Neil Phillips

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.

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.

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.

Champagne Victoire Prestige Brut, A.C.

Heavy dough and yeast on the nose, with lots of golden delicious apple and pear.

On the palate, crisper and more refreshing than the nose would lead you to believe. Faint Meyer lemon. Perfect for apero drinking.

Great value for Champagne.

Tasted August 2018.

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Riesling 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench

Riesling sparkling offers a much more fruit-forward profile, and Tawse's offering is a well-made example that delivers.

On the nose, several variety of apples mingle (golden delicious and green and Spartan), with subdued honeysuckle notes. Lime zest is there, and some fresh bread.

On the palate, nice zippy acidity, and follows through from the nose nicely. Lots of apple, some minerality on the finish, persistent medium-fine mousse. Nice long citrus finish.

With a bit of extra time in bottle, I find the fruit has integrated a bit more than the 2014.

Tasted February 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.

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.

Creekside Estate Queenston Road Pinot Noir 2014, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula

The nose is abundant tart red berries, maybe a hint of mushroom: bit this is more fruit than earthy.

Firm, higher acid, this is an aggressive Pinot Noir with wonderful flavours of tart cherries, under-ripe cranberry, mixed spices. Long on the finish.

A great example of Ontario Pinot Noir, decidedly fruit-friendly.

Tasted March 2016.

Château La Fleur Pourret 2009, Ac Saint émilion Grand Cru

Deep ruby with garnet starting to show on the edges.

An austere nose as far as intensity - but lots going on with aromas of horse blanket, dark plum, blackberry, geranium, leather, mocha, mint.

On the palate, well-integrated medium+ tannins and acid. Flavours of prunes, dates, plum chutney, cremini mushrooms, chocolate, baking spices, dried blackberry. Nice long finish.

This is starting to show some age and drinking well, but could age a bit longer.

Tasted October 2016.

Vitteaut Alberti Crémant De Bourgogne, Crémant De Bourgogne

Clear, pale salmon. Medium+ intensity on the nose with strawberry, tart cherry, biscuits, floral, almonds, hint of nutmeg, yeast.

Dry, with medium+ acid and medium body. Flavours of strawberry, tart cherry, brioche, lemon zest, pink grapefruit, red apple. A brioche note adds complexity.

Astounding value.

Tasted November 2016.