Neil Phillips

Georgian Hills Wild & Inspired Pinot Noir Cuvée Wismer Vineyards 2016, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

So before you see "Georgian Hills" and get mightily impressed that grapes are growing that far north...the grapes come from the Wismer Vineyards in Vineland.

The wine is made, however, in Georgian Hills, through natural fermentation.

Delightfully pale and decidedly old world in style.

Nose of wild strawberry, tomato leaf, button mushrooms, tart cherry, white pepper.

On the palate, dusty tannins and well-integrated fruit, savoury cherry and (pleasant) green notes and a slight iodine finish.

Am excited to see how this ages.

Tasted April 2019.

Joie Farm A Noble Blend 2014, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

This wine is consistently a delight.

Made in the Alsace Edelzwicker or “noble blend” style, it’s an amalgam of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois and Schoenberger. While those first three can make stunning single-varietal wines, this blend is a stunner.

Nose of honey, white flowers, chamomile, white pepper, star anise, lychee, luscious pear.

On the palate, almond and spicy minerality run through the fruit-laden mid-palate. Unctuous mouth-feel, with a slightly oily long finish. Complex.

I’d like to see how this might develop in a few years - but always finish my stock!

Vino Lauria Nerello Mascalese 2017

Medium-ruby with medium- intensity.

Aromas of brush, cherries. Almost chalky on the palate, but not tannic in feel - more savoury green notes on stewed sour cherries, plums. Lots of acid - this is ideal as a food wine.

Tasted May 2020.

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.

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.

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 De Vieux Télégraphe Télégramme Châteauneuf Du Pape 2012, Ac

The second label (and physically one of the most distinctive and playful out there, at that) from Vignobles Brunier, this CdP is more Gamay-strong than their famed La Crau. While predominantly from their "newer" vines, none are less than 20 years in this case.

Classic nose of crushed black pepper nose, cigar box, spruce (medicinal), grilled meat, and a floral upper note. There is a lot going on, but overall a "lighter" nose than expected.

On the palate, heavier spice notes, not just pepper but anise, herbs, cranberry, crabapple and cherry. Warm and spicy (and almost medicinal) on the finish, but not overly so: this is well integrated. More savoury than ripe fruit in overall flavor profile.

While the winery suggests drinking these young, that has to be put in the context of La Crau. I would age this up to perhaps ten years.

Tasted May 2015.

Thirty Bench Riesling 2014, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Thirty Bench Riesling is always a delight.

Great citrus lemon nose, mandarin zest, mineral notes.

On the palate, great acidity through a long finish. Citrus abounds, with white grapefruit playing a role. Love the complex mineral notes.

Tasted November 2015.

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.

Château Des Muraires L'excellence Rosé 2017, Ac Côtes De Provence

Very Provencal pale salmon colour.

Restrained on the nose, with hints of wild strawberries and honeysuckle.

More weight on the palate, great acidity and long finish with a nice, enveloping viscous mouthfeel. Nibs, tart cherry, and a hint of fresh green herbs (slight dill?). Tart red fruit notes linger forever.

Tasted August 2018.