Neil Phillips

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

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Nose of strawberry, allspice, Christmas cake.

Medium weight for a Pinot on the palate.

Elegant and well balanced.

Good value.

E. Guigal Côtes Du Rhône Blanc 2011, Ac

Reliable wine from a consistent producer.

Light gold in colour. Aromas of ripe peach, apricot, marzipan.

Creamy mouthfeel, more white peach than yellow, apricot, (bitter) almond. Medium finish, perhaps a tad short in this vintage.

A pleasant wine, good value.

Tasted June 2014.

Erath Pinot Noir 2012, Oregon

A great example of Oregon Pinot Noir - partway between Old World and New in terms of profile.

On the nose, cherry, strawberry, ripe red plum, red liquorice, hint of white pepper and definite floral blossoms.

Medium+ flavour intensity, with all those red fruits coming through, plus a tartness of crabapple.

This should age nicely, and develop further earthy aromas.

We don't see enough Oregon Pinots in this market at this price point.

Tasted November 2016.

Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2010, Ac

Nose of lime, white grapefruit, touch of green apple and a flinty note.

On the palate, bone dry and lip-smackingly crisp. Tart lime and apple predominate, slight lemon, with a honeysuckle minerally finish that's medium-plus in length.

Would be perfect with a tray of raw oysters; I paired with chicken in puff pastry, cooked in a bit of the wine.

A classic example of why Chablis really is a much separate region from Bourgogne.

Tasted May 2015.

Henry Of Pelham Rose 2012, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Dark salmon to red in colour.

Notes of cherry, cranberry and a hint of white pepper.

On the palate, this dry wine has nice zippy acidity to carry the fruit, and finishes crisply.

A well-made Ontario rose, there`s enough acid to go with a variety of foods.

Angels Gate Riesling 2010, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula

Nose of lime more than lemon; mineral, white flowers, pear.

On the palate, this is classic Ontario Riesling, and a good example. Crisp citrus and gooseberry predominate, with white stone fruit playing a supporting role. The mid-palate is a bit short, so the medium finish is more citrus and mineral two-tone, less other fruit complexity.

Great value.

Tasted July 2015.

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

Alta Alella Cava Brut Nature Privat Reserva 2011

Nose of apple, lemon, baguette crust.

Intense green apple on the palate, with lemon zest. Sharp acidity, finishes medium+ in length. This is a great sparkling for food.

Nice value, and a sharper version of Cava than we usually see here.

Tasted October 2016.

Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula

This reminds me - once again - why I just love Ontario Riesling. Well made, it simply shines.

On the palate, lemon zest, hint of lime, tart green herbs, hard white peach. Medium-plus body, there's something to chew on here. Final finish is lip-smacking lime. Nice hint of residual sugar on the finish, this wine is beautifully balanced and only slightly off-dry.

Would absolutely put a few down in the cellar for an easy 5+ years.

Tasted July 2015.