Neil Phillips

J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2013, Arroyo Seco

Decent, typical of the style for an oaked California Chardonnay.

Lots of butter, caramel, tropical fruits on the nose.

Creamy in the mouth, bursts with fruit and with a medium-plus finish. Slight acidic finish.

Tasted February 2015

Joseph Mellot Les Morinières Chinon 2013, Ac

A fairly classic Chinon, on the lighter side so likely little or no Cabernet Sauvignon (up to 10% permitted) in this Cabernet Franc wine.

Medium-purple & ruby in colour, medium intensity. A nose of black fruit (though not jammy) and savoury notes; dried herbs, touch of tobacco, and a spicy red liquorice.

Medium-plus acid, it's refreshing on the palate and follows through with similar fruits and herbal characteristics. Finish is medium-plus, with pepper and a hint of vegetal.

Tasted January 2015.

Héritiers Dubois Vouvray 2013, Ac

Nose of white blossoms, honeysuckle, bitter almond (lanolin?), ripe pear.

Palate of honeyed pear, slight mineral and lemon; off-dry with low alcohol (11%), but acid carries this through a lush medium-length finish.

Tasted February 2015

Cimicky Trumps Shiraz 2012, South Australia

Classic Aussie Shiraz with a twist.

Dense nose of dark fruits, mint, leather, allspice.

On the palate it starts off all fruit, but more stewed than jammy, and with a strong savoury backbone that makes this more fruit-friendly than many. Black pepper is slightly subdued. Tannins medium-plus.

Tasted April 2014.

Balbás Reserva 2005, Do Ribera Del Duero

Medium+ in intensity, this Ribera del Duero has seen a fair bit of oak. Aromas of clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cedar...and then black fruits, red fruit jam. Slight meaty notes.

On the palate, same black fruits with added tart cherry, cranberry and herbaceous notes.

I found this a good wine, but was hoping for more complexity. I think perhaps a tad too much oak - or just a bit past its ideal drinking window.

Tasted October 2016.

Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2014, Central Valley

Excellent value pinot noir.

Traditional nose of tart cherry, with ripe strawberry. A bit hot on the nose re alcohol. Leather evident.

On the palate, tart cherry and red fruits, acid is slightly high for balance. Finish falls off a little too quickly.

For the price though, this is hard to beat.

Tasted February 2014.

Laurent Mabileau St Nicolas De Bourgueil 2013, Ac

Bourgueil is in the Loire, producing lighter reds made exclusively from Cabernet Franc.

This expression is light garnet in colour, with a nose of soil, cherry, cranberries and slight herbal and capsicum notes.

Red fruits predominate, with a savoury backbone. Light on the palate, with great acid to make this incredibly food-friendly and versatile. Serve slightly chilled.

Tasted February 2016.

Tawse Sparkling Blend 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Crisp, lime notes, almost Prosecco-like in its freshness.

Slight bread notes, though really all about the Granny Smith apples.

Pleasing bubbly from Ontario.

Tasted March 2018.

Thirty Bench Small Lot Rosé 2014, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Medium-deep strawberry red in colour.

Nose of strawberry, crabapple, cold cream; slightly medicinal.

On the palate, this is meatier, very much in the style of Tavel. Nice and chewy, the fruit comes through very nicely, but with a medium-long tart cherry and savoury herb finish.

An excellent match with a summer charcuterie and cheese, grilled salmon steaks, or even a lighter pasta dish.

Tasted July 2015.

Willm Réserve Riesling 2013, Alsace

Nose of lemon, lime, Bosc pear, white flowers.

Crisp, very dry, minerality comes through, as well as lime. A perfect match with seafood and white sausages.

A standard Alsatian Riesling, this is reliable consistent and offers great value.

Tasted May 2015