Neil Phillips

Clos Gebrat C G + 2014

Nice Priorat that's typical of the area.

Dark fruits, spicy notes, savoury mid-palate and long herbal finish. Definitely chewy.

Big, bold, higher in alcohol and drinking well now, but will benefit from a bit of time in bottle.

Pair with robust meat-based dishes.

Tasted November 2016.

Bodega Tajinaste Tinto Tradicional 2017, Orotava Valley

Medium intensity ruby red in colour.

Earthy and barnyard would be an understatement for this nose. :-)

Stewed dark red and black fruits, almost chutney-like. Definite smoke.

On the palate, chewy fruits and high acid - but tannins are only medium. Fruit and savoury notes mingle, and the wine really opens up with air.

The 2017 is 100% Listan Negro.

Not for everyone, but a unique wine that works with a plethora of foods.

Tasted May 2020.

Queenston Mile Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2017, VQA St. David's Bench

Medium-intensity salmon in colour.

Nose of strawberry, sour cherry.

On the palate, strawberry muted and more savoury red fruits come to the fore: cranberry, cherry - and an almost green-herbal note. Slightly creamy medium-length finish.

Tasted July 2019.

Erath Pinot Noir 2012, Oregon

A great example of Oregon Pinot Noir - partway between Old World and New in terms of profile.

On the nose, cherry, strawberry, ripe red plum, red liquorice, hint of white pepper and definite floral blossoms.

Medium+ flavour intensity, with all those red fruits coming through, plus a tartness of crabapple.

This should age nicely, and develop further earthy aromas.

We don't see enough Oregon Pinots in this market at this price point.

Tasted November 2016.

Veuve Clicquot Brut, Champagne, France

Best's Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2015, Great Western, Victoria

Bing cherries, blackberries, dark plums, mocha and a hint of mint.

Mid-way between savoury and jammy, this is a pleasant Shiraz that will do well on its own or with food. Smooth finish.

Tasted January 2019.

Leaning Post Rose 2018, VQA, Niagara Peninsula

Pale- to medium salmon in colour, with a slight orange hue.

Nose of wild strawberries, crabapple, mandarin, and a slight whiff of forest floor adds complexity.

On the palate lots of fruit, but balanced with savoury notes: strawberry, cranberry, rhubarb, candied orange peel and even a hint of green olive. Medium-plus finish ends with a savoury and salty note.

This is a flexible rose for a variety of dishes.

Good value for the quality.

Tasted July 2019.

Ornellaia Le Volte 2006, Igt Toscana

Nose of black plum, smoke, hint of violets, horse saddle, black mushroom, smoke, bramble.

Lots of tannin on the palate, but soft and supple. Similar flavours as the nose, with a long finish. A lot going on here.

Ten years after harvest, this wine is still showing complexity, and I think could continue on. Great value, if you can hold.

Tasted December 2016.

Astobiza 2017, Txakoli De Alava Do

Not often I see a Basque country Txakoli here - and immediately makes me wish I was back in San Sebastian!

Medium+ aromatic intensity with aromas of white grape jelly, Meyer lemon zest, hint of fresh herbs.

Zippy acidity, lemon, lime and pear juice.

Lovely summer wine, and great with fish & chips I reckon.

Tasted September 2019.

E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2011, Ac

Reliable wine from a consistent producer.

Light gold in colour. Aromas of ripe peach, apricot, marzipan.

Creamy mouthfeel, more white peach than yellow, apricot, (bitter) almond. Medium finish, perhaps a tad short in this vintage.

A pleasant wine, good value.

Tasted June 2014.