Neil Phillips

Deutz Brut Classic

Intriguing nose which, to me, had some essence of lime zest making its way through traditional brioche, dried apricot, golden delicious apple, flinty note. All were harmonious, yet restrained.

On the palate, nice acidity and flavours following the nose. Restrained and yeasty, resembling an apple tart fresh from the oven. Lemon and slate on the medium+ finish. Nice balanced acidity.

Tasted January 2017.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery Cipes Brut, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Cipes is a blend of Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.

Nose of golden delicious and Granny Smith apples, pear, brioche, Meyer lemon zest.

On the palate, lemony citrus zest mingles with the apples. Notes of white nectarine comes through on continued drinking. The time on lees brings added depth of bread notes, white mushrooms. Vibrant acidity, fine mousse, however a nice creamy mouthfeel as well.

As not bone-dry, this is delightful on its own, but will pair nicely with many foods - lemon roast chicken with herbs comes to mind.

Fairly complex for this price point - a winner!

Oct 2016

Domaine De Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf Du Pape 2010, Ac

Aromas of horse saddle, stewed red fruits, anise, garrigue, dried flowers.

Chewy tannins. Savoury notes predominates on the palate - more red fruit chutney than jam. Bitter chocolate-covered coffee beans mid-palate. Bramble, spicy long finish.

Will be intriguing to try another bottle in a few years.

Tasted September 2018.

Fontodi Chianti Classico 2009

After a few more years in bottle, this wine’s tannins have mellowed slightly - but it’s still got that high-acid Sangiovese back-bone. Fruit still very much evident.

On the nose, red fruit including cranberries, raspberry and a hint of wild strawberry. Herbs, tea leaf and cedar.

On the palate, well-structured with the savoury notes mingling with aged red fruits. Juicy from acidity, not fruit. Herbal notes linger on the finish.

Paired with wild mushroom mezza luna with a tomato-beef sauce.

Tasted March 2018.

Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac Napoleon, Armagnac

Inviting nose of caramel and light baking spice, hints of star anise, dried apricot.

Warming and incredibly smooth, almost-burnt caramel, orange & apricot chutney, cracked white pepper. Long unxious finish, mellow and spicy.

Great value for a quality Armagnac in Ontario.

Tasted Febraury 2018.

Domaine Lafage Cuvée Centenaire 2011, Ac Côtes Du Roussillon

Complex nose of ripe stone fruits (white peach, nectarine), honey, Meyer lemon, white grapefruit and a whiff of dried herbs.

Mineral savoury streak stops this short of being "lush", but full and ripe on the palate still. Medium+ length that finishes with a slight zing. A lot going on here.

Tasted January 2019.

Terras Gauda Abadia San Campio Albariño Rias Baixas 2012

White peach and fruit blossoms on the nose.

Flavours of hard white peach, lemon and a crisp mineral finish.

Tasted March 2018.

Tawse Lenko Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Made from vines planted as far back as 1959 - itself a rarity in this region - this is a stunning wine.

On the nose, burnt apple, croissant, hazelnut, Meyer lemon zest.

Crisp minerality balances the fruit all the way through a long and slightly tart mineral finish. Great acid keeps this from being fleshy.

Aged 12 months in French oak.

I'd happily age this a decade to see what transpires.

Thirty Bench Small Lot Gewurztraminer 2012, Beamsville Bench

Classic nose of rose petal, with violet, hand cream and ripe luscious nectarine underneath.

On the palate Turkish delight, juicy fruits and a slight bitter almond and exotic spices.

Creamy mouthfeel, and the nice acid holds all in check, and well-balanced considering the higher alcohol level.

Finishes long and restrained with all the fruit and aromas - this is a fairly complex wine, well made.

Thirty Bench Red 2012, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Always a consistent Bordeaux-style wine, the 2012 release is one of the best yet, offering great value.

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by similar measures of Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

On the nose, classic cassis combined with black olives, cedar, vanilla and a hint of mocha.

On the palate, tannins are firm and hold the acid and fruit nicely, but not too chewy. Ripe red fruit and dark plum abounds, but there's enough structure behind to hold it in check. A slight herbaceousness (capsicum) adds to mild black pepper, anise and very slight bitter cherry.

Will pair nicely with barbequed medium-rare steaks, burgers with blue cheese, grilled Portobello mushrooms.

Drinking well now, but can easily improve with a year or two in bottle. 13.8% ABV.

Tasted May 2014.