Neil Phillips

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2015, Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay

Aromas of baked apple, mango, Meyer lemon peel, toast, toffee and vanilla.

On the palate, apple, mango, caramel, butter and a touch of almond.

Dry with medium acid, medium+ body and intensity and a creamy finish of medium length.

For those looking for a nice buttery - but not too oaky - California Chardonnay, this fits the bill nicely at a decent price point.

Tasted November 2016.

Poderi Dal Nespoli Nespolino 2014

Nose of tart cherry, red fruits, herbs. Think Sangiovese with jam - which makes sense considering the 30% Merlot in the blend.

Medium finish, slight savoury note but red fruits predominate. The mid-palate is more lush from the Merlot, but overall remains balanced and the alcohol is subdued. Tannins and acids are refreshing on the finish.

Great food wine; pasta with meat sauce the obvious. If you have friends who don't like the acidity of Sangiovese, this provides a nice compromise.

Great value.

Tasted October 2016.

Jean Michel Duprè Vignes De 1940 Beaujolais Villages 2014, Ac

Classic red fruits; ripe strawberry, raspberry, juicy plum, slight savoury note. Firm tannins for a BV, which held this together nicely.

Not meant perhaps to age this long, surprisingly vibrant.

Tasted June 2020.

Domaine Bousquet Organic Pinot Noir/Chardonnay Brut Rosé Sparkling, Tupungato

Made in the traditional method, this is much more complex than the price may suggest.

Aromas of strawberry, golden delicious apple, some green fresh herb notes.

On the palate, great acidity and red fruits; strawberry, cranberry, red apple. Lemon citrus to the finish. Medium-fine mousse that have good length.

All in all, great value.

Tasted February 2018.

Sibling Rivalry Pink 2017, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Medium-deep salmon colour. Lots of juicy strawberry and pink grapefruit on the nose.

Pleasing strawberry and cherry on the palate, with medium acidity and a hint of balancing sweet.

Tasted May 2019.
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Terres De Saint Louis 2017, Coteaux Varois En Provence Rose

Quite aromatic nose of honeysuckle, ripe strawberry, slight Turkish Delight.

Red fruits on the palate with a slight bitter almond finish.

Good value.

Tasted November 2018.

Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2014

Smoky nose, with dark chocolate and red fruit compote.

Jammy on the palate, almost raisiny. A reductive style to be sure - but reasonably balanced and will appeal to many.

Would pair well with barbecue ribs.

Tasted October 2018.

La Petite Hitaire Blanc 2017, Cotes Du Gascogne

Nose of lemon, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Perhaps with a hint of lemon drops. :-)

Yes, there's some herbal notes, however the citrus backbone is what comes through on the palate in bracing fashion. Would admirably cut through any plate of fish & chips, and be a fine accompaniment. Also great with salads, a cheese tray and dare I say this will tackle asparagus well.

Complex this is not - but great value for hot summer nights.

Tasted July 2018.

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Paso Robles

This is a very popular style of California Cabernet Sauvignon - big fruit, likely a bit of residual sugar hidden in there, evident oak use, softer acidity.

It's pleasant and generous, perfect for drinking with friends if you're not eating.

Tasted November 2018.

Ravenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2014, Sonoma County

Slightly floral on the nose, with heavy red fruits, cedar, some cigar butts.

Easy-drinking in style and fairly well integrated with lots of raspberry, black plums, strawberries. Smooth with softer acids and tannins.

Tasted October 2018.