Neil Phillips

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.

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.

Quinta De Couselo O Rosal 2014, Do Rías Baixas

Intense nose of ripe peach, melon, wet straw, cold cream, acacia and a chalky mineral note.

On the palate, peach, bitter almond, Meyer lemon zest, herbaceous notes all in a creamy mouthfeel and nice medium+ chalky finish.

A delightfully complex wine for the price; I'd happily try ageing.

Tasted October 2016.

Cantina Del Nebbiolo Barbaresco 2012, Docg

Pretty nose of violet, dusty herbs, dried cherry, strawberry and a medicinal/resinous note.

Bracingly high tannins and acid envelop flavours of tart cherry, mushroom, dried herbs and raisins. Savoury finish.

This wine demands food to be enjoyed. Put a bottle down for a decade and come back to see what happened.

Tasted October 2016.

Blue Pyrenees Shiraz 2013, Victoria

Kept one to see how it aged - and it fared very well indeed.

Nose of spiced chocolate, resin, black fruit compote, vanilla.

Tannins are almost soft, with medium acidity that's holding the lush fruit in balance.

Paired with smoked ribs - perfect match.

Tasted (recently) May 2020.

Bordertown Cabernet Franc 2014, Okanagan Valley

Savoury aromas (dried herbs, baking spices) swirl around with red plums, anise, blackberries.

On the palate, the savoury-fruit mélange follows the nose, with added mocha and dark caramel. Lots of red and dark fruits, reduced but not quite compote. Almost chewy. Nice medium+ finish.

A full and rich expression of Cabernet Franc, while retaining a nice acid level to remain balanced. Almost like a savoury ST. Emilion.

Tastes October 2016.

Clos Gebrat C G + 2014

Nice Priorat that's typical of the area.

Dark fruits, spicy notes, savoury mid-palate and long herbal finish. Definitely chewy.

Big, bold, higher in alcohol and drinking well now, but will benefit from a bit of time in bottle.

Pair with robust meat-based dishes.

Tasted November 2016.

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2015, Coastal Region

Pale lemon with a hint of green.

Aromas of acacia, golden delicious apple, lemon, light vanilla, buttered popcorn.

Creamy on the palate, fairly good body with flavours of applesauce, almond, juicy pear. Acid holds the tropical fruit nicely. Nice medium+ finish.

This is a very good value Chardonnay that's mid-weight between stainless steel and (heavier) oak. Most versatile.

Tasted October 2016.

Graham Beck Brut Sparkling, Sustainable, Traditional Method, Wo Western Cape, South Africa

Aromas of lime peel, green apple, dough, sweet baking spice, floral notes.

On the palate, citrus notes of lime, green apple, warm cookie dough. Slightly aggressive mousse.

Excellent value for a traditionally-made sparkler. Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Tasted December 2016.