Neil Phillips

Winzer Krems Sandgrube 13 Grüner Veltliner 2017

Aromas of green melon, lemongrass, white peach.

Lightly effervescent, slightly fuller on the mouthfeel than expected, but at the same time crisp with lemon notes coming to the fore. Slight bitter almond finish.

A nice change that will appeal to the Pinot Grigio crowd.

Tasted May 2019.

Thirty Bench Small Lot Rosé 2018, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Medium-deep strawberry red in colour.

Nose of strawberry, crabapple, gum drops.

On the palate, this is less harmonious than past years. Substantial mouthfeel with red fruits coming through nicely, the finish is savoury.

A good rose from this reliable producer - if not quite up to lofty levels of the past.

Tasted December 2019.

Armas De Guerra Mencia Rosé 2018, Bierzo

Medium-pale salmon in colour.

Nose of red berries and herbs. Light to medium flavour intensity, definite savoury note with wild strawberries and rhubarb.

Nice acid/savoury finish, making this a nice food rose.

Tasted May 2020.

Trumpour's Mill Pinot Gris 2007, Prince Edward County

Nose heavy in floral soap, Bartlett pear, honeycomb.

On the palate, viscous and intense. White grapefruit, pear, and a mineral-herbal-funk.

While not unpleasant, it wasn't entirely balanced - and I fear this was left too long.

Tasted September 2018.

Gazela Vinho Verde

Almost water-white, with only a hint of straw.

Slight spritz on the palate, a refreshing summer sipper at a lower alcohol level. Lemon, Granny Smith apple.

Rosehall Run Chardonnay Musqué 2009, VQA Prince Edward County

Chardonnay Musque mutations tend to be one people find in favour or not, across the board. Highly aromatic, they can almost run to Sauvignon Blanc - like profiles, depending on region and winemaker.

This example certainly hits the nose right off the bat: wet hay, stone fruit, unripe gooseberries and white floral notes. There's a touch of lemongrass and celeriac as well.

On the palate, bracing acidity almsot hides the tell-tale Chardonnay creamy mouthfeel; perhaps slightly unbalanced. Almonds, lemon juice, mineral. Medium-long finish, with the tart notes and minerality lingering.

Some may find this a slightly conflicted wine in terms of style. It's certainly unique, and I find tends to grow on you. Most definitely a food Chardonnay versus patio sipper. Paired beautifully with grilled lemon-herbed chicken - which really made the wine sing more.

Tasted July 2015.

Taja Reserva 2006, Do Jumilla

This is a usually-reliable Spanish red; pleasant if not overwhelming, and decent value.

This one was aged longer in bottle than I would normally recommend for the blend. Having said that, it was still holding its own quite well.

Earthy, oaky notes predominate, with lots of dark mushrooms. The fruit is much more muted, with cherries and over-ripe blackberries predominant.

Smooth finish, tannins are present but not nearly as chewy as when younger. Fruit fallen away slightly, leaving this a little less vibrant.

A good showing; a couple years past ideal drinking window.

Tasted November 2014

Sartori Sella Soave Classico 2013, Doc

Nose of green melon, limes, green grass.

Crisp, lots of green notes on the mid-palate with slight stone fruit pit. Mineral finish lingers with medium length.

A pleasant everyday wine, easy-drinking but with a decent level of acidity to not be cloying.

Tasted March 2015

The Grange Of Prince Edward Estate Cabernet Franc 2011, VQA Prince Edward County

Pleasant rendition of this varietal that does well in Ontario.

Typical nose of capsicum and spice, red fruits, some spice.

On the palate, pleasant if not overly complex. Fruit was a bit muted, tannins moderate and follow through to a medium+ finish. Acid will cut through a fatty dish nicely.

Tasted November 2015

Updated Tasting June 2020. Five additional years worked well for this wine; tertiary aromas of earth, dried fruits. More balanced.

Tomàs Cusiné Llebre 2013, Do Costers Del Segre

Nose of Smoke, dark fruit compote, vanilla, mocha.

On the palate, very smooth, gobs of fruit all the way. I suspect a bit of extra residual sugar with the 14% ABV, as this goes down very smoothly.

Pleasant value wine, this is an easy-drinking crowd pleaser.

Tasted November 2015.

Pleasant wine.