WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 29, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MARCH 29, 2025 release.                       
                                 THIS IS THE BLUE MOON RELEASE!!!!

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Classic Euro wines and their New World Counterparts

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+662775 D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE AUSTRALIA 2023 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+370098 PAUL MAS SINGLE VINEYARD COLLECTION NICOLE VINEYARD RÉSERVE VIOGNIER LANGUEDOC  2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+599274 DR. L RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+40537 NOVUS ALTITUDE ASSYRTIKO/MOSCHOFILERO/MALAGOUSIA GREECE 2023 $15.95

R+66298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC ARGENTINA 2023 $17.95
R+36316 TRAPICHE TESORO MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $15.95
R+433060 WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+25366 TRIUS DISTINCTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON VQA 2023  $19.95
R+42221 DOMAINE DE BEL-AIR LES GRANITS BLEUS BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022 $19.95 R+948059 FAMILLE PERRIN SIGNATURE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2021 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39226 CORNO GRANDE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO PREMIUM 2022 $17.95
R+39484 CA' DI RAJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON VENEZIE 2023 $17.95
R+41902 SANTOS LIMA TAVERNA DA ALDEIA PORTUGAL 2021 $13.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+42003 HENRI D'AUGAN BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX ROSÉ SPARKLING NV $22.95
W+256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CAVE SPRING VINEYARD CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+424507 WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+44145 THIRTY BENCH SMALL LOT WILD CASK RIESLING VQA 2021 $32
W+18585 PASCAL BOUCHARD LE CLASSIQUE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
W+274357 DOMAINE CHAUVEAU LA CHARMETTE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2023 $27.95

R+38499 WAPISA PATAGONIA PINOT NOIR ARGENTINA 2022 $22.95
R+11582 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES NIAGARA PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+26503 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE GAMAY VQA 2021 $28.95
R+42229 LES ARBILLONS MÂCON MILLY-LAMARTINE ROUGE 2020 $21.95
R+261784 PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2021 $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+930966 ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $25.95
R+681262 BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO TUSCANY 2022 $26.95
R+984187 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA SPAIN 2015 $29.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through SATURDAY March 29...you better hurry...new listing out March 31 (see next entry below)...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay New Zealand was $20.95, now $17.95, save $3
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna was $19.95, now $16.95, save $3
R+352583 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma was, $49.95, now $44.95, save $5
R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3
R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, was $28.95, now $25.95, save $3
R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50
R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3

LTO deals March 31 to April 27, 2025...

Fizz+991562 Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne, now $23.45, save $1.50
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench, now $29.95, save $3
W+35t386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand, now $18.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+711556 Wakefield Estate Label Chardonnay Clare Valley South Australia, now $15.95, save $2
R+64618 Featherstone Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara, now $19.95, save $2
R+258673 G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir VQA NOTL, now $17.95, save $2
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.95, save $3
R+58339 Kaiken Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina, now $16.95. save $2

More LTO deals are at --

https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]

** Some New Wines I Tasted Near the End of Last year (2024)  ---

REPORT ON DRINK CHILE 2024 TORONTO WINES OF CHILE ANNUAL TRADE TASTING

The Date and Time: Tuesday November 12, 11:30AM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Chile annual tasting in Toronto
The Venue: One King Street West
The Target Audience: wine trade in day time, then public at night
The Availability/Catalogue:just about everything is at the LCBO
The Quote/Background: it was a very pleasant stroll through the uncrowded aisles, with many familiar faces.
The Wines: I could not try them all....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cono Sur Sparkling Rose Pinot Noir $16.05 +365205 LCBO
-Emiliana Signos de Origen Chardonnay Casablanca 2022 $21.95 +37756 Vintages
-Emiliana Novas Stellar Selection Red Blend Maule $19.95 +35672 Vintages
-Vina Garces Silva Organic Boya Sauvignon Blanc Leyda 2024 $15.95 +389726 Vintages
-Vina Haras de Pirque Hussonet Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Maipo $25 (Mark Anthony)
-Vina las Ninas Traditional Method Sparkling Chardonnay NV Colchagua $19.95 (Hektars Agency)
-Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Leyda $16.95 +37758 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Colchagua $22.95 +322586 Vintages
-Vina Vik A Cabernet Sauvignon Cachapoal 2022 $48 (Bacco Imports)
-Vina Vik Milla Cala Cachapoal 2021 $100
-Vina Vik La Piu Belle Cachapoal 2021 $135
-Vina Vik VIK Cachapoal $250
-Montes Folly Syrah Colchagua 2020 $90 +62356
-De Martino Viejas Tinajas Muscat Itata 2021 $47 +25921
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon  2020 +35100 $220
-Casa Bauza Presumido 2020 +38476  $40
-Garage Wine Co Cru Truquilemu DO Empedrado 2019 +24544  $71.25

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Caliterra Tributo Chardonnay 2022 Casablanca +37748 $17.95
-Vina Carmen Delanz Cabernetv Sauvignon Alto Jahuel Maipo +41879 $29.95
-Arboleda Chardonnay Aconcagua $18.95 +606772 $18.95
-Emiliana Organic Coyam Colchagua +63891 $29.95
-Las Ninas Ella Chardonnay Organic Casablanca +37162 $13.95
-Montes Sparkling Angel $26.95 +37122 Vintages
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay Aconcagua +390203 $19.95
-Montes Wings Apalta +33354 $67.95
-Montes Purple Angel 2021 Colchagua +62364 $109.95
-Montgras Intriga 2022 Maipo $23.95 (Charton Hobbs)

The Food: cold cuts platter, with salami and prosciutto, two cheeses, lots of breads (soft focaccia), cooked split cherry tomatoes, marinated eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, dry cured tomatoes.
The Downside: modest food platter
The Upside: lots of room to move around, in the early hours of the show
The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2024 TORONTO

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY NOV 2024 TORONTO

The Date and Time:  November 1, 2024, 10:30AM through 5PM
The Event:The annual wine tasting of Italian wines -- 29th edition!
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, restaurants, private collectors.
The Availability/Catalogue: the digital catalogue was accessible; unfortunately I had no cell phone.
The Quote/Background: About 93 producers participated, with well over 500 wines. There was a masterclass for about 75 people, led by Michael Godel. The class was all about understanding the evolution and current concept of Italy's IGT and IGP.
The Wines: It was impossible to taste everything. So I just randomly picked tables....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Surnat Vinificato in Anfora 2021 Sebino Bianco IGT Lombardia Franciacorta (Le Sommelier)
-Agricola Foradori Teroldega 2022 Vignet Dolormiti IGT (The Living Vine)
-Rivera Maresse Bombino Bianco 2023
-Collalbrigo  Prosecco  Superiore Conegliano Vald
-Inama Vin Soave 2023 Soave Classico DOC $22.95 LCBO
-Inama Carbonare 2022 Soave Classico DOC
-Ferrucio Deiana Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Arrali $32
-Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 $24.95 Vintages
-Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020 $74.95
-Lis Neris Gris 2023 DOC


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quarticello Ferrando 2022 Lambrusco Emilia IGT (Context Wines)
-Planeta Eruzione Carricante 2021 Terre Siciliane IGT (Noble Estates)
-Fattoria Mancini Wines Pinot Noir Focara 2021 Colli Pesaresi DOC (P V Wine and Spirits)
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2021 Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT (Rogers and Company)
-San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2021 DOCG [organic] (Woodman consignment)
-Planeta La Segretta  Grillo Sicilia
-Planeta Etna DOC Contrada Taccione 2022
-Borgogno Langhe Riesling 2021
-Villa Sparina Blanc de Blancs Cortese Trad Method  Piedmont
-Villa Sparina Montterotondo Gavi del Commune di Gavi DOCG
-Wineoclock SRL Serena Prosecco  Treviso Brut Natur $22


The Food: cold cuts of beef and pork; porchetta;dried sausages; pickled mushrooms; assorted veggie crudites; sun-dried tomatoes; breads, biscotti, pasta orecchiette; pesto, olives.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were many people with perfumes and colognes.
The Upside: a chance to pick and choose wines
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 15, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for MARCH 15, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEMES:  Sustainable Italian; South African Stellenbosch; Beamsville Bench

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
FIZZ+515254 VILARNAU BARCELONA RESERVA BRUT ORGANIC SPAIN CAVA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+186346 SIDEWOOD CHARDONNAY AUSTRALIA 2022 $18.95
 W+19379 TRIUS DISTINCTION SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2022 $19.95
W+40441 MICHALAKIS ASSYRTIKO GREECE 2023 $16.15
W+18685 THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE BUSH VINE CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2023 $15.95
W+218354 GARCIARÉVALO FINCA TRES OLMOS LIAS VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $14.95

R+38492 ALTUS RESERVA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2021 $19.95
R+24980 KNAPPSTEIN CLARE VALLEY SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $19.95
R+942904 D'ARENBERG D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL GRENACHE/SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39275 FEATHERSTONE GAMAY NOIR VQA 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+42112 MORANDE SELECCIÓN DE VIÑEDOS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET CHILE $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+470963 DOMAINE GOURON CHINON LOIRE 2023 $17.95
R+39219 GORGHI TONDI COSTE A PREOLA NERO D'AVOLA 2022 SICILY $17.95
R+39220 TRULLO DI PEZZA MEZZAPEZZA PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2021 $18.95
R+438713 VALDELACIERVA CRIANZA SPAIN 2019 $17.95
R+443374 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+427195 FLOR DE MAIO MAYFLOWER PORTUGAL 2021 $15.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+16059 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES BENCH CHARDONNAY VQA 2022 $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY VQA 2023 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+177758 ROSEWOOD SÉMILLON VQA 2022 $21.95
W+20455 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY VQA 2021 $30.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING VQA 2020 $24.95
W+10489 CHARTRON ET TRÉBUCHET POUILLY-FUISSÉ BURGUNDY 2022 $44.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
W+38065 MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 2022 $29.95
W+39744 AGANIS DI FLABE RIBOLLA GIALLA FRIULI 2023 $21.95

R+38499 WAPISA PATAGONIA PINOT NOIR ARGENTINA 2022 $22.95
R+520379 BACHELDER WISMER-PARKE SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $54.95MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+325118 PELLER PRIVATE RESERVE MERITAGE VQA 2021 $29.95
R+36194 FIELDING CABERNET FRANC VQA 2022 $26.15
R+42129 CHÂTEAU MONTLISSE BORDEAUX 2016 $54.95
R+559732 ANDRÉ GOICHOT & FILS PERNAND-VERGELESSES 2023 $42.95
R+331900 E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS RHONE 2020 $47.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+906073 FAMILLE PERRIN LA GILLE GIGONDAS RHONE 2021 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+39225 JASCI & MARCHESANI NERUBÈ MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $21.95
R+39475 OLIANAS CANNONAU SARDINIA 2021 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine
R+630939 RICASOLI BROLIO BETTINO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 $28.95
R+695023 NIEPOORT VERTENTE TINTO PORTUGAL 2020 $30.95
R+446484 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS SPAIN 2022 448B 12 $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through SUNDAY March 30...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay New Zealand was $20.95, now $17.95, save $3
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna was $19.95, now $16.95, save $3
R+352583 Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma was, $49.95, now $44.95, save $5
R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3
R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, was $28.95, now $25.95, save $3
R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50
R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3
 
More LTO deals are at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]



** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON A TASTING OF WINES FROM ITALY 2024 TORONTO

The Date and Time:  November 1, 2024, 10:30AM through 5PM
The Event:The GIGANTIC annual wine tasting of Italian wines -- 29th edition!
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, restaurants, private collectors.
The Availability/Catalogue: the digital catalogue was accessible; unfortunately I had no cell phone.
The Quote/Background: About 93 producers participated, with well over 500 wines. There was a masterclass for about 75 people, led by Michael Godel. The class was all about understanding the evolution and current concept of Italy's IGT and IGP.
The Wines: It was impossible to taste everything. So I just randomly picked tables....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Surnat Vinificato in Anfora 2021 Sebino Bianco IGT Lombardia Franciacorta (Le Sommelier)
-Agricola Foradori Teroldega 2022 Vignet Dolormiti IGT (The Living Vine)
-Rivera Maresse Bombino Bianco 2023
-Collalbrigo  Prosecco  Superiore Conegliano Vald
-Inama Vin Soave 2023 Soave Classico DOC $22.95 LCBO
-Inama Carbonare 2022 Soave Classico DOC
-Ferrucio Deiana Vermentino di Sardegna DOC Arrali $32
-Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 $24.95 Vintages
-Mazzei Castello Fonterutoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2020 $74.95
-Lis Neris Gris 2023 DOC

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quarticello Ferrando 2022 Lambrusco Emilia IGT (Context Wines)
-Planeta Eruzione Carricante 2021 Terre Siciliane IGT (Noble Estates)
-Fattoria Mancini Wines Pinot Noir Focara 2021 Colli Pesaresi DOC (P V Wine and Spirits)
-Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve 2021 Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT (Rogers and Company)
-San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico 2021 DOCG [organic] (Woodman consignment)
-Planeta La Segretta  Grillo Sicilia
-Planeta Etna DOC Contrada Taccione 2022
-Borgogno Langhe Riesling 2021
-Villa Sparina Blanc de Blancs Cortese Trad Method  Piedmont
-Villa Sparina Montterotondo Gavi del Commune di Gavi DOCG
-Wineoclock SRL Serena Prosecco  Treviso Brut Natur $22

The Food: cold cuts of beef and pork; porchetta;dried sausages; pickled mushrooms; assorted veggie crudites; sun-dried tomatoes; breads, biscotti, pasta orecchiette; pesto, olives.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were many people with perfumes and colognes.
The Upside: a chance to pick and choose wines
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

CREMANT DE...

CREMANT DE...

There are currently eight Cremants at the LCBO. Cremants are like Champagne but normally without the reserve/aged wine additions; consequently, they are usually vintage dated and fresh in taste. They are also about 1/3 the price of Champagnes despite going through the same technique of a second fermentation in the bottle. Grape varieties are usually those of the region; hence, the superb quality of such as Crémant de Bourgogne with its pinot noir and chardonnay components.


Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire Brut 4 stars (6) ratings
$22.95Price $22.95

Crémant de Limoux Grande Cuvée 1531 de Sieur d'Arques 4 stars (9) ratings
$23.95Price $23.95

Veuve Ambal Cremant De Bourgogne Grande Cuvee Brut 4 stars (4) ratings
$22.75Price $22.75

Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant de Bourgogne 4 stars (10) ratings
$24.95Price $24.95

De Chanceny Cremant De Loire Rose Brut
$21.95Price $21.95

La Seigneurie Cremant De Loire Extra Brut
$27.95Price $27.95

Rolet Cremant Du Jura Rose Brut
$40.95Price $40.95

Celene Cuvée Royal Brut Crémant de Bordeaux
$18.95Price $18.95

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offer selections...these are

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale March 3 through SATURDAY March 29...

Fizz+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, was $21.95, now $19.95, save $2

W+1834 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes Argentina was, $16.95, now $14.95, save $2

R+964221 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, was $31.95, now $28.95, save $3

R+177345 Muga Reserva Rioja, was $28.95, now $26.95, save $2

R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, was $21.95, now $18.95, save $3

R+910430 Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore, was $27.95, now $25.95, save $2.50

R+479766 Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, was $29.95, now $26.95, save $3

More LTO deals are at Products | LCBO

Products | LCBO Discover our assortment of products at LCBO. Compare products, read reviews, and shop online for in-store pickup...

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for MARCH 1, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  MARCH 1, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine


MAJOR THEME:  Women in Wine

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================     
W+356873 FLAT ROCK GOOD KHARMA CHARDONNAY VQA 2023  $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
W+42741 DOMAINE DE LA ROCHETTE SAUVIGNON BLANC LOIRE 2023 $14.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
W+25710 DOMDECHANT WERNER HOCHHEIM ORTSWEIN RIESLING TROCKEN RHEINGAU 2022 $19.95
W+173252 VELENOSI VILLA ANGELA PECORINO MARCHE 2023  $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
W+32553 SHEILD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $18.95
W+41444 NEDERBURG THE WINEMASTERS CHARDONNAY SOUTH AFRICA 2022 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine

R+42109 LEYDA COASTAL VINEYARD CANELO SYRAH CHILE 2020 $18.95
R+309260 LE GRAVILLAS SÉGURET CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2021 $19.95
R+38859 PLAIMONT GÉOGLYPHE GRAND VIN SOUTHWEST FRANCE 2018 $19.95
R+278150 NIRO DI CITRA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $17.95
R+366955 MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2021 $17.95
R+476002 LUNGAROTTI L'UM UMBRIA ROSSO UMBRIA 2022  $17.95
R+471854 RIOJA VEGA CRIANZA 2020 $15.95
R+190694 EVEL TINTO PORTUGAL 2021 $14.95



Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+16602 ALBINO ARMANI EXTRA DRY CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO FRIULI $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
ROSE+43624 DREA'S ROSATO VQA 2023 $26.50 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine

W+384339 SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED TORRONTÉS ARGENTINA 2024 $22.95
W+566026 CAVE SPRING CSV CAVE SPRING VINEYARD ESTATE GROWN RIESLING  $34.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
W+692632 PELLER PRIVATE RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2023 $23.95
W+366419 DOMAINE DU COLOMBIER CHABLIS 2023 $32.95

R+492413 CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022  $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
R+142398 WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022  $24.95
R+553313 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERLOT BC VQA 2021 $33
R+30252 TAWSE SKETCHES CABERNET/MERLOT VQA 2021 $22.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
R+30073 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $26.95
R+41424 STÉPHANE AVIRON JULIENAS BEAUJOLAIS 2022 $22.95
R+937128 FORIS ROGUE VALLEY PINOT NOIR OREGON 2023 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+)=superior wine
R+525931 CHÂTEAU VIEUX CHEVROL BORDEAUX 2020 $34.95
R+330704 BENI DI BATASIOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2015 $45.95
R+994095 ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $67.95
R+222109 MICHELE CASTELLANI COLLE CRISTI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA $48.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  now to March 2...Since this newsletter covers through March 1, then you had better hurry if you want to take advantage of the sale -- one day left !!

+35386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand now $18.95, save $3
+926626 Famille Perrin Les Sinards Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone now $40.95, save $3
+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile now $20.95, save $2
+595280  Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa $13.95, save $3
+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Tuscany now $21.95, save $3
+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara now $25.95, save $2
+48793 Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne $24.95, save $2

The next LTO dates are March 3 to March 29...

More LTO deals are at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON THE CGU PORTFOLIO TASTING IN NOVEMBER

The Date and Time: November 1, 2024  2PM - 5 PM
The Event: 2024 Fall CGU Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Vintage Conservatory - King Street
The Target Audience: private clients, restaurants, wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: we had a simple listing of some 26 wines with all relevant information about regions, vintage dates, and prices.
The Quote/Background: It was a quick tasting in that there were only two dozen or so wines, with no food. There were 4 tables with about 6 wines each.
The Wines: I tasted all the wines. Prices are retail.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Moritz Kissinger Winzersekt Extra Brut Nr. 2 NV $52.57
-Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg CG 2022 $84.76
-Kinsman Eades 2022 Aisana Sauvignon Blanc $177.84
-Le Clos du Gravillas Lo Vielh Carignan de 100 Ans 2021 $45.17  (my fave red of this tasting)
-Jean-Baptiste Souillard Saint Joseph 2022 $58.12
-Jean-Baptiste Crozes-Hermitage Les Baties 2022 $84.02
-Domaine des Ardoisieres Schiste Blanc 2022 $99.23
-Champagne Dhondt-Grellet Dans Un Premier Temps NV $119.44
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Pommard 2021 $131.35
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Meursault Savigny Les Beaune Vieilles Vignes  2021 $105.45
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Meursault Clos du Cromin 2021 $175.75
-Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2020 $416.24
-Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee du Saule 2019 Rouge $989.76
-Laurent Ponsot  Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosotis 2019 $220.33
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Auxey-Duresses Les Bulles par Terres de Velle Extra Brut NV  $36.05
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Auxey-Duresses Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 $250.82
-
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Weingut Peter Jakob Kuhn Jacobus Rheingau 2022 $37.77
-Moritz Kissinger OHM White 2022 $39.99
-Niew Vineyards Chardonnay  2022 Eola-Amity Hills $154.36
-Thiriet Bourgogne Rouge Les Chagniots 2022 $101.75
-Domaine David Duband Vosne-Romanee 2021 $154.48
-Domaine Garcia Aloxe Corton 1er Cru Le Calozieres 2022 $249.75
-Armand Heitz Morey-Saint Denis 1er Cru Monts Luisants 2021 $342.24
-Gautheron d'Anost Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2022 $64.76

The Food: none
The Downside: It was crowded with small tables.
The Upside: it was a small tasting which allowed me to taste everything!!
The Contact Person: jade@cgufinewines.com; info@cgufinewines.com; cgufinewines@gmail.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Top 10 best selling Sparkling wines at the LCBO

Top 10 best selling Sparkling Wines at the LCBO (not necessarily at every store)...

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava
750 ml bottle
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava 4 stars (132)
$15.75Sale Price $15.75
$17.75 Price Was $17.75
Save $2.00

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso
750 ml bottle
Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso 4 stars (146) ratings
$18.95Price $18.95

Ruffino Prosecco
750 ml bottle
Ruffino Prosecco 5 stars (10) ratings
$19.95Price $19.95

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC 4 stars (28) ratings
$17.95Price $17.95
100 bonus points

Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC
Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC 5 stars (8)
$17.95Price $17.95

Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco DOC, Treviso
750 ml bottle
Villa Sandi Prosecco Il Fresco DOC, Treviso 4 stars (10) ratings
$17.45Price $17.45

Spumante Bambino
750 ml bottle
Spumante Bambino 3 stars (45) ratings
$11.95 Price $11.95

Pelee Island Lola Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
Pelee Island Lola Sparkling Rosé VQA 4 stars (13) ratings
$14.70 Sale Price $14.70
$16.70 Price Was $16.70
Save $2.00

La Marca Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
La Marca Prosecco DOC 4 stars (278) ratings
$21.85 Price $21.85

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava
750 ml bottle
Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava 4 stars (22)
$17.95 Price $17.95

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON THE CGU PORTFOLIO TASTING IN NOVEMBER 2024

REPORT ON THE CGU PORTFOLIO TASTING IN NOVEMBER 2024

The Date and Time: November 1, 2024  2PM - 5 PM
The Event: 2024 Fall CGU Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Vintage Conservatory - King Street
The Target Audience: private clients, restaurants, wine media and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: we had a simple listing of some 26 wines with all relevant information about regions, vintage dates, and prices.
The Quote/Background: It was a quick tasting in that there were only two dozen or so wines, with no food. There were 4 tables with about 6 wines each.
The Wines: I tasted all the wines. Prices are retail.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Moritz Kissinger Winzersekt Extra Brut Nr. 2 NV $52.57
-Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg CG 2022 $84.76
-Kinsman Eades 2022 Aisana Sauvignon Blanc $177.84
-Le Clos du Gravillas Lo Vielh Carignan de 100 Ans 2021 $45.17  (my fave red of this tasting)
-Jean-Baptiste Souillard Saint Joseph 2022 $58.12
-Jean-Baptiste Crozes-Hermitage Les Baties 2022 $84.02
-Domaine des Ardoisieres Schiste Blanc 2022 $99.23
-Champagne Dhondt-Grellet Dans Un Premier Temps NV $119.44
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Pommard 2021 $131.35
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Meursault Savigny Les Beaune Vieilles Vignes  2021 $105.45
-Domaine Genot-Boulanger Meursault Clos du Cromin 2021 $175.75
-Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux Bourgogne Pinot Fin 2020 $416.24
-Laurent Ponsot Griotte Chambertin Grand Cru Cuvee du Saule 2019 Rouge $989.76
-Laurent Ponsot  Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosotis 2019 $220.33
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Auxey-Duresses Les Bulles par Terres de Velle Extra Brut NV  $36.05
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Auxey-Duresses Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 $250.82
-
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Weingut Peter Jakob Kuhn Jacobus Rheingau 2022 $37.77
-Moritz Kissinger OHM White 2022 $39.99
-Niew Vineyards Chardonnay  2022 Eola-Amity Hills $154.36
-Thiriet Bourgogne Rouge Les Chagniots 2022 $101.75
-Domaine David Duband Vosne-Romanee 2021 $154.48
-Domaine Garcia Aloxe Corton 1er Cru Le Calozieres 2022 $249.75
-Armand Heitz Morey-Saint Denis 1er Cru Monts Luisants 2021 $342.24
-Gautheron d'Anost Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2022 $64.76

The Food: none
The Downside: It was crowded with small quarters.
The Upside: it was a small tasting which allowed me to taste everything!!
The Contact Person: jade@cgufinewines.com; info@cgufinewines.com; cgufinewines@gmail.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for FEB 15, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  FEB 15, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=basic recommendation   MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Australia

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+42293 DOMAINE BOUSQUET ORGANIC RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2023 ARGENTINA $19.95      
W+251470 TRIUS DISTINCTION BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY VQA 2023 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+40326 LES COSTIÈRES DE POMÉROLS LE JADE VIOGNIER 2023  LANGUEDOC $15.95
W+42392 DOMAINE FONT SARADE LE BLANC VIOGNIER RHONE 2023 $19.95
W+631622 COLLAVINI T FRIULANO 2022 $16.95
W+39380 PASQUA BLACK LABEL ITALIANO CHARDONNAY 2022 VENETO $17.95
W+41453 ALVI'S DRIFT SIGNATURE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 SOUTH AFRICA $14.95

R+38491 LA BELLE MARGUERITE MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA $17.85
R+41309 STONEHAVEN STEPPING STONE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 AUSTRALIA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+33501 THORN-CLARKE BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $19.95
R+12990 CHÂTEAU CAMPLONG GRANDE RÉSERVE CORBIÈRES 2023 $13.95
R+39282 NESTORE BOSCO LINEA CLASSICA MONTELPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+11152 COUTADA VELHA SIGNATURE RED 2022 PORTUGAL $14.95


Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
W+632034 TYRRELL'S HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLON 2023 AUSTRALIA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )

R+135202 KAIKEN ULTRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 ARGENTINA $22.95  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+41310 SMALL VICTORIES EDEN VALLEY SHIRAZ 2022 AUSTRALIA $24.95
R+33894 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR VQA 2021 $30.00 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+389759 CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA SYRAH 2022 CHILE $22.95
R+534339 VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2022 BEAUJOLAIS $20.95
R+384271 CHÂTEAU MAGNOL 2021 BORDEAUX $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+42394 DOMAINE FONT SARADE LES HAUTS DE LA PONCHE VACQUEYRAS RHONE 2022 $28.95
R+39229 ARBÉTA BARBARESCO 2019 $39.95
R+39165 SAN BIAGIO COMMUNE DI LA MORRA BAROLO 2019 $48.95
R+39401 PIAN DELLE QUERCI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 $45.95
R+11228 SIGLO GRAN RESERVA 2015 SPAIN $24.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  from Feb 3 to March 2 -- and there is no HST through February 15...so you'll save more ...!!!

+35386 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand now $18.95, save $3
+926626 Famille Perrin Les Sinards Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone now $40.95, save $3
+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile now $20.95, save $2
+595280  Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa $13.95, save $3
+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi di Castiglioni Tuscany now $21.95, save $3
+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara now $25.95, save $2
+48793 Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rose Cremant de Bourgogne $24.95, save $2

More LTO deals at https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]
 

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---

REPORT ON INSTITUTO GRANDI MARCHI TORONTO   OCTOBER  2024

The Date and Time: October 16, 2024, 11AM to 4:30PM
The Event: Wine tasting of Instituto Grandi Marchi in Toronto
The Venue: Arcadian Loft
The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers, wine trade agents
The Quote/Background: Grandi Marchi here means "wine family heritage" -- these are some of the oldest wineries in Italy. There are 18 members but only 14 were at the show.
The Wines: We tasted 54 wines that were available. The masterclass explained the nature of the families and wine samples augmented this.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ca" del Bosco Annamaria Clementi Franciacorta DOCG Riserva 2015
-Umani Ronchi Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Superiore 2022
-Vinchio Vaglio Moscato D'Asti
-Podere Casanova Settecento 2018
-Vinchio Vaglie Barbera d'Asti Vechie Vigne 2021
-Vinchio Vaglie Nizza Laudana 2020
-Castello di Selvole Chianti Gran Selezione 2019
-Castello di Melet Chianti Gran Selezione 2020  
-Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Gran Selezione 2020
-Tasca d'Almerita Rosso del Conte Contea di Sciafani DOC 2018
-Tenuta San Leonardo Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2016
-Michele Chiaro Cerequio Barolo DOCG Riserva 2016
-Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2016
-Masi Costasera Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Riserva 2018
-Serego Alighieri Possessioni Veneto 2013
-Jermann Bianco Venetia IGT 2022 Where Dreams Have No End
-Michele Chiaro Barbaresco 2021

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Carpene Malvolti 1868 Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut
-Jermann Vintage Tunina Venezia Giulia IGT 2022
-Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana Chianti Region  IGT 2021
-Lungarotti Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
-Mastroberardino Stilema Taurasi DOCG Riserva 2016
-Cantina Nativ Fiano d'Avellion 2023
-Cantina Nativ Greco di Tufo 2023
-Obiz Friulano 2023
-Cecci Chardonnay 2023
-Feudi di Romans Ribolla Gialla 2023
-Mezzacorona Rotari Prosecco
-Rivera Marese  Bombino Bianco Castel del Monte DOC 2023
-San Leonardo Vette Sauvignon Blanc 2023
-Michele Chiarlo Gavi 2023
-Lungarotti Torre de Giano 2023
-Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo 2013
-Masterberardino Fiano de Avellino 2023

The Food: we had the cheese and charcuterie platters, Atlantic salmon salad sandwich, quinoa and eggplant wrap, crispy chicken ciabatta and tomatoes, beef flat iron pretzel sandwich -- all with smoked cheddar cheeses available as well as  smoked jalapeno aioli. Catered by Oliver & Bonacini
The Downside: I missed tasting Donnafugata and Antinori wines (these families did not come to Toronto)
The Upside: the foods were a great match for the various wines.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

REPORT ON STEM WINE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 2024

REPORT ON STEM WINE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 2024

The Date and Time: October 30, 2024, 2PM to 9PM
The Event: 20th Anniversary Edition of Stem Wine Group Inc.'s Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Globe & Mail Event Centre
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, collectors, private clients, etc.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything in the catalogue is available. The book itself weighs over a pound.
The Quote/Background: It was a walkaround tasting, moving at its own pace, with plenty of wine to sample. The majority of wines came from Italy, followed by France, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Ontario Canada. The book gave us a label reproduction, grape names, regions, vintage dates and prices. Many producers and/or their North American reps were pouring. It's always an interesting experience.
The Wines: I could only taste a few of the wines: there were so many, plus beers and spirits and sparklers. Prices do not include HST or bottle deposit.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Anno Domini Vyds Moscato IGT Veneto Frizzante $14.99
-Tombacco Pecorino IGT Terre di Chieti $16.99
-Delibori Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG $52.99
-Zyme From Black to White Il Bianco 2020 IGP $33.99
-Zyme 60 20 20 Cabernet IGP 2020 $82.99
-Zyme Kairos IGP 2020 $132.99
-Zyme Amarone dell Valpolicella Classico 2018  DOCG $209.99
-Zyme La Mattonara Amarone Classico Riserva 2009 DOP $519.99
-Zyme Harlequin 2016 IGP $519.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Brut DOCG $39.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Rose DOCG $47.99
-Ronco Del Gelso Siet Vignis Chardonnay 2022 DOC $36.99
-La Chiara Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2023 DOCG $23.99
-Giulia Negri La Tartufaia Barolo 2020 DOCG $89.99
-Giulia Negri Serradenari Barolo 2020 DOCG $129.99
-Giulia Negri Marassio Barolo 2020 DOCG $189.99
-Arnaldorivera Rocche di Castiglione Barolo 2020 DCG $184.99
-Gaja Alteni di Brassica 2021 DOP $239.99
-Castello Monsanto Il Poggio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 DOCG $109.99
--Settesoli Vermentino 2022 IGT $14.99
-La Manufacture Blanchot Chablis Grand Cru 2022 $139.99
-Tome Arzabal Albarino 2023 Yakima Valley AVA $34.99
-Citation Chardonnay Oregon 2015 $59.99
-Citation Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2015 $61.99


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Delibori Garda Chardonnay IGT 2023  $13.99
-Schreckbichl Colterenzio Altikirch Chardonnay 2023 $24.99
-Deltetto Il Fondatore Barolo 2017 DOCG $74.99
-Ca' del Baio Luna d'Agosto Langhe Chardonnay 2023 DOC $23.99
-Villa a Sesta Sarleone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 $59.99
-Gaja Rossj Bass 2022 DOP $139.99
-Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2020 DOP $169.99
-La Manufacture Bourgogne 2022 Cote d'Auxerre $33.99
-Castell d'Or Cava Rose NV $18.99
-Precision Adorn Chardonnay 2021 California $18.99
-Butternut Chardonnay 2021 California $23.99

The Food: Piano Piano was present with rigatoni Bolognese and cavatelli mushrooms and truffles; Edna + Vita fed us with tuna crudo, whipped ricotta and beet crostini, mortadella grissini and pistachio pesto, polpette and polenta; kb from Whitby provided us with beef tartare, wild boar crisps, deep-fried rabbit and polenta balls. Amazing food.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast
The Upside: I could not taste every wine that I wanted to - I ran out of palate. So sad.
The Contact Person: tania@stemwinegroup.com  or  tony@stemwinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for FEBRUARY 1, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  FEBRUARY 1, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for better or best wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – my publication.
Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace, above or below its price).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for my scores in the early 1980s. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE.  This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.

MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)=my basic recommendation  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Top French Wine Regions

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
Fizz+42007 CELENE CUVÉE ROYAL BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX  NV $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+37912 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2023 $14.95
W+224626 JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+38155 CHÂTEAU MARIE PLAISANCE LE BRIN SOUTH OF FRANCE 2022 $14.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+19691 PATERNOSTER VULCANICO FALANGHINA BASILICATA 2022 $19.95
W+707950 ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO FRIULI 2023 $19.95
W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2024
$18.95
R+35672 EMILIANA NOVAS STELLAR SELECTION CABERNET CHILE $17.95 2022 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38266 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DES LOGES LES 3 MADONES BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022
$19.95
R+32040 FONCALIEU VIA NOSTRUM LANGUDOC 2020 $18.95
R+539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 $15.95
R+134544 MONTE DEL FRÀ BARDOLINO VENETO 2023 $16.95
R+431064 HERDADE PESO TRINCA BOLOTAS TINTO PORTUGAL 2022 $16.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
Fizz+267039 NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT ROSÉ NV CHAMPAGNE $64.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+17633 LAKEVIEW BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY VQA 2020 $24.95
W+38077 DEUX ROCHES TRADITION MACON-VILLAGES 2022 $27.95
W+695908 JEAN PABIOT ET FILS DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2022
$30.20
R+42612 HINTERBROOK RESERVE CABERNET FRANC VQA 2017 $49.95
R+418111 TRIUS SHOWCASE CLARK FARM PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $45.00
R+42111 MORANDÉ VITIS ÚNICA PINOT NOIR CHILE 2022 $20.95
R+41082 CHÂTEAU HAUTS DE PLAISANCE BORDEAUX 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38093 VIGNERONS DE BEL-AIR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022  $29.95
R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO $24.95
2020
R+132597 ESCONDIDO TEMPRANILLO SPAIN 2020 $18.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...especially since there is also no HST in the price (most of these wines are now about $5 less on  "double" sale  through Sunday February 2 -- better hurry!!

W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2...now $24.50 since there is no HST! a total savings of $5.45 a bottle.
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
R+36483 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes, now $17.95, save $2
R+328567 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa, now $16.95, save $3
R+295410 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais 2021 Costieres de Nimes, now $23.95, save $2
R+383018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza Rioja $16.95, save $4
FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---


REPORT ON STEM WINE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 30, 2024

The Date and Time: October 30, 2024, 2PM to 9PM
The Event: 20th Anniversary Edition of Stem Wine Group Inc.'s Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Globe & Mail Event Centre
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, collectors, private clients, etc.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything in the catalogue is available. The book itself weighs over a pound.
The Quote/Background: It was a walkaround tasting, moving at its own pace, with plenty of wine to sample. The majority of wines came from Italy, followed by France, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Ontario Canada. The book gave us a label reproduction, grape names, regions, vintage dates and prices. Many producers and/or their North American reps were pouring. It's always an interesting experience.
The Wines: I could only taste a few of the wines: there were so many, plus beers and spirits and sparklers. Prices do not include HST or bottle deposit.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Anno Domini Vyds Moscato IGT Veneto Frizzante $14.99
-Tombacco Pecorino IGT Terre di Chieti $16.99
-Delibori Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG $52.99
-Zyme From Black to White Il Bianco 2020 IGP $33.99
-Zyme 60 20 20 Cabernet IGP 2020 $82.99
-Zyme Kairos IGP 2020 $132.99
-Zyme Amarone dell Valpolicella Classico 2018  DOCG $209.99
-Zyme La Mattonara Amarone Classico Riserva 2009 DOP $519.99
-Zyme Harlequin 2016 IGP $519.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Brut DOCG $39.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Rose DOCG $47.99
-Ronco Del Gelso Siet Vignis Chardonnay 2022 DOC $36.99
-La Chiara Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2023 DOCG $23.99
-Giulia Negri La Tartufaia Barolo 2020 DOCG $89.99
-Giulia Negri Serradenari Barolo 2020 DOCG $129.99
-Giulia Negri Marassio Barolo 2020 DOCG $189.99
-Arnaldorivera Rocche di Castiglione Barolo 2020 DCG $184.99
-Gaja Alteni di Brassica 2021 DOP $239.99
-Castello Monsanto Il Poggio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 DOCG $109.99
--Settesoli Vermentino 2022 IGT $14.99
-La Manufacture Blanchot Chablis Grand Cru 2022 $139.99
-Tome Arzabal Albarino 2023 Yakima Valley AVA $34.99
-Citation Chardonnay Oregon 2015 $59.99
-Citation Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2015 $61.99


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Delibori Garda Chardonnay IGT 2023  $13.99
-Schreckbichl Colterenzio Altikirch Chardonnay 2023 $24.99
-Deltetto Il Fondatore Barolo 2017 DOCG $74.99
-Ca' del Baio Luna d'Agosto Langhe Chardonnay 2023 DOC $23.99
-Villa a Sesta Sarleone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 $59.99
-Gaja Rossj Bass 2022 DOP $139.99
-Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2020 DOP $169.99
-La Manufacture Bourgogne 2022 Cote d'Auxerre $33.99
-Castell d'Or Cava Rose NV $18.99
-Precision Adorn Chardonnay 2021 California $18.99
-Butternut Chardonnay 2021 California $23.99

The Food: Piano Piano was present with rigatoni Bolognese and cavatelli mushrooms and truffles; Edna + Vita fed us with tuna crudo, whipped ricotta and beet crostini, mortadella grissini and pistachio pesto, polpette and polenta; kb from Whitby provided us with beef tartare, wild boar crisps, deep-fried rabbit and polenta balls. Amazing food.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast
The Upside: I could not taste every wine that I wanted to - I ran out of palate. So sad.
The Contact Person: tania@stemwinegroup.com  or  tony@stemwinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures