Neil Phillips

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.

Domaine De Mouscaillo Limoux 2010

Made predominantly from Chardonnay. Zero dosage, this “brut nature” bubbly is bracingly dry – just the thing to whet the appetite and accompany pre-meal nibbles. This featured a bright nose of green apples and lemon, with a medium-fine bead. On the palate, green apples were most evident, with an undertone of golden delicious providing a second layer, with a hint of freshly baked baguette. Crisp and refreshing, with a citrus finish.

Tasted December 2014 (NV).

Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2011

Lots going on right from the nose, which features black plums, raisins, black mushrooms, white pepper, earth, smoke, vanilla, leather, meaty notes and a savoury undertone.

On the palate, off-dry but held nicely with acid and alcohol. All those stewed black fruits and raisins are front and centre as you'd expect, with a savoury finish that goes on for a long time.

Beautifully balanced, while drinking well now, this will definitely age further.

Tasted October 2016.

Wynns Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 2013

Developing nose with heaps of fruit and spcie: black currant, red & black plums, kirsch, cloves, vanilla, tobacco, eucalyptus.

Rich and round on the palate with medium+ acid and tannins well-balanced across a full body of flavour. Plum jam, cooked blackberry, chocolate, allspice, liquorice. Nice long finish.

One of the more classic Coonawarra Cabernets, Wynns also produces good value for what's in the bottle. Keep a few of these down to see how they develop.

Tasted November 2016.

Domaine Laroche Les Vaudevey Chablis 1er Cru 2014, Ac

Clean nose of ripe peach, hay, some butterscotch.

On the palate, dry, high acid with medium+ body and intensity. This sings for food. Golden delicious apple, lemon zest, brioche, nutty notes and above all a mineral finish.

Excellent integration, and a great example for those not wanting oaky, buttery chards.

Tasted October 2016.

Thirty Bench Sparkling Riesling, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Green apple and citrus lime predominating on the nose, with a hint of white grapefruit. Very light bread notes. Almost a "lime Prosecco" nose.

Bone dry with fruit predominating, the lime carries through with Granny Smith apples. A little more rounded on the palate than the nose suggested, slight dough, great mouthfeel and fine mousse. Nice acid and medium+ length.

Tasted February 2017.

Henry Of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc De Blanc 2011, VQA Short Hills Bench

Aromas of baked bread, lemon curd, golden delicious and green apples, slight hazelnut. Brioche is evident - no surprise given 54 months on the lees.

On the palate, a very fine, delicate mousse and creamy mouthfeel carries flavours of white grapefruit apple, lemon, biscuits. Finish is medium-plus with a hint of spice, roasted chestnuts.

Outstanding traditional-method sparkler from Ontario. Will easily stand up to finer Champagne.

Tasted December 2016.

Château Mont Redon Châteauneuf Du Pape 2012, Ac

Aromas of smoke, tarmacadam, earth, leather, cassis, red fruit compote, mushrooms, baking spice, bramble and a hint of violets.

On the palate, nicely old-world austere but with a strong presence simultaneously. Smoked meats, red/black fruit jam, black liquorice. A lush, almost silky savoury/salinity finish.

Finely structured and on the savoury/gamey side - this CdP is drinking well now, but will be happy with another 5-10 (or more) years in bottle.

Tasted December 2016.

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.