Neil Phillips

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.

Jansz Premium Cuvée Sparkling White, Tasmania, Australia

This is one of the better Aussie sparklers, offering great QPV.

Nose of green apples and lemon zest, with a light baguette undertone.

On the palate, green apples shine through, as well as Meyer lemons, red grapefruit and almond. Finish is medium-plus. Nice complexity for this price-point.

Dry, balanced acid make this a crisp sparkler that drinks well on its own, or pairs beautifully with food.

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.

The Chocolate Block 2011, Wo Franschhoek

A huge, robust wine from South Africa, reminiscent of some of the better Australian Shiraz in style.

Nose of cassis, black pepper, cedar, leather, burnt rhubarb, sage.

Flavours follow the nose, with mocha and spicy fruit compote. The peppery note is evident, as are herbs. Chewy tannins, this wine goes on for a long time and will be a delight with bloody red meats, or hearty stews. High alcohol, but fully integrated.

Should age 5+ years.

Tasted June 2014

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.

De Chanceny Crémant De Loire Rosé Brut, A.C.

Here's a great way everyone can enjoy sparkling wines more often - and this value wine is perfect for the summer.

Pale salmon in colour, nose of red fruits dominated by ripe strawberries, with a hint of current/herbs.

Aggressive mousse lends a slight creaminess in the mouth. Vibrant on the palate, the slight savoury notes keeps this in relative balance. Medium finish.

Great value everyday summer sparkler.

Tasted June 2015

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.

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.

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.

Couly Dutheil Les Gravières D'amador Abbé De Turpenay Chinon 2014, Ac

Medium intensity with nose of raspberry, ripe red cherry, sage, tomato leaf and a dash of white pepper.

On the palate, dry with medium+ acid, featuring crabapple, allspice, cherry and raspberry. A medium+ savoury finish.

A nice medium-bodied savoury cool-climate Cabernet Franc, from the region that specialises. Quite versatile, and an excellent choice when you don't want a fruit or alcohol bomb.

Tasted October 2016.