Neil Phillips

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.

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.

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.

Bodega Tajinaste Tinto Tradicional 2017, Orotava Valley

Medium intensity ruby red in colour.

Earthy and barnyard would be an understatement for this nose. :-)

Stewed dark red and black fruits, almost chutney-like. Definite smoke.

On the palate, chewy fruits and high acid - but tannins are only medium. Fruit and savoury notes mingle, and the wine really opens up with air.

The 2017 is 100% Listan Negro.

Not for everyone, but a unique wine that works with a plethora of foods.

Tasted May 2020.

The Colonial Estate Explorateur Old Vine Shiraz 2006, Barossa Valley, South Australia

An excellent expression of Barossa Valley Shiraz - and has aged gracefully.

Still a powerful nose of black pepper, anise, mint - all over dark blackcurrants and damson plums. Vanilla is also evident, as well as muted earthy tones.

Bold flavours follow on the palate, but with a restraint (no doubt aided with aging) that proves quite elegant. The pepper is milder, fruits still supple but layered with almonds and spice.

At 14.5% the alcohol is present but does not overpower; finish is long.

Tasted February 2015.

Trail Estate Skin Contact Gewürztraminer 2016

What an intriguing wine.

Higher alcohol than anticipated - though I wouldn't have guessed it at 13.5%.

Aromatics are off the charts. The usual panoply of Gewurz aromas, but all somehow magnified. Imagine sitting in a flower garden eating Turkish delight and dried pineapple slices, perhaps with some ground pink peppercorns and star anise.

On the palate, a glorious jumble of all the above. Let this warm slightly, and the layers come out.

Most definitely this will appeal to some, and not to others.

A great example of the experimentation going on at Trail Estates.

Tasted February 2020

Queenston Mile Vineyard Pinot Noir Rosé 2017, VQA St. David's Bench

Medium-intensity salmon in colour.

Nose of strawberry, sour cherry.

On the palate, strawberry muted and more savoury red fruits come to the fore: cranberry, cherry - and an almost green-herbal note. Slightly creamy medium-length finish.

Tasted July 2019.

Veuve Clicquot Brut, Champagne, France

Best's Bin No. 1 Shiraz 2015, Great Western, Victoria

Bing cherries, blackberries, dark plums, mocha and a hint of mint.

Mid-way between savoury and jammy, this is a pleasant Shiraz that will do well on its own or with food. Smooth finish.

Tasted January 2019.

Leaning Post Rose 2018, VQA, Niagara Peninsula

Pale- to medium salmon in colour, with a slight orange hue.

Nose of wild strawberries, crabapple, mandarin, and a slight whiff of forest floor adds complexity.

On the palate lots of fruit, but balanced with savoury notes: strawberry, cranberry, rhubarb, candied orange peel and even a hint of green olive. Medium-plus finish ends with a savoury and salty note.

This is a flexible rose for a variety of dishes.

Good value for the quality.

Tasted July 2019.