Neil Phillips

Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Red 2011, Pgi Drama

An intriguing blend with the notable Agiorgitiko grape as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

On the nose, the Merlot produces plum and mocha; Cab Sauv adds cassis; dark fruit compote, olives, but also earthy compost and herbs.

On the palate, the rustic indigenous Greek varietal pushes forward. Tannins are chewy, flavours aggressive; though softened slightly by the other two. An intriguing blend of funky herbaceous notes and dark spiced fruit. Long finish.

This should age reasonably well, and would be an excellent match for grilled meats or lamb stew. (It really does require food to sing.)

Tasted June 2015.

Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Rosé 2014, Ap Costières De Nîmes

Medium-deep salmon in colour, this always livens up a summer patio.

Heady aromas of strawberry, rhubarb, red delicious apple and a hint of garrigue.

On the palate, dry and refreshing, with lots of the fruit coming through. Alcohol is a bit high; finish brings the herbs out.

Tasted May 2015.

Anselmi San Vincenzo 2014, Igt Veneto

More aromatic than expected, with lots of pineapple, grapefruit and some green grass.

Fruit blasts on the palate, but is held in check by medium+ acid. The mid-palate is lush with slight buttery notes, and a creamy mouthfeel. Finish is quite long, with a hint of minerality.

A great patio wine, or would pair well with creamy pasta dishes.

Tasted April 2015.

Creekside Cabernet Rosé 2014, VQA Niagara Peninsula

This is among the bolder styles of rose.

Medium deep strawberry red in colour, the nose offers a decidedly fruit-forward cornucopia of ripe strawberries, and that lanolin hint.

Palate follows through, with strong strawberries, tart cherry pits, with a creamy mouthfeel, and a slight herb medium+ length finish.

Not bracingly dry, this is a more fruity style than, say, Provence.

Nice apero wine, and has enough depth to stand up to light fare and acidic salads, or grilled salmon.

Jost Vineyards Tidal Bay 2014, Nova Scotia

Bright and aromatic on the nose, this offers a burst of lush, ripe Bartlett pear, white peach, and slight lime zest.

On the palate off-dry but with enough acidity and a lime finish to retain a zippy, friendly nature. This is a nice apero wine, perfect for a hot summer patio - and with enough character for a spritzer.

Would pair well with spicy mango salad, chicken korma.

Tasted January 2016.

The Wolftrap White 2014, Boekenhoutskloof

Nose of melon, ripe white nectarine, lime and floral notes. Very slight hint of wet hay.

On the palate, dry with nice acidity. Bursting with melon, and a hint of white pepper and a honey-lemon finish.

I'd try this with the ever-difficult asparagus.

Tasted October 2016.

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella Classico 2014

Youthful aromas of red fruits, some slightly stewed raspberry jam, hint of white pepper.

Flavours of strawberry jam with nutmeg, cloves, sage.

A bouncy, fun, fruit-forward red with nice acid from the Veneto - as it should be.

Tasted October 2016.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combes Aux Jacques 2014

A perennially pleasing Beaujolais from Louis Jadot.

A pleasant Beaujolais-Villages wine, lighter red style that is most versatile.

Nose of sour cherries and ripe strawberries intermingled, with herbs overlaid.

Palate follows the nose with same fruits and herbal character, with added white pepper on the finish (lightly).

Tasted November 2015.

Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2014, Ac

A classic Vouvray, this example off-dry.

Nose of honey, peach, pear, green apple.

Waxy mouthfeel of Chenin Blanc; the slight residual sugar makes this ideal as an aperitif, or balance for some slightly spicy foods or tart appetizers. Lemon notes on the medium-plus length finish.

Tasted February 2016.

Marqués De Riscal Reserva 2011, Rioja Reserva

Nice nose of black cherry, black plum, tobacco leaf, leather, barnyard notes and a hint of dill. A resinous aroma hangs.

On the palate, well-integrated tannins, alcohol and acid. Cherry, plums, raspberry, dried herbs. Medium+ finish keeps the flavour going on for some time.

Classic Rioja, should age for a few more years quite happily.

Tasted October 2016.