Neil Phillips

Veuve Clicquot Brut, Champagne, France

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.

Trail Estate Skin Contact Gewürztraminer 2016

What an intriguing wine.

Higher alcohol than anticipated - though I wouldn't have guessed it at 13.5%.

Aromatics are off the charts. The usual panoply of Gewurz aromas, but all somehow magnified. Imagine sitting in a flower garden eating Turkish delight and dried pineapple slices, perhaps with some ground pink peppercorns and star anise.

On the palate, a glorious jumble of all the above. Let this warm slightly, and the layers come out.

Most definitely this will appeal to some, and not to others.

A great example of the experimentation going on at Trail Estates.

Tasted February 2020

The Colonial Estate Explorateur Old Vine Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia

An excellent expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz - and has aged gracefully.

Still a powerful nose of black pepper, anise, mint - all over dark blackcurrants and damson plums. Vanilla is also evident, as well as muted earthy tones.

Bold flavours follow on the palate, but with a restraint (no doubt aided with aging) that proves quite elegant. The pepper is milder, fruits still supple but layered with almonds and spice.

At 14.5% the alcohol is present but does not overpower; finish is long.

Tasted February 2015.

Quinta De Saes Red 2013, Doc Dão

Deep in colour, this wine offers a vibrant nose of baked red & black fruits, liquorice, rose, carnations, and a slight resinous note.

On the palate, very balanced acids & tannins. Flavours of blackberry jam, smoked meat, tobacco, resin. A lot of depth and flavour here, but not over-the-top.

I'd definitely put some down fro five years or so.

Tasted October 2016.

Joie Farm Ptg 2014, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

An intriguing blend (Pinot Noir & Gamay) you don't often see outside Beaujolais - and certainly not in Canada. The ever-reliable Joie Farm does this proud, consistently..

Nose of brambles, cherry, sage, dried cranberry, rhubarb, pepper.

Medium in weight this year, with a vibrant acidity and depth of flavour. Bright cherry on the palate, spicy and herbaceous through the finish.

Tasted October 2016.

Bordertown Cabernet Franc 2014, Okanagan Valley

Savoury aromas (dried herbs, baking spices) swirl around with red plums, anise, blackberries.

On the palate, the savoury-fruit mélange follows the nose, with added mocha and dark caramel. Lots of red and dark fruits, reduced but not quite compote. Almost chewy. Nice medium+ finish.

A full and rich expression of Cabernet Franc, while retaining a nice acid level to remain balanced. Almost like a savoury ST. Emilion.

Tastes October 2016.

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2015, Coastal Region

Pale lemon with a hint of green.

Aromas of acacia, golden delicious apple, lemon, light vanilla, buttered popcorn.

Creamy on the palate, fairly good body with flavours of applesauce, almond, juicy pear. Acid holds the tropical fruit nicely. Nice medium+ finish.

This is a very good value Chardonnay that's mid-weight between stainless steel and (heavier) oak. Most versatile.

Tasted October 2016.

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.

Bailly Lapierre Chardonnay Brut Crémant De Bourgogne, Traditional Method, Ac, Burgundy, France

A fine blanc de blancs cremant from Bourgogne, this shows where value sparklers in France really compete honourably on the quality-price spectrum.

Nose of citrus, green apple, and a touch of baguette. Fine, persistent bubbles, with a slightly elegant (medium-aggressive) mousse. On the palate, crisp and refreshing, balanced acid and fruit with a finish on the edge of minerality and almonds, with a pleasant lemon-peel edge.

Tasted April 2014.