Neil Phillips

Tessellae Louis Roche Old Vines 2011, Côtes Du Roussillon

Deep purple, with brighter red on the rim.

Nose of sweet spice cake, molasses biscuit, red plums, blueberry, a hint of vanilla. The alcohol is prevalent on the nose.

Racy on the palate, all about the bright red fruits (slightly stewed - almost chutney-like) with pepper, dried herbs, capsicum.

Medium-plus tannins remain firm, though it finished a tad shorter than I expected, initially. Having said that, structure is very good.

Cuvée No.1 Méthode Traditionnelle

Earthy aromas, with baked apple, shortbread.

On the palate, bright green apple comes out, with lemon zest, white peach, nutty notes.

Tasted December 2016.

Domaine De Sahari 2012, Ag Guerrouane

Ripe plums predominate on the nose, with a dry earth note - perhaps I'm just thinking of its origins on the edge of the desert. Wet saddle leathery aromas. ;-)

Round and full on the palate, juicy but not jammy. Dark plums, blackberries, hint of blueberry. Tannins medium+ and hold for a long- finish.

Time for that lamb tagine.

Tasted September 2015.

Nederburg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Wo Western Cape

Neil Phillips rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Heaps of fruit on the nose: raspberry, blackberry, cassis. Toasty oak, hint of herbs but really more about the fruit.

Smooth tannins and a long- finish.

Classic hot climate CS.

Tasted June 2014.

Stoneleigh Pinot Noir 2013

Another fine vintage from a reliable Marlborough producer of NZ Pinot Noir.

Bright nose of cherries, raspberry, hint of white pepper and herbs.

Palate of lush strawberries, sour cherries, and a touch of dark fruit jam. Medium-bodied, the nice acidity hold the fruit finish, with mild tannins.

A classic new-world pinot.

Tasted November 2014.

Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2011, Docg

This is a reliable Chianti year-in, year-out.

The 2011 claims to have "a bit" of Merlot - evident in the slightly rounder mouthfeel and dark plums.

Dark red colour with some rust, but lighter in tone.

Nose of big cherries, white mushrooms, savoury herbs and slight mocha.

On the palate it's full and warming, without being a fruit explosion. Medium-plus acid provides bite, while the tannins are medium-minus. Plums, cloves, slight black liquorice.

Tasted January 2015.

Wildass Rosé 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Summer is here, and time for quality rose. This is another fine vintage from the usually-reliable folds at Stratus.

Salmon with strawberry red hues.

Aromas of wild strawberry, dried red berries, hint of spice and burnt wood.

Lots of fruit on the palate, but with a herbaceous tinge. The acid makes this dry wine work well with food; overly fruity it is not.

Tasted June 2014

Lailey Sauvignon Blanc Fume 2012

An intriguing and not often found "fume" style of Sauvignon Blanc.

Nose exhibits classic grasses, some tropical fruits (pineapple), as well as luscious apple, lemon zest and a hint of caramel and fresh herbs.

In style, it blends a Chardonnay creaminess mouthfeel, with the fruits and grassiness of SB. Minerality prevalent through the mid-palate, and the finish is medium-plus.

Tasted June 2014.

Rosehall Run Vineyards Pixie, VQA Ontario

Nose of ripe strawberries, raspberries, lemon drops.

Off-dry, flavours follow the nose with a medium finish. The residual sugar makes this a great patio wine, or try with some spicy Thai on the porch.

A fine everyday summer sparkler.

Tasted April, 2018.

Famille Perrin Côtes Du Rhone Réserve 2012, Ac Côtes Du Rhône

Nose of dark red fruits, pepper, light allspice, sage.

On the palate, lots of ripe fruit, herbs; acid keeps this nicely balanced even though fruit is ample, and the finish is medium-plus.

Fantastic value easy-drinking Rhone from a consistently reliable producer. Suitable house wine. Versatile with many foods.

Tasted May 2015.