Neil Phillips

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.

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.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava

Cava is made in the same traditional method as Champagne This is a blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes grown in the Penedès region of Spain.

Nose of lemon, white peach, some light bread, applesauce.

Flavours of apple, ripe pear; nice acid. Creamy mouthfeel with a persistent and long-lasting mousse.

Astounding value for the quality, even without the frequent LTOs in Ontario.

Domaine Des Ouleb Thaleb Tandem Syrah Du Maroc 2006, Morocco

Nose of compote, muted black pepper, topsoil, mushrooms, black olives and peonies.

On the palate, fruit is austere and smooth, having fallen away slightly. Black pepper blackberry chutney.

Finish is long-, tannins well integrated after several years in bottle.

Belstar Brut, Prosecco Doc

Aromas of lemon peel, golden delicious apple, Bartlett pear and toast.

On the palate, flavours of lemon zest, green apple, white grapefruit, pear, toast.

The mousse is fairly delicate, with a nice dry finish.

Tawse Meritage 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nose of cassis, herbs, hint of capsicum, cedar box, tobacco.

Medium+ length, fruit is slightly tight and held nicely with medium+ acid and medium tannins. Tart on the finish, with a hint of tomato.

Could age a further five years with ease.

A fine example of what Ontario is capable of today in Bordeaux blends, from a superb estate. Alas - should it cost so much?

Tasted October 2014

Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Pale in colour, even for a pinot.

Dusty notes on the nose, with traditional (sour) cherry, wild flowers, and light dry earth.

Sour cherry on the palate, wild strawberries, with balanced acid. Austere but with controlled fruit, I`d age with for a few years.

Tasted June 2014.

Kuleto Frog Prince 2009, Napa Valley

Apart from the back label that sends one reaching for a dictionary, a somewhat classic California Meritage.

Dark red/purple, with a rich nose of cassis, jam, black currant, very light pepper.

On the palate, powerful dark fruits with nice acidic middle note and medium-long finish. Pepper comes out on the palate from the middle on, with a tart cherry finish. This is a big, bold California wine - but with more going on than a simple fruit bomb. Would go nicely with bloody steak or lamb, versus patio wine (needs food). A nice change from Cab-dominant blends.

Tasted April 2015

Gray Monk Riesling 2009, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Nose of lemon peel, ripe white peach.

Wonderful citrus and lemon marmalade on the palate, good length and mineral notes. Not quite aging petrol, but definite depth.

Ever so slightly off-dry, a few years on the acid is nicely holding its structure.

Tasted February 2016.

Henry Fessy Moulin â Vent 2010, Ac

This is a classic, pleasant, Cru Beaujolais - in this case from Moulin-a-Vent.

Light in colour, though with some dark purple hues and not just bright red.

Lots of strawberry on the nose, cherry liqueur, white pepper, slight savoury. Medium body, slight hit of alcohol but overall well-balanced.

A most versatile food wine.

Tasted April 2015.