Neil Phillips

Ken Forrester Reserve Chenin Blanc 2012, Wo

I found this muted at first nosing, with an austere minerality and unripe green grapes - but after a bit of time it really opened up. (Perhaps initially served a tad cold.)

Honey, chamomile, white flowers, orange peel, light caramel.

Crisp lemon & lime on the palate, only slightly creamy, with hints of marzipan, almond.

Medium finish, the acid is perfectly balanced.

Tasted June 2014. Great buy.

Blue Mountain Pinot Gris 2013, Okanagan Valley

BC is making a name for itself with Pinot Gris, and with this iteration, it's easy to see why.

Fermented separately in stainless steel and French oak and then blended, this wine retains a crisp acidity and added complexity from barrel.

Notes of white peach, honeysuckle, orange peel, slight herbs and flint.

On the palate, almonds, Meyer lemon, and a creamy mouthfeel. Long finish that ends in a slight medicinal note.

This should age well.

Tasted May 2015.

Rosewood Select Semillon 2013, VQA Beamsville Bench

The last year of this estate's wine, the vines being destroyed by the harsh winter, and remaining few pulled to make way for Gamay Noir.

A shame, as you don't see this in the region much - and this is a stellar example.

Intense aromas include white stone fruits, apple, but also an herbal note.

On the palate, slightly creamy mouthfeel and great minerality. Apple, gooseberry, tart white peach, lemon finish.

If you can, get a few bottles and try aging.

Tasted June 2015.

Domaine Les Yeuses Les épices Syrah 2012, Igp Pays D'oc

Dark and brooding on the nose, there's more meat, smoke and grilled Portobello mushrooms than pepper (though it's there). All that overlays dark blackberries and plums, with a nice spicy garrigue and moss. There's a lot going on in the nose here.

On the palate, surprisingly nimble after an extra year in bottle. Chalky but smoothing tannins, cured meats on the finish. The 13.5%ABV makes this a moderate-weight wine as well; lots of flavour without the alcohol heft, but perfectly in balance.

Stunning at the price: great value. But decidedly a style not for everyone.

Tasted October 2015.

Château Fuissé Pouilly Fuissé Tête De Cru 2008

This is a blend of grapes from over 20 vineyard sites, vinified separately to make the “top blend”.

Light golden in colour, with notes of white flowers, almond, honeysuckle and light caramel. On the palate, luscious in the mouth, with bitter almond, citrus, and a medium-plus finish.

Tasted December 2014.

Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling 2016, Niagara Peninsula

Thirty Bench Riesling is always a delight, and their Winemaker's Blend Riesling consistently offers great value.

Great citrus lemon nose, mandarin zest, mineral notes.

Off-dry, with ample acidity through a long finish. Citrus abounds, with white grapefruit playing a role, as well as ripe stone fruits. Love the complex mineral notes.

Tasted August 2018.

Redstone Chardonnay 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nose of applesauce, cantaloupe, ripe Bartlett pear, butter toffee and Meyer lemon juice.

Simultaneously creamy and slightly "crunchy", a great mouthfeel elevates this. The toffee on the nose gives way to the ripe fruits and balanced acidity.

Tasted April 2019.

Peachy Canyon Westside Zinfandel 2014, Paso Robles

Complex nose of plums with a decidedly earthy note, plus menthol, cedar, anise, baking spices.

Black fruits predominate on the palate, with a long chalky finish. Savoury spice notes throughout. Slight burn to finish.

Tasted October 2018.

Ravenswood Dickerson Single Vineyard Zinfandel 2010, Napa Valley

Age shows on a mature nose with muted bit still evident black fruits, eucalyptus.

Medium+ acid, harmonious on the palate with Christmas cake, spice box, black plums. Super long finish that never gets jammy. Very well balanced.

Tasted October 2018.

Laughing Stock Syrah 2015, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Another fine wine from the always-reliable Laughing Stock Vineyards.

This Syrah is a meaty number in the Northern Rhone style. Savoury notes envelop the red and blackberry fruits, subtle black pepper, garrigue, and a mineral finish with nice acidity. This is decidedly a food wine.

Most definitely will improve with at least a couple years in the cellar.

Tasted February 2018.