offers jammy notes on the nose. On the palate I got blackberry, raspberry and plum. Full, heavy mouthfeel with a hot finish due to the high alcohol. The fruits do keep things in balance but do be careful when pairing, shy away from spicy or salty foods. Worked well with a BBQ'ed hamburger. (tasted Aug 2011)
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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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
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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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