Neil Phillips

Vinum Africa Chenin Blanc 2013, Wo Stellenbosch

Medium+ intensity with heady floral aromas (chamomile, honeysuckle), ripe nectarine, pineapple, pear, melon, grapefruit, lemon peel, toasty butterscotch, plus a mineral note and cold cream.

On the palate, dry with medium body and well-balanced acids and alcohol. Ripe nectarine, melon, golden delicious apple, star anise, almond, honey and mineral notes. Creamy mouthfeel.

A decidedly pleasant Steen (Chenin Blanc) at a great price.

Tasted November 2016.

Paul Buisse La Grille Vouvray 2014, Ac

Medium intense nose of honey, melon, herbs, lanolin.

Off-dry on the palate, kept well in check with medium-plus acids. Palate follows the nose with honey, green melon, lime; and a medium finish.

Crisp and delightful, the slight sugar elevation makes this ideal for foods with a bit of zing.

Tasted October 2016.

Santo Assyrtiko 2015, Santorini

A lovely discovery on the LCBO general list, providing a great example of the finds you can get out of the Vintages offerings.

Medium-intense aromas of Meyer lemon zest, acacia, honeysuckle, cantaloupe, slight salinity.

On the palate, white nectarine, lemon, honeyed notes and a bitter almond / mineral finish, with well-balanced acid and alcohol. Medium+ almost creamy finish, this is more opulent than most Assyrtiko.

Great value. Tasted October 2016.

Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico 2014, Docg

Aromas of clove, black cheery, cedar, anise.

Flavours of black & sour cherries, anise, cedar, hint of fennel.

A Chianti that shows tipicity, if not complexity.

Tasted October 2016.

Mcwilliam's Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2015, Hunter Valley

Primary aromas of white peach, green melon, star anise, honeysuckle - also melon, lime, hay and a slight mineral note.

On the palate, dry with low acid and medium intensity. Flavours of lemon & lime zest, white nectarine, white peach, melon, green apple.

Creamy on the palate, this wine is drinking now but I think will develop a more complex profile with at least two further years in the bottle.

Tasted November 2016.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier 2016

Pronounced nose with lots of tropical fruit, cold cream, honeysuckle.

On the palate, much more restrained than the nose would suggest. Balanced with tropical flavours (star anise, pineapple), white peach, lemon. More racy mouthfeel and dry finish.

Amazing value. Tasted October 2016.

Concha Y Toro Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Carmenère 2014, Do Peumo, Ribera Del Cachapoal

Deep ruby in appearance.

Aromas of red & black plum, red currant, ripe cherry, capsicum, pine - and lots of tobacco, vanilla and oak.

On the palate, high alcohol, medium+ tannins and acid. Overall, jammy notes of plum, currants and baking species - resinous note and powerful vanilla.

The finish quite long, but slightly hot and astringent.

Tasted November 2016.

Fantinel One And Only Single Vineyard Brut Prosecco 2015, Doc

Textbook Prosecco, with lots of lemon citrus on the nose.

Green apple and lemon on the palate, fairly creamy mousse and a medium- finish. Crisp and lively, this works well as an apero and the acid level will work well with a fair variety of foods.

Highly recommended for fish & chips.

Tasted December 2016.

Bodegas Itsasmendi 2016, Txakoli Bizkaiko

Very pale straw colour, almost white.

Delicate nose of green apple, lemon, white blossoms.

More intensity on the palate, with green apple, lemon, a flinty note and a bitter almond finish. Crisp with medium+ acid.

Tasted March 2018.

Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2018, Okanagan Valley

Medium-yellow straw colour.

Nose of ripe white fruits: pear, white peach, golden delicious apple, a hint of white pepper and yellow raspberries.

Creamy mouthfeel offering a wine rich with fruit flavours, and balancing acidity.

A delight on its own, also paired wonderfully with roast chicken with herbs de Provence.

Tasted May 2020.