APVSA Tasting in Toronto, April 26/13

 The Date and Time: Friday, April 26, 2013  11AM to 4PM

The Event: the monthly APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des

vins et spiritueux en Amerique du Nord).

The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn

The Target Audience: wine agents.

The Availability/Catalogue: no wines are currently available in

Ontario. The group is here to get some agents to agree to rep the principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta.

Most of the wines were French, and there is sales staff available to comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary, Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show will have wines from Italy, Uruguay, Spain and Australia. Sometimes spirits and VDN are also available.

The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were about the same as wines that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could be made available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a few have been picked up for sale in Ontario; these were mostly the good value or unique wines. Here were my faves from today, regardless of FOB cost which must be requested due to competitive pricing. I did not try every wine. Also, it had been two months since I was last at an APVSA tasting (due to my conflicting schedules).

 

The Wines: Prices are FOB

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Domaine de Font-Sane Gigondas Terrasses des Dentelles 2010, 11.60E

-Champagne Pertois Moriset Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs

-Champagne Pertois Moriset Cuvee Grande Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2006

-Champagne Pertois Moriset Cuvee Grande Reserve Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Bergerie du Capucin IGP Saint Guilhem Le Desert Val de Montferrand 2011 White, 5.17E

-Bergerie du Capucin AOP Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Dame Jeanne 2011 Red, 5.67E

-Bergerie du Capucin AOP Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Dame Jeanne 2010 Red, 10.02E

-Domaine de Font-Sane Gigondas Tradition 2010, 7.20E

-Domaine de Font-Sane Cotes de Ventoux Vieilles Vignes 2011, 3.40E

-EARL Maurice Schueller Cremant Alsace 2008, 4.54E

-Champagne Pertois Moriset Cuvee Selection

-Champagne Pertois Moriset Cuvee Rose

-Domaine La Tour des Vidaux Cuvee Farnoux 2009 Cotes de Provence Red, 7.50E

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Bergerie du Capucin AOP Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Dame Jeanne 2012 Rose, 4.40E

-Domaine La Tour des Vidaux Cuvee Philothea 2011 Cotes de Provence Red, 3.95E

 -Domaine La Tour des Vidaux Cuvee Tradition 2010 Cotes de Provence Red, 4.75E

 

The Food: great hot pizzas, went well with the wines, as always.

The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event (numerical grade):

84.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Re: Your letter regarding the wine column

Ridiculous

I haven't got a reply yet but I'll report when/if I do

Thanks for pushing

Eugene
Eugene Mlynczyk
Constellation Brands
416 206 3276 cell
eugene.mlynczyk@cbrands.com

"Whatever you do, pour yourself into it." Robert Mondavi

 

---

From: Dean Tudor, Wine Writer
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 7:06:44 PM
To: blog1
Subject: Your letter regarding the wine column

Not resonate? Really?

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Margot Wright

Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 4:30 PM

Subject: Your letter regarding the wine column

Good afternoon Mr. Tudor

Thank you for your inquiry relating to the cancellation of Konrad Ejbich's wine column. 

We at Ontario Today are committed to delivering a top quality news and call-in radio program to our listeners every weekday. We are constantly reviewing how the different segments within our show perform in terms of listener response and audience tuning. Over time, we've found that Mr. Ejbich's wine column does not resonate with our audience as well as other features in the program and as a result, we will no longer be including it as a regular feature.

We regret that our decision may cause concern with some members of our audience but hope that you will keep listening despite this change. 

Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,

Margot Wright

 

Margot Wright

Producer, Ontario Today

CBC Radio One

Your letter regarding the wine column

Not resonate? Really?

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Margot Wright

Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 4:30 PM

Subject: Your letter regarding the wine column

Good afternoon Mr. Tudor

Thank you for your inquiry relating to the cancellation of Konrad Ejbich's wine column. 

We at Ontario Today are committed to delivering a top quality news and call-in radio program to our listeners every weekday. We are constantly reviewing how the different segments within our show perform in terms of listener response and audience tuning. Over time, we've found that Mr. Ejbich's wine column does not resonate with our audience as well as other features in the program and as a result, we will no longer be including it as a regular feature.

We regret that our decision may cause concern with some members of our audience but hope that you will keep listening despite this change. 

Thank you for your interest.

Best regards,

Margot Wright

 

Margot Wright

Producer, Ontario Today

CBC Radio One

30.50 Imports Portfolio Tasting, April 29/13

The Date and Time: Monday, April 29, 2013  1:30 PM to 5 PM

The Event: 30.50 Imports Portfolio Tasting

The Venue: Barberian's Steakhouse

The Target Audience: wine trade, private clients

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are mainly in stock, but a few were private orders.

The Quote/Background: Many of the wines are sustainable or certified organic.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices listed are LICENSEE.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Bod Tradicion Amontillado Jerez 30 years old, $89.95

-Bod Tradicion Oloroso Jerez 30 years old, $89.95

-Bod Tradicion Palo Cortado Jerez 30 years old, $115

-Bod Tradicion Pedro Ximenez Jerez 20 years old, $105

-Cantina di Venosa Aglianico del Vulture Vignali 2008 DOC, $16.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino 2008, $59.95

-Musella Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso 2009, $25.95

-Champagne Chapuy Carte Verte Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV, $49.95; $24.95 split.

-Roots Run Deep Winery Pinot Noir Educated Guess 2009, $29.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Pinot Gris 2009 Central Otago, $25.95

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Sidonio de Sousa Bairrada Tinto 2005, $15.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Espumante Pinot Noir Ribatejo MT, $29.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Touriga Nacional-Syrah 2010 Ribatejo, $17.95

-Porta da Teira Moscatel de Setubal, $15.95 for 500 mL.

-Bod Medrano Irazu Crianza 2009 Rioja, $13.25

-Bod Briego Reserva 2004 R. del Duero, $27.50

-Celler Cesca Vicent Red 2010 Priorat, $20.95

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Bianco DOC 2011, $16.95

-Cantina di Venosa Dry Muscat Terre di Orazio IGT 2011, $14.50

-Castello di Verduno Barbaresco DOCG Faset 2007, $49.95

-Castello di Verduno Barolo DOCG Massara 2005, $64.95

-Tenuta Alessandro Garetto Fava 2007 DOCG Super Nizza Piedmont, $34.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2012 Vermentino Coppaia, $12.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2010 Chianti Colli Senesi, $15.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2009 Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva, $19.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2007 Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Belsedere, $34.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2010 Canaiolo Loccaretto, $25.95

-Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva Bruciagna 2008, $34.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Gea Sant'Antimo Rosso DOC 2009, $34.95

-Musella Amarone Riserva 2007, $59.95

-Dom Michel Mallard & Fils Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Les Valozieres 2009,

$74.95

-Chateau Barrejat Cuvee des Vieux Ceps 2010 Madiran, $24.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Central Otago, $19.99

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Sidonio de Sousa Bairrada Tinto Reserva 2008, $19.95

-Adega de Mesao Frio Claustru's Tinto 2010 Douro, $11.95

-Bod Amador Garcia Penagudi Blanco 2011 Rioja, $13.95

-Bod Medrano Irazu Tempranillo Joven 2011 Rioja, $13.25

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio La Lot IGT 2011, $13.95

-Peter Zemmer Muller Thurgau DOC 2011, $18.95

-Peter Zemmer Pinot Nero DOC 2010, $17.95

-Peter Zemmer Lagrein DOC 2010, $18.95

-Fattoria Casabianca Tuscany 2011 Coppaia Chianti Colli Senesi, $12.95

-Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2009 $24.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Rosso Organic IGT 2011, $20.95

-Dom Michel Mallard & Fils Ladoix Le Clos Royer 2009, $49.95

-Chateau Barrejat Seduction 2010 Madiran, $19.95

-Mt. Rosa Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2009 Central Otago, $29.95

 

The Food: an awesome display of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, smoked salmon and roasted red peppers, plus beef on a baguette.

The Downside: I was rushed as there was a mammoth Portuguese tasting immediately afterwards at the AGO.

The Upside: a chance to speak with two visiting winemakers.

The Contact Person: Nelson Abreu info@3050imports.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Hobbs & Co Wine Merchants Annual Portfolio Tasting, April 25/13

The Date and Time: Thursday, April 25, 2013  1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Hobbs & Co Wine Merchants Annual Portfolio tasting.

The Venue: Berkeley Street Church

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the usual distribution channels.

The Quote/Background: There were 14 winery representatives, from around the world. More than 100 producers are repped by Hobbs & Co. Here, they have linked with Sideroad Twenty Cellars (SR20), specializing in both Ontario and international boutique wines.

The Wines: I did not try every wine. Prices are RETAIL.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 VQA Niagara Creek Shores, $26.75

-Creekside Estate Winery Broken Press Syrah 2008 VQA St. David's Bench, $39.75

-Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2010 Okanagan Valley, $20

-Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2010 Okanagan Valley, $33

-Plume Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Napa, $35

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Reserve Speciale Chardonnay 2008, $49.85 +64543 Classics

-Talinray Chardonnay 2011 Chile, $30

-Vina Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2011 Limari, $19.95

-Gauchezco Malbec Oro 2008 Mendoza, $53

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 2009 PO

-Chateau Lyonnat "Emotion" Lussac-Saint Emilion 2010 PO

-Les Jamelles Syrah Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Coto de Hayas Garnacha Centenaria 2011 Campo de Borja, $17 +94805 Vintages

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Sideroad Twenty Red Tractor Riesling Gewurz 2011 VQA Niagara, $13

-Creekside Estate Winery Reserve Viognier 2011 VQA Niagara, $30

-Creekside Estate Winery Backyard Block 2012 VQA Niagara, $18

-Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $16.70

-Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, $18.55

-Coffin Ridge Into the Light White 2011 Grey County Ontario, $20.80

-Coffin Ridge Marquette 2011 Grey County, $25.75

-Quails' Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2009 Okanagan Valley, $45

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay 2009, $33

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Reserve Speciale Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $99.95 +64568 Classics

-Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Washington, $26

-Vina Tabali Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Limari, $14.95

-Vina Tabali Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2012 Limari, $14.95

-Talinay Pinot Noir 2011 Chile, $30

-Talinay Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Chile, $30

-Payen Syrah 2010 Chile, $65

-Gauchezco Torrontes 2011 Mendoza, $19

-Franschhoek Chenin Blanc 2012 South Africa, $15

-Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Stellenbosch, $35

-Alpha Zeta Amarone 2009 Veneto, $52

-Chateau Gaudrelle Touraine Brut Rose NV Loire, $26

-Domaine Lafond Tavel Rose 2011, $24.50

-Chateau Roudier Montagne-Saint Emilion 2005, $27

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 2006, $19.95 +243774 Vintages

-Chateau Lyonnat Lussac-Saint Emilion 1971, magnum $350 PO

-Leitz Dragonstone Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $23 PO

-Les Jamelles Sauvignon Blanc Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Les Jamelles Viognier Essentiel 2011 Languedoc, $12.95

-Domaine Fournier Sancerre 2011, $24.95

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Sideroad Twenty Reserve Chardonnay 2008 VQA Niagara, $20

-Sideroad Twenty Red Tractor Reserve Merlot 2008 VQA Niagara, $19

-Sideroad Twenty Meritage 2008 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $17.50

-Creekside Estate Winery Shiraz 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $15.75 +117960

-Creekside Estate Winery Laura's Red 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $19.95

-The Grange of PEC Estate Fume Blanc 2011 VQA PEC, $25

-The Grange of PEC Select Chardonnay 2009 VQA PEC, $17.50

-Quails' Gate Chenin Blanc 2012 Okanagan Valley, $20

-Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2010 Okanagan Valley, $27

-Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, $37

-Sylvester Estate Winery Zinfandel 2007 Paso Robles, $18

-Valle Andino Carmenere Reserve Especiale 2011, $20.50

-Vina Tabali Reserva Pinot Noir 2012 Limari, $15.95

-Gauchezco Malbec Clasico 2009 Mendoza, $19

-Gauchezco Malbec Plata 2009 Mendoza, $35

-Hartenberg Shiraz 2007 Stellenbosch, $28.95

-Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, $22

-Alpha Zeta Chardonnay 2012 Veneto, $16

-Gilbert Picq Chablis 2011, $28

-Domaine Francois Lichtle Pinot Gris 2011 Alsace, $22.50

-Milhade Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Bordeaux, $15

-Leitz Out Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $23

-Leitz Kaisersteinfels Riesling 2012 Rheingau, $46  PO

 

The Food: cheese, Anna Hobbs' terrine, breads, crackers

The Contact Person: mhobbs@hobbswines.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com