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

REPORT ON INSTITUTO GRANDI MARCHI TORONTO OCTOBER 16, 2024

REPORT ON INSTITUTO GRANDI MARCHI TORONTO   OCTOBER 16, 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):

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

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Wine Tasting, January 2025....

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Wine Tasting, January 2025....


1. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery "Sustainable Premium Series" Reserve Riesling 2023 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, $24.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com) is new to me. It's an unoaked off-dry drink with elements of orchard fruit such as peach or apricot following a lime opener through to a mild honeyed (botrytised?) ending. The grapes were late-harvested on November 2, 2023, the juicy wine was stored in stainless steel tanks, and it was bottled in June. The acid level was brisk and stifled any overt sweetness. It can be stored for several years (5 - 6 years is suggested) to bring out its Alsatian nature of mineral-petrol. Screw-cap closure works well here in the traditional Riesling bottle. It's a great all round wine, from sipping as an aperitif to accompanying a wide variety of South-East Asia (SEA) dishes from Vietnam, Thai, Indian -- or actually anything spicy. 8.3 g/L residual sugar, 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


2. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery "Summer Series" Jennifer's Pinot Gris 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). It's more Alsatian-like in its complexity with orchard fruit (pear, peach, apricot,  apple), some melon notes and no oaking. It's medium weight and finishes dry, but can be used either as a social drink or with first-course food such as chicken or seafood. It's also useful as a "rose" since it's not called "gris" for nothing: the grape pressing gives it a pinkish tone. We've seen this in many other pinot gris bottles from other wineries. It is a light, aromatic quaff, stored in stainless steel until the June bottling. Screw-cap closure and a classy label. 2 g/L residual sugar (lower than in previous vintages), 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


3. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Premium Series Cabernet Franc 2021 VQA Niagara Escarpment, $35.15. (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This is one of Kacaba's  upscale labels. Very reminiscent of Right Bank (St. Emilion) cabs but without the stuffing of, say, Cheval Blanc. It is just as durable at this young age. Currently it is mute until tasted later after aeration. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a sealed bottle for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't want to do this, then you may want to wait a bit longer as the wine will be ready in six to ten years. Complex aromas and tastes begin to ascend and descend as the week rolls on. First, some black cherries followed by red tones on the palate from Ontario cranberry tartness. Some vanilla smoke, savoury herby spiciness, even mocha. The 2021 was fermented for two weeks before being racked into a combination of French and American oak. Maturation was 14 months. Aged or gamey red meat is mostly called for with this classic European-styled wine. 2.2 g/L residual sugar, 13.1% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



4. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Meritage 2021 VQA Niagara Escarpment, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This blend has changed every time since it is determined by the percentage of the grape varieties used based on how the harvest went. This year (2021), it is cabernet franc 33.5%, cabernet sauvignon 41.1% and merlot 25.4%. Everything was vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in French and American oak for 12 months. The final blend from 24 casks was determined, and this blend went into stainless steel tanks. A racking into older neutral barrels followed, and the wine was aged for a further five months in wood. This is a value wine driven by black fruit (black currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries) and vanilla-mocha. It's still tannic but with nuances of smoke and spices. I usually do a double-decant, taste, and then put it in a bottle with a cork for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then you will miss the evolution of the wine. The wine will be fully mature in a few more years, and should keep even longer. Umami food pairings may probably be best, with cured meats, older cheeses, even vegan mushroom risottos. 2.4 g/L residual sugar, 13.2% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


Kacaba has been renowned for its syrahs:

5. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Proprietor's Block Vineyard Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2021, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This syrah is still a young wine, three years old, and with a lot to resolve among the complexities of toasty smoke, vanillins, and black cherries, cracked pepper and other spices.  7.4% of Kacaba viognier was added, in true Northern Rhone fashion style. I've tasted various Kacaba syrahs back to 2000 with the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. [See below...] You'll get a whiff of anise, rosemary, and red fruit, and with the viognier fruit it is a bit refreshing with some soft textures. Storage was in both French and American oak for 14 months. Definitely a red meat wine but also excels with anything grilled, whether meat or vegetable. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a sealed bottle for a week, with daily tastings. If you do this, then you can taste the progress of the wine to its maturity. The grapes come from the youngest syrah plantings at Kacaba. Currently it is plummy but could turn jammy with age. Very good balanced finish emphasizes smooth tannins with a juicy length. The previous vintage was a multiple wine award winner (Gold at Ontario Wine Awards 2022, Gold at the All Canadians 2022, and Silver at the National Wine Awards 2022). 13% ABV. 2.4g/L residual sugar, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

6. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Terraced Vineyard Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2021, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com).
The fruit here was hand-picked. In true Rhone style, there was a 9.3% addition of estate viognier. The major expression here is that of black cherry-berry tones, mocha, and black and white pepper.  It's way too young to consume without double-decanting or other aeration.  This is one for the cellar, tight and still developing. Try in a few years as the tannins need a bit more time to smooth out. It is well worth waiting for that delicious syrah intensity: more leaning to a deft Euro style with peppery spices, some leather, smoke, vanilla, red and black fruit. It has been in French and American oak for 14 months. Expect black fruit and berries, coffee and chocolate tones. It is a big plummy wine: dark, deep, and rich, cedary and jammy. Double-decanting a necessity at this point for that "Rhone tone". Silver medalist at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2024. 13% ABV, 2.1g/L residual sugar, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

Kacaba winery began in 1997, and soon made its first syrahs. The original winemaker was Sue Ann Staff, followed by Jim Warren and John Tummon;  Vadim Chelekhow made the 2021 syrah wine. In 2005, no syrah was harvested. The 2001 showed ladybug presence and is not rated. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada tasted the wines below in 2014.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2000, harvested  Oct 26
-Kacaba Syrah 2006, harv. Sep 30, 12.2% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2007 Proprietor's Reserve, harv. Oct 3, 12.8% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Reserve Main Vineyard, harv. Sept 27, 13.1% ABV, co-fermented (as are all below) 5% or more Viognier $69.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Single Vineyard, harv. Sept 29, 13.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2012, harv. Oct 2, 13.7% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Terrace Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
 
*** BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2002, harvested. Oct 7, 14.3% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2004 Reserve, harv. Oct 25, 13.8% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2009 Single Vineyard, harv. Oct 30, 12.9% ABV, $29.99
-Kacaba Syrah 2011 PS Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 4, 12.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2011 Ravine/Main Vineyards, harv. Oct 8, 13.3% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Main Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2003, harvested Nov 4, 12% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2008, harv. Oct 23, 12.4% ABV

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 JANUARY 18, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JANUARY 18, 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 THEMES:  California Sustainability; Local Talent Reds

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+447425 MOUNT RILEY LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEA 2024 $19.95
W+117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE 2023 AUSTRALIA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+981175 DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023 $19.95
R+452029 PIATTELLI LUJÁN DE CUYO RESERVE MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $15.50
R+360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  $19.95
R+13434 ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+195107 SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL SYRAH/GRENACHE FRANCE 2022  $16.95
R+38858 CAMPET SAINT MARIE VIEILLES VIGNES SAINT-CHINIAN 2022 $15.95
R+38650 DOMAINE CHANTEPIERRE LIRAC 2021 $18.95
R+120907 VESEVO BENEVENTANO AGLIANICO  CAMPANIA 2022 $17.95
R+455220 SAN MARZANO TALÒ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2022 $17.45

 Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+515262 DE CHANCENY BRUT CRÉMANT DE LOIRE $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+36895 KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $22.95
W+38089 ALAIN GEOFFROY VAU-LIGNEAU CHABLIS 1ER CRU $44.95  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+466144 J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
R+42483 STONEY RIDGE SMALL LOT BUCKNALL VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2022 $22.95
R+41303 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2023 $34.95
R+41302 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2019 $37.95
R+42482 FOGOLAR PICONE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $34.95
R+320986 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED 2020 $24.95
R+418830 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC MERLOT VQA 2019 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+19875 IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE TUSCANY 2019 $36.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  January 6 through February 2  (and don't forget the HST reductions through Feb 15) --

FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2
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

LTOs for all of  the  600-800 wines, beers, spirits, etc. can be found 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 ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.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

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO OCTOBER

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.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 JANUARY 4, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JANUARY 4, 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:  Smart Buys (~30 wines)

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+37912 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2023  $14.95 W+41739 FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2023 $15.95
W+363150 LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE LOIRE 2023 $18.95
W+39799 DR. HEIDEMANNS-BERGWEILER RIESLING MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER 2022 $15.95
W+16607 VELENOSI QUERCIANTICA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO MARCHE $15.95
W+36907 INVINITI SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $17.95
W+17552 OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEALAND 2023 $19.95
W+36900 OHAU WOVEN STONE SINGLE VINEYARD PINOT GRIS NEW ZEALAND 2022 $19.95
W+41445 SIX HATS CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA  2024 $14.90
W+461327 BERONIA RUEDA VERDEJO SPAIN 2023 $15.95




R+38493 CASARENA 505 MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $15.95
R+38491 LA BELLE MARGUERITE MALBEC ARGENTINA 2021 $17.95
R+28082 FINCA LALANDE ORGANIC MALBEC ARGENTINA 2022 $16.95
R+40721 HIGHGATE SHIRAZ AUSTRALIA 2021 $18.95
R+33732 KARL'S SCEPTER COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA 2022 $14.95
R+40731 MON TOUT CHERRY PICKING GRENACHE AUSTRALIA 2023 $17.95
R+37911 SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $19.95
R+38189 ESPRIT DE FONROZAY BORDEAUX 2020 $14.95
R+39301 L'ARNAUDE PROVENCE 2022 $15.95
R+18141 CHÂTEAU GRAND ESCALION RHONE 2021 $15.95
R+28545 DOMAINE FOND CROZE LE SERRE DE LA GARDE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $14.95 R+18642 DOMAINE MARTIN CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2022 $17.95
R+17403 TORRE ZAMBRA MADIA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $16.95
R+19285 NARDELLI NEGROAMARO/PRIMITIVO PUGLIA 2022 $16.95
R+470377 CASA DE CAMBRES RESERVA RED PORTUGAL 2018 $15.95
R+25257 GUARDA RIOS RED PORTUGAL 2022 $11.95
R+26329 CIMAL TEMPRANILLO SPAIN 2022 $14.95
R+460154 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON  WASHINGTON STATE  2020  $19.95
R+42095 VIGNERONS DES PIERRES DORÉES VIEILLES VIGNES LA ROSE POURPRE BEAUJOLAIS  2022  $17.95

     

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+40359 LEBLOND-LENOIR PASCAL BRUT TRADITION CHAMPAGNE $52.45
W+520627 CREEKSIDE ICONOCLAST SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON VQA 2023  $23      
W+37756  EMILIANA SIGNOS DE ORIGEN CHARDONNAY/ROUSANNE CHILE 2022 $21.95 W+12714 PENINSULA RIDGE FALCON'S NEST PINOT NOIR VQA 2021$21.95
R+194274 TRINITY HILL SYRAH NEW ZEALAND 12 $22.95
R+50203 BERONIA RESERVA SPAIN $23.95


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer of 681 selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  through Sunday January 5 -- last call, better hurry!!! The complete collection is on the LCBO website at  --

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

and this URL can be used for the latest LTO listings which appear every four weeks, e.g.  JAN 5 to FEB 2 is the next one....

RATING: MVC/QPR=BEST 90+  There are 10 fizz wines rated here at 90+ points

Trius Brut VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

13th Street Cuvée Brut Sparkling Rosé MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$26.95Sale Price $26.95
$29.95Price Was $29.95
Save $3.00

Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling VQA MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$27.95Sale Price $27.95
$32.95Price Was $32.95
Save $5.00

Tawse Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Brut Sparkling Riesling  VQA  MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$24.95Price Was $24.95
Save $4.00

Saintly The Good Sparkling VQA
750 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$18.95Price Was $18.95
Save $2.00

Lily Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$14.95Sale Price $14.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $3.00

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA
750 ml bottle
$17.95Sale Price $17.95
$19.95Price Was $19.95
Save $2.00

Romeo Prosecco
750 ml bottle
$14.10Sale Price $14.10
$16.10Price Was $16.10
Save $2.00

Zonin Prosecco Brut 1821 DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
3 x 200 ml bottle
$16.95Sale Price $16.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $1.00

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$20.95Sale Price $20.95
$22.95Price Was $22.95
Save $2.00

Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$24.95Sale Price $24.95
$26.95Price Was $26.95
Save $2.00

Mionetto Prestige Prosecco Brut DOC Treviso
750 ml bottle
$16.80Sale Price $16.80
$18.80Price Was $18.80
Save $2.00

Luc Belaire Rare Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$35.95Sale Price $35.95
$40.95Price Was $40.95
Save $5.00

La Marca Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$19.85Sale Price $19.85
$21.85Price Was $21.85
Save $2.00

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Codorniu Brut Clasico MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$14.00Sale Price $14.00
$16.50Price Was $16.50
Save $2.50

Fiol Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$16.75Sale Price $16.75
$18.75Price Was $18.75
Save $2.00

Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC
750 ml bottle
$15.95Sale Price $15.95
$17.95Price Was $17.95
Save $2.00

Nozeco Sparkling Rose Dealcoholized
750 ml bottle
$10.95Sale Price $10.95
$12.95Price Was $12.95
Save $2.00

Ruffino Prosecco Rose DOC MVC/QPR=BEST 90+
750 ml bottle
$17.50Sale Price $17.50
$19.50Price Was $19.50
Save $2.00

Jacob's Creek Moscato Rosé Sparkling
750 ml bottle
$13.45Sale Price $13.45
$15.95Price Was $15.95
Save $2.50

Champagnes on Sale until Jan 5 -- hurry, hurry...Get a bunch for Valentine's Day...Apart from the Piper Heidsieck Brut, these are good prices. Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne - $5.00 LTO  [My Best Buy Pick}
https://www.lcbo.com/en/nicolas-feuillatte-brut-champagne-537605

Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne - $3.00 LTO
https://www.lcbo.com/en/piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-462432

Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne - $6.00 LTO
https://www.lcbo.com/en/taittinger-brut-r-cserve-champagne-365312

Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - $6.00 LTO  [my fave of the bunch]
https://www.lcbo.com/en/perrier-jou-t-grand-brut-champagne-155341

Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne - $5.00 LTO and 100 Aeroplan points
https://www.lcbo.com/en/louis-roederer-collection-brut-premier-champagne-268771

MORE LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  January 6 through February 2  (and don't forget the HST reductions through Feb 15) --

FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2
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


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

REPORT ON  CHIANTI LOVERS CANADIAN TOUR  FALL  2024

The Date and Time: Wed October 2, 2024
The Event: MasterClass in Chianti wines
The Venue: Aria Restaurant, York Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: mostly at the LCBO although there were some wines that were specific to an area.
The Quote/Background: local wine writer Sara d'Amato and Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca Alves gave a two hour presentation on the historical development and recent changes in Chianti wine regulation. Self-regulation began in 1716, Ricasoli developed the formula in 1872, the Consortium was founded in 1927, the demarcation of lands started in 1932 followed by the DOC codification in 1967, 1984, 1997, and 2009.
The Wines: There were seven wines from the seven regions, some in the Annata style (released after March 1 of the prior harvest), the Superiore style (higher alcohol), and the Riserva style (barrel aging), along with different vintage dates (2019 through 2023).

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022 [Annata]
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2020 [Riserva]
-Chianti Rufina DOCG 2019 [Riserva]


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2023 [Annata]
-Chianti Colline Pisane DOCG 2022 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG 2021 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2021 [Riserva}

The Food: it was a small buffet of winter bitter salad with walnuts, grilled chicken and salmon chunks, cooked greens and potatoes, bread...very well-spiced and herby.
The Downside: the sun floated into and out of my eyesight, distracting me.
The Upside: good food and a chance to evaluate some Chianti wines from diverse regions and regulations.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

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

Chianti wines

REPORT ON  CHIANTI LOVERS CANADIAN TOUR OCTOBER 2024

The Date and Time: Wed October 2, 2024
The Event: MasterClass in Chianti wines
The Venue: Aria Restaurant, York Street
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine trade, wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: mostly at the LCBO although there were some wines that were specific to an area.
The Quote/Background: local wine writer Sara d'Amato and Chianti Wine Ambassador Luca Alves gave a two hour presentation on the historical development and recent changes in Chianti wine regulation. Self-regulation began in 1716, Ricasoli developed the formula in 1872, the Consortium was founded in 1927, the demarcation of lands started in 1932 followed by the DOC codification in 1967, 1984, 1997, and 2009.
The Wines: There were seven wines from the seven regions, some in the Annata style (released after March 1 of the prior harvest), the Superiore style (higher alcohol), and the Riserva style (barrel aging), along with different vintage dates (2019 through 2023).

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montespertoli DOCG 2022 [Annata]
-Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2020 [Riserva]
-Chianti Rufina DOCG 2019 [Riserva]


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chianti Montalbano DOCG 2023 [Annata]
-Chianti Colline Pisane DOCG 2022 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG 2021 [Superiore]
-Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG 2021 [Riserva}

The Food: it was a small buffet of winter bitter salad with walnuts, grilled chicken and salmon chunks, cooked greens and potatoes, bread...very well-spiced and herby.
The Downside: the sun floated into and out of my eyesight, distracting me.
The Upside: good food and a chance to evaluate some Chianti wines from diverse regions and regulations.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

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

Champagnes on Sale until Jan 5....Nextelease

In my recent newsletter I note that there are no Champagnes on LTO for this month; but a wine agent friend of mine found a few. They were not in the initial LTO grouping. Apart from the Piper Heidsieck Brut, these are good prices. Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne - $5.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/nicolas-feuillatte-brut-champagne-537605

  Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne - $3.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/piper-heidsieck-brut-champagne-462432

  Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne - $6.00 LTO

https://www.lcbo.com/en/taittinger-brut-r-cserve-champagne-365312

  Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne - $6.00 LTO  [my fave of the bunch]

https://www.lcbo.com/en/perrier-jou-t-grand-brut-champagne-155341

  Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne - $5.00 LTO and 100 Aeroplan points

https://www.lcbo.com/en/louis-roederer-collection-brut-premier-champagne-268771

 

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