Neil Phillips

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.