Neil Phillips

Hazyblur Kangaroo Island Shiraz 2006, Kangaroo Island

Frankly, difficult to add to Julian's excellent tasting note, above.

Aromas of dark red fruits, Christmas pudding, dried raisins, eucalyptus, earthy undertones, only a hint of white pepper.

On the palate, the fruit is powerful but accentuated by a herbaceousness that adds a complex savoury note. Damson plums, chutney. Tannins are chewy, with a long dusty finish.

At 14.5% this is a hefty wine, but so well integrated it didn't feel that strong.

Tasted November 2015, this could easily spend more time in the cellar.

Stratus White 2007, VQA Niagara On The Lake

Clear, straw gold with a green tint.

Nose of ripe melon, honey, lilacs, hint of fairy floss.

Gooseberry and honey major on the palate, citrus (more lime than lemon) - there's a fair bit going on here as you contemplate. Medium acid, well structured. A delight.

See Ya Later Ranch Rover 2008, VQA Okanagan Valley

A Northern Rhone blend, but much more Southern Rhone in style - with added fruit of the New World.

Rich nose of red and black fruit jam, mocha, espresso, vanilla, balsamic, geraniums.

On the palate, lots of fruit (but not jammy). Long finish, with herbal nots (thyme, sage) coming through on the mid-palate. Slight spice, but subdued: a sprinkle of white pepper.

(Re)Tasted August 2018 - this has aged well.

Christian Drouin Coeur De Lion Sélection Calvados, Ac, France (700ml)

Beautiful aromas of tart apple, light caramel, slight tree resin.

On the palate, creamy texture and subtle apple flavours; spice comes through on the mid-palate and lingers through the smooth finish, long and not overly hot.

Excellent quality for an AOP Calvados.

Flat Rock Sparkling Brut 2007, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

Don't let the crown cap fool you - this is a serious traditional method sparkling from Ontario.

Medium-golden colour, to be expected at this age.

Lots of fresh dough on the nose, with golden delicious apple, pear, lemon zest.

A fine mouse, with a much more creamy mouthfeel than you'd expect: this has stuffing. Loads of apple, lemon, hint of over-ripe gooseberry.

Finish is long and persistent.

Tasted May 2014

Calera De Villiers Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Mt. Harlan

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 16 Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2012

On the nose: tart cherry, wild strawberry, red plum, dried cranberry, mushroom, dill, white pepper, hint of smoke, cedar.

Similar red fruit flavours, nicely balanced medium levels of acid, tannins and alcohol.

Tasted November 2016.

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.