British Columbian Victoria’s Phillips Brewing has benefited recently from national representation in Canada, allowing for wider distribution of the Oro Blanco Grapefruit Sour. A bright grapefruit and lime nose with a hint of lactic acidity. The initial impression on the sip is sweetness, which battles for dominance as the sour grapefruit asserts itself on the palate. For all the tartness, a comparatively well-balanced mimosa of a beer.
This is a stunning value from an ultra-warm vintage in Bordeaux. Made in a modern style; there is a prodigious nose of blackberry, cassis, smoke, tobacco, black olive and anise. Suave and silky on the palate, it is ready to drink now until 2020.
This cool-climate Chard has a nose of smoky-flinty-toasty citrus, peach and apple fruit. It has a creamy feel on the palate with tropical fruits, vanilla toast and lovely acidity. Serve with grilled salmon or creamy pasta dishes.
Light copper tint, lasting foam. Citrusy hops dominate the bouquet. The limited acidity and carbonic gas bring a feel of softness to the tasty mid-palate. Moderate bitterness keeps it fresh. Lasting aftertaste of malted barley and wheat.
This is an opaque blend of 80% Malbec, fleshed out with Cabernet Sauvignon and Ancellotta (most often seen in Emilia Romagna and prized for its inky colour) from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. The additional grapes give Malbec a fleshy, red-fruited character, with cherry, liquorice and tobacco housed by gritty tannins and seasoned with roasted wood and aromatic herbs. Fine spices ― cinnamon, nutmeg ― warm the warm finish. Requires decanting to fully appreciate now (or a hunk of grilled meat).
Pale yellow. Pear with shy notes of apricot and mineral hints. Good balance in the round mid-palate, not especially expressive but technically well made. Enjoy now this generic white from a reliable producer.
Very pale in colour but with a really intense bouquet and flavour. On the nose, it's green pepper with honeyed lemon notes. On the full-bodied palate, you experience generous grapefruit and melon flavours with a crisp, lingering finish.