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Friday, September 29, 2023
REPORT ON THE ANNUAL LIVING VINE ACID TRIP PORFOLIO TASTING, Summer 2023...
REPORT ON THE ANNUAL LIVING VINE ACID TRIP PORFOLIO TASTING, Summer 2023...
The Event: The Annual Living Vine Acid Trip Try-and-Buy Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: wine media, private clients, restaurants.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available on some 15 tables, with label names, vintage dates, case quantities (6 or 12), and retail/licensee prices for each wine.
The Quote/Background: Mark Cuff, who runs The Living Vine, has been a sustainable/green/organic/biodynamic wiz for a couple of decades now. His annual portfolio tasting is one of the best in town, with many new brands and a diversified audience (in attendance, there were as many babies as seniors!).
The Wines: I did not taste all the 100 or so wines and ciders. As is my wont, I concentrated on the summery white wines. The ciders from Cidre Fleuri were phenomenal: Piccolino, Joe, Klaus, Willie, Rosie – all in 473ml containers at $7.75 each. There were also 750 ml bottles of cider: Terrain Vague, Niagara Place, Villefranche, and Franconia at $20 each. I did not taste the non-alcoholic wines ("Proxies") or the kombucha or the spirits. Prices are retail...
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Grand Launay Blanc 2022, $27.95 [my fave of the show]
-Poggio Piccolo Chianti 2020, $29.95
-Poggio Piccolo Vermentino 2020, $28.95
-Antica Enotria Bianco 2021, $20.95
-Montesecondo 2021, $32.95
-Villa Papiano Strada Corniolo 2020, $39.95
-Cantina Fiorentino Madreterra 2021, $24.95
-Patch Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95
-Poivre d'Ane White 2021, $26.95
-Texier Chateauneuf du Pape VV 2020, $94.95
-Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $32.95
-Smallfry Tangerine Dream 2022, $39.95
-El Bandito Cortez 2022, $59.95
-Rigour and Whimsey Thus Spoke Veruca 2020, $52.95
-Lagasca Viognier 2021, $17.95
-Pomelado Orange Wine 2021, $18.95 [at LCBO}
-Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2022 South Africa, $25.95
-JC Wickens Wines Swerwer White 2023 South Africa, $33.95
-Hidden Bench R & D Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $30
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Foradori Manzoni Bianco 2021, $43.95
-Dettori Renosu Bianco NV, $38.95
-Domaine Flo Busch Lou Bragalou 2021, $30.95
-Domaine Pinte Chardonnay Arbois 2020, $37.95
-Stephan Rocher Lemon Tree 2022, $31.95
-Mas Goma Cosi Joan Orange NV, $36.95
-Makarounas Aerides 2022, $29.95
-Cam Rd Down the Rabbit Hole 2021, $42.95
-El Bandito Skin 2022, $59.95
-Cellar Credo Volaina Spain 2019, $24.95
-Norte Sur Rosado 2021, $17.95
-Lanzado Orange 2021, $19.95 [at LCBO]
-Badenhorst Curator White 2022 South Africa, $23.95
-Hidden Bench Chardonnay Beton 2021 VQA, $27.95
The Food: some to be purchased
The Downside: the room was surrounded by mirrors, which made it look much more crowded than it actually was.
The Upside: taste and try before you buy
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90
The Event: The Annual Living Vine Acid Trip Try-and-Buy Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Society Clubhouse, College Street
The Target Audience: wine media, private clients, restaurants.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available on some 15 tables, with label names, vintage dates, case quantities (6 or 12), and retail/licensee prices for each wine.
The Quote/Background: Mark Cuff, who runs The Living Vine, has been a sustainable/green/organic/biodynamic wiz for a couple of decades now. His annual portfolio tasting is one of the best in town, with many new brands and a diversified audience (in attendance, there were as many babies as seniors!).
The Wines: I did not taste all the 100 or so wines and ciders. As is my wont, I concentrated on the summery white wines. The ciders from Cidre Fleuri were phenomenal: Piccolino, Joe, Klaus, Willie, Rosie – all in 473ml containers at $7.75 each. There were also 750 ml bottles of cider: Terrain Vague, Niagara Place, Villefranche, and Franconia at $20 each. I did not taste the non-alcoholic wines ("Proxies") or the kombucha or the spirits. Prices are retail...
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Grand Launay Blanc 2022, $27.95 [my fave of the show]
-Poggio Piccolo Chianti 2020, $29.95
-Poggio Piccolo Vermentino 2020, $28.95
-Antica Enotria Bianco 2021, $20.95
-Montesecondo 2021, $32.95
-Villa Papiano Strada Corniolo 2020, $39.95
-Cantina Fiorentino Madreterra 2021, $24.95
-Patch Pinot Grigio 2022, $21.95
-Poivre d'Ane White 2021, $26.95
-Texier Chateauneuf du Pape VV 2020, $94.95
-Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc 2020, $32.95
-Smallfry Tangerine Dream 2022, $39.95
-El Bandito Cortez 2022, $59.95
-Rigour and Whimsey Thus Spoke Veruca 2020, $52.95
-Lagasca Viognier 2021, $17.95
-Pomelado Orange Wine 2021, $18.95 [at LCBO}
-Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2022 South Africa, $25.95
-JC Wickens Wines Swerwer White 2023 South Africa, $33.95
-Hidden Bench R & D Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $30
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Foradori Manzoni Bianco 2021, $43.95
-Dettori Renosu Bianco NV, $38.95
-Domaine Flo Busch Lou Bragalou 2021, $30.95
-Domaine Pinte Chardonnay Arbois 2020, $37.95
-Stephan Rocher Lemon Tree 2022, $31.95
-Mas Goma Cosi Joan Orange NV, $36.95
-Makarounas Aerides 2022, $29.95
-Cam Rd Down the Rabbit Hole 2021, $42.95
-El Bandito Skin 2022, $59.95
-Cellar Credo Volaina Spain 2019, $24.95
-Norte Sur Rosado 2021, $17.95
-Lanzado Orange 2021, $19.95 [at LCBO]
-Badenhorst Curator White 2022 South Africa, $23.95
-Hidden Bench Chardonnay Beton 2021 VQA, $27.95
The Food: some to be purchased
The Downside: the room was surrounded by mirrors, which made it look much more crowded than it actually was.
The Upside: taste and try before you buy
The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca
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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Thursday, September 21, 2023
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of 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 good 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 – this 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).
MAJOR THEME: HIGH SCORES & THANKSGIVING WINES
Wines Under $20
=========
Fizz+32214 LA GIOIOSA ET AMOROSA BRUT PROSECCO DOC Treviso $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89
W+389262 ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS 2022 Argentina $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 Adelaide Hills, South Australia $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+14031 DOMAINE LES SALICES VIOGNIER 2021 IGP Pays d'Oc $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+30099 CHÂTEAU LA PERRIERE MUSCADET SUR LIE 2021 Loire AC $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+336313 GUADALUPE RED 2020 Vinho Regional Alentejano $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30586 NAVASCUÉS ENOLOGÍA CUTIO GARNACHA 2019 DO Cariñena $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30224 OLARRA CERRO AÑÓN CRIANZA 2019 DOCa Rioja $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+35446 CABRAL RESERVA 2020 DOC Douro $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+365973 STONECAP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 Washington Columbia Valley $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+14123 CALITERRA TRIBUTO SYRAH 2021 Colchagua Valley Vegan, single vineyard, DO Valle de Colchagua $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30994 CONCHA Y TORO CASILLERO DEL DIABLO RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Valle del Maule $17.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+476002 LUNGAROTTI L'U UMBRIA ROSSO 2020 Umbria IGT $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89
Wines Over $20
Fizz+624775 MONMARTHE SECRET DE FAMILLE 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE $52.95
MVC/QPR: 89
Fortified+21813 POÇAS COLHEITA PORT 2010 Douro Aged in cask, DOC $38.95 MVC/QPR: 93
W+663286 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island $22.95 95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2019 Napa Valley $78.95
MVC/QPR: 91
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA Ontario $24.95
MVC/QPR: 92
R+29831 DOMAINE DE LA BOURONIÈRE FLEURIE 2019 Beaujolais AC Fleurie $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+32520 FILI D'ERBA NERO DI TROIA 2019 IGT Puglia $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+274753 HIDDEN BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $37.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+553313 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERLOT 2021 BC VQA Okanagan Valley $31.95
MVC/QPR: 89
R+973453 FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2020 Rhône AC $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 Tuscany Sustainable, DOCG $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+384271 CHÂTEAU MAGNOL 2018 Bordeaux Sustainable, vegan, AC Haut-Médoc $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday October 8...
W+250699 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont, now $19.95, save $3.
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay Marlborough NZ, now $18.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling Beamsville VQA, now $18.95, save $3
R+167189 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, now $20.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Colchagua Chile, now $31.95, save $3
R+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Chile, now $19.95, save $3
R+590414 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough NZ, now $19.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICHHIERI trade tasting, June, 2023...
The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded.
The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018
-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022
-Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV
-Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV
-Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones]
-Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV
-Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95
-Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95
-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017
-Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019
-Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia
-Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018
-Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco
-Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
-Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022
-Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95
-Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022
-Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV
-Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV
-Ferrari Brut
-Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018
-San Marzano Edda $27.95
-Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55
-Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7)
-Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates)
-Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates)
-Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022
-Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini.
The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of 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 good 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 – this 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).
MAJOR THEME: HIGH SCORES & THANKSGIVING WINES
Wines Under $20
=========
Fizz+32214 LA GIOIOSA ET AMOROSA BRUT PROSECCO DOC Treviso $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89
W+389262 ZUCCARDI SERIE A TORRONTÉS 2022 Argentina $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+518357 SIDEWOOD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 Adelaide Hills, South Australia $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+14031 DOMAINE LES SALICES VIOGNIER 2021 IGP Pays d'Oc $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+30099 CHÂTEAU LA PERRIERE MUSCADET SUR LIE 2021 Loire AC $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+336313 GUADALUPE RED 2020 Vinho Regional Alentejano $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30586 NAVASCUÉS ENOLOGÍA CUTIO GARNACHA 2019 DO Cariñena $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30224 OLARRA CERRO AÑÓN CRIANZA 2019 DOCa Rioja $14.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+35446 CABRAL RESERVA 2020 DOC Douro $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+365973 STONECAP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 Washington Columbia Valley $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+14123 CALITERRA TRIBUTO SYRAH 2021 Colchagua Valley Vegan, single vineyard, DO Valle de Colchagua $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30994 CONCHA Y TORO CASILLERO DEL DIABLO RESERVA ESPECIAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 Valle del Maule $17.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+476002 LUNGAROTTI L'U UMBRIA ROSSO 2020 Umbria IGT $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89
Wines Over $20
Fizz+624775 MONMARTHE SECRET DE FAMILLE 1ER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE $52.95
MVC/QPR: 89
Fortified+21813 POÇAS COLHEITA PORT 2010 Douro Aged in cask, DOC $38.95 MVC/QPR: 93
W+663286 AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island $22.95 95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+346304 GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2019 Napa Valley $78.95
MVC/QPR: 91
W+149302 FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY 2021 VQA Ontario $24.95
MVC/QPR: 92
R+29831 DOMAINE DE LA BOURONIÈRE FLEURIE 2019 Beaujolais AC Fleurie $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+32520 FILI D'ERBA NERO DI TROIA 2019 IGT Puglia $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+274753 HIDDEN BENCH PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $37.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+553313 MISSION HILL RESERVE MERLOT 2021 BC VQA Okanagan Valley $31.95
MVC/QPR: 89
R+973453 FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2020 Rhône AC $25.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 Tuscany Sustainable, DOCG $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+384271 CHÂTEAU MAGNOL 2018 Bordeaux Sustainable, vegan, AC Haut-Médoc $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday October 8...
W+250699 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont, now $19.95, save $3.
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay Marlborough NZ, now $18.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling Beamsville VQA, now $18.95, save $3
R+167189 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, now $20.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Colchagua Chile, now $31.95, save $3
R+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Chile, now $19.95, save $3
R+590414 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough NZ, now $19.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICHHIERI trade tasting, June, 2023...
The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded.
The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018
-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022
-Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV
-Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV
-Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones]
-Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV
-Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95
-Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95
-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017
-Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019
-Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia
-Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018
-Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco
-Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
-Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022
-Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95
-Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022
-Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV
-Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV
-Ferrari Brut
-Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018
-San Marzano Edda $27.95
-Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55
-Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7)
-Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates)
-Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates)
-Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022
-Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini.
The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Saturday, September 16, 2023
REPORT ON THE VINHO VERDE TASTING TRADE SHOW IN JUNE
REPORT ON THE VINHO VERDE TASTING trade show, June 20, 2023....
The Date and Time: Tuesday June 20, 2023 11:30 - 4PM
The Event: Vinho Verde Tasting
The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: downloaded from the cloud. There were 14 producers and about 70 wines.
The Quote/Background: Christopher Sealy led the Masterclass which covered the major aspects of Vinho Verde, complete with Powerpoint and a paper map. The Vinho Verde region covers whites, reds, rose, and fortified wines; it lies between the Douro and the Minho rivers – it's the largest wine region in Portugal, with 1400 wine brands, 9 subregions, and 45 grape varieties. Each bottle is certified (numbered and identified) and forms part of the annual 70 million litres (45% exported) produced. Canada is its sixth largest market.
The Wines: I did not sample all the wines. Prices are retail.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta da Raza Alvarinho 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Alvarinho Trajadura 2022, $21.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Rose 2022, $14.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Loureiro Wild Ferment 2022, $19.95 (Kolonaki)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Spumante NV, $38.95 (Kolonaki)
-Vercoope Via Latina Grande Reserva 2018
-Guapos Wine Project Castelo Negro 2018
-Quinta das Arcas Alvarinho Reserva 2021
-Casal de Ventozela Prime Selection 2019 (1/3 alvarinho, avesso, loureiro)
-Casal de Ventozela Alvarinho 2022 Minho
-Aveleda Alvarinho 2022
-Aveleda Solos de Granito 2021
-Aveleda Solos de Xisto 2021
-Quinta d'Amares Pet-Nat NV
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta da Raza Avesso 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Gouveio 2021, $28.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Rose 2022, $16.95 (Kolonaki)
-Vercoope Via Latina Seco Rose NV
-Quinta d'Amares Vinesa Alvarinho 2018
-Quinta da Lixa Colinas do Avesso 2016
-Adega Ponte de Lima Colheita Selecionnada Loureiro 2022
-Quinta do Ameal Loureiro 2021 Lima
-A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso Esculpido 2020
-A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso 2022
-3 Rostos Nativo Reserva 2020
-3 Rostos Flor de Linho Alvarinho 2022
-3 Rostos Barrete Padeiro Rose 2022
-3 Rostos Flor de Linho Azal 2022
-3 Rostos Barrete 2022
The Food: The Masterclass attendees each got a large rice bowl with their choice for veggies (bok choy, squash) and/or smoked chicken; the main tasting had a platter of cold cuts and cheeses and assorted veggies and fruits.
The Downside: like the Valpolicella tasting I attended last week, the wines all shared the same broad characteristics with some individual qualities. But after awhile it tended to reduce my palate's effectiveness of discernment. The Masterclass thus had great value for me. Good details are at www.vinhoverde.pt
The Upside: good food, good wines, good Masterclass seminar. Thanks to Chris Sealy.
The Contact Person: andrea@amcc-inc.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.
The Date and Time: Tuesday June 20, 2023 11:30 - 4PM
The Event: Vinho Verde Tasting
The Venue: Second Floor Events, King Street
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: downloaded from the cloud. There were 14 producers and about 70 wines.
The Quote/Background: Christopher Sealy led the Masterclass which covered the major aspects of Vinho Verde, complete with Powerpoint and a paper map. The Vinho Verde region covers whites, reds, rose, and fortified wines; it lies between the Douro and the Minho rivers – it's the largest wine region in Portugal, with 1400 wine brands, 9 subregions, and 45 grape varieties. Each bottle is certified (numbered and identified) and forms part of the annual 70 million litres (45% exported) produced. Canada is its sixth largest market.
The Wines: I did not sample all the wines. Prices are retail.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta da Raza Alvarinho 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Alvarinho Trajadura 2022, $21.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Rose 2022, $14.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Loureiro Wild Ferment 2022, $19.95 (Kolonaki)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Spumante NV, $38.95 (Kolonaki)
-Vercoope Via Latina Grande Reserva 2018
-Guapos Wine Project Castelo Negro 2018
-Quinta das Arcas Alvarinho Reserva 2021
-Casal de Ventozela Prime Selection 2019 (1/3 alvarinho, avesso, loureiro)
-Casal de Ventozela Alvarinho 2022 Minho
-Aveleda Alvarinho 2022
-Aveleda Solos de Granito 2021
-Aveleda Solos de Xisto 2021
-Quinta d'Amares Pet-Nat NV
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Quinta da Raza Avesso 2022, $22.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quinta da Raza Gouveio 2021, $28.95 (Christopher Stewart)
-Quintas do Homem Vale do Homem Rose 2022, $16.95 (Kolonaki)
-Vercoope Via Latina Seco Rose NV
-Quinta d'Amares Vinesa Alvarinho 2018
-Quinta da Lixa Colinas do Avesso 2016
-Adega Ponte de Lima Colheita Selecionnada Loureiro 2022
-Quinta do Ameal Loureiro 2021 Lima
-A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso Esculpido 2020
-A & D Wines Quinta Santa Teresa Avesso 2022
-3 Rostos Nativo Reserva 2020
-3 Rostos Flor de Linho Alvarinho 2022
-3 Rostos Barrete Padeiro Rose 2022
-3 Rostos Flor de Linho Azal 2022
-3 Rostos Barrete 2022
The Food: The Masterclass attendees each got a large rice bowl with their choice for veggies (bok choy, squash) and/or smoked chicken; the main tasting had a platter of cold cuts and cheeses and assorted veggies and fruits.
The Downside: like the Valpolicella tasting I attended last week, the wines all shared the same broad characteristics with some individual qualities. But after awhile it tended to reduce my palate's effectiveness of discernment. The Masterclass thus had great value for me. Good details are at www.vinhoverde.pt
The Upside: good food, good wines, good Masterclass seminar. Thanks to Chris Sealy.
The Contact Person: andrea@amcc-inc.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Monday, September 11, 2023
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO’s Limited Time Offers
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale NOW through Sunday October 8...
W+250699 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont, now $19.95, save $3.
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay Marlborough NZ, now $18.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling Beamsville VQA, now $18.95, save $3
R+167189 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, now $20.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Colchagua Chile, now $31.95, save $3
R+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Chile, now $19.95, save $3
R+590414 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough NZ, now $19.95, save $3
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of 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 good wines available through LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis) can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca or at WORLD WINE WATCH NEWSLETTER ONLINE No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this 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).
MAJOR THEME: Ontario Wines
Wines Under $20
Rose+117861 FEATHERSTONE ROSÉ 2022 VQA Niagara Peninsula $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91
W+388363 HÃHÃ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 New Zealand Marlborough, South Island $19.95
MVC/QPR: 89
W+17703 LITORALE VAL DELLE ROSE VERMENTINO 2022 Italy Tuscany DOC Maremma Toscana $18.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+492470 VINEDRESSERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON/PETIT VERDOT 2016 VQA South Islands, Lake Erie North Shore $19.95 MVC/QPR: 88
R+443374 RUSTENBERG STELLENBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 South Africa WO Stellenbosch $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+30134 CHÂTEAU DE GOURGAZAUD CUVÉE MORGANE MINERVOIS 2020 Languedoc AP $14.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Wines Over $20
Fizz+28978 KEW VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY CUVÉE SPARKLING 2016 Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario $23.95 MVC/QPR: 94 [my FAVE, best choice]
Fizz+175588 GRAHAM BECK MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT PINOT NOIR/CHARDONNAY ROSÉ SPARKLING South Africa Traditional method, WO Western Cape, $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89
Fizz+32212 GARDET BRUT RÉSERVE 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE $54.95 MVC/QPR: 90
W+669531 MICHEL GASSIER EMBRUNS DE VIOGNIER 2022 Languedoc IGP Pays d'Oc $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2019 VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $24.95 MVC/QPR: 91
W+269258 A TO Z WINEWORKS CHARDONNAY 2022 Oregon $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89
W+38117 VINELAND ESTATES ELEVATION ST. URBAN VINEYARD RIESLING St. Urban Vineyard, VQA Niagara Escarpment $22.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+33894 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+523001 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CABERNET FRANC 2021 Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+634881 NEDERBURG THE BREW MASTER 2019 South Africa WO Western Cape $26.95 MVC/QPR: 90
R+32491 PIO CESARE NEBBIOLO 2020 Italy Piedmont DOC Langhe $44.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+586388 MICHELE CHIARLO TORTONIANO BAROLO 2018 Piedmont DOCG $49.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+10360 FRESCOBALDI TENUTA PERANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 Tuscany DOCG $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89
R+922054 TENUTE SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2017 Tuscany DOCG $52.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale Sept 10 through Saturday October 7.:
W+250699 Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi Piedmont, now $19.95, save $3.
W+326728 Oyster Bay Chardonnay Marlborough NZ, now $18.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling Beamsville VQA, now $18.95, save $3
R+167189 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz, now $20.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Colchagua Chile, now $31.95, save $3
R+322586 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Chile, now $19.95, save $3
R+590414 Oyster Bay Pinot Noir Marlborough NZ, now $19.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE WINES OF PORTUGAL trade show, June 2023...
The Event: Wines of Portugal: food & wine experience in Toronto
The Venue: ROM
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: it was a full book of some 60 pages, containing 32 wineries and over 300 wines. There was a description of the ten most widely used grape varieties (out of 250 grape varieties in total) plus some indices. The table numbers ran in accord with the page numbers of the producers in the book. Each entry had full contact deets of addresses, phone numbers, agents, local names, and the like (plus a small map indicating regions). Each wine was listed by name, with year, region, and grapes. Prices were not available.
The Quote/Background: the book was excellent, except for the lack of prices.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, missing most of the reds. Agents are listed in parentheses.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vicente Faria Vinhos Animus 2022 Vinho Verde
-Soito Encruzado Reserva 2021
-Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021 Douro $61 (Le Sommelier)
-Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Acores 2018 and 2021 $60 (Le Sommelier)
-Sao Luiz Winemakers Collection Folgazao & Rabigato Branco 2018 Douro (Wineworld)
-Sogevinus Veedha 2020 Red Douro +31197 LCBO $15.95 (Amethyst)
-FitaPreta Palpite Branco Reserva 2021 $44 VR Alentejano (Le Sommelier)
-Macanita Vinhos Tinto Reserva 2020 $45 Douro (Le Sommelier)
-Quinta do Mondego Branco 2019
-Quinta do Mondego Munda Encruzado Branco 2020
-J.Portugal Ramos Family Duorum Colheita Branco 2021 (Sylvestre)
-Cartuxa EA Bio 2021 (FWP Trading)
-Casa Relvas Herdade Sao Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2022
-Casa Relvas DOC Vidigueira Branco 2022
-Boas Quintas Opta Dao Encurzado 2022
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Arinto Branco Reserva 2021
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2021
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noir Cuvee Brut 2014 [my fave]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Obra Prime 2022 Vinho Verde (Perigon beverage)
-Soito Espumante Blanc de Noirs 2019
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noirs Brut NV
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Rose Brut NV
-Enoport Caves Velhas Romeira Chardonnay 2020 Lisboa
-Enoport Cabeca de Toiro Reserva 2022 Tejo
-Quinta do Casal Branco Falcoaria Colheita Tardia 2016 Tejo [late harvest]
-Sao Luiz Branco 2022 Douro (Wineworld)
-Sao Luiz Reserva Branco 2021 Douro (Wineworld)
-Dialogo Branco Snow 2021 Douro, $19 (Le Sommelier)
-Dialogo Tinto 2021 Douro, $21 (Le Sommelier)
-NAT'Cool! Primata 2021 Douro $29 1 litre (Le Sommelier)
-Drink Me Nat'Cool Dao 2020 Red $23 l litre (Le Sommelier)
-Fresh from Amphora Nat Cool Branco 2022 (Azureau)
-Falua Reserva Branco 2020
-Churchills Estates Grafite Douro Branco 2021
-Casa Santos Lima Blend Portugal Branco 2022 Lisboa
-Boas Quintas Gandarada Encurzado Branco 2022
-Boas Quintas Fonte do Ouro Branco 2022
The Food: there was a paid event coming up in the evening starting at 6, so we were treated to some awesome food in the afternoon – Four chefs provided excellent samples, in addition to the charcuterie (nice to have smoked duck breast back again) and cheese platters.
-Chef Manuel Vilela (Chiado) gave us some fresh pan-seared cod and porcini, on a bed of lemon risotto;
-Chef Dave Junek (Salt) gave us a large wagyu slider with chimichurri aioli with a side manchego-jambon croquette;
-Chef Martine Bauer (Restaurant Pompette) presented us with a chicken and duxelles vol- au-vent AND a salmon citrus gravlax.
-Chef Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon in Oakville) gave us a scallop crudo with buttermilk, melon and tarragon and jalapeno, PLUS a salted cod empanada, preserved tomato, nduja, and preserved lemon.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast after the masterclass finished, further antagonized by low lighting from the ceiling.
The Upside: quality food matching quality wine samples.
The Contact Person: www.winesofportugal.com; marketing@viniportugal.pt;
Lumir JARDAK <ljardak@sopexa.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.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
BEER NOTES
BEER NOTES
Originally I was going to call this review "Beer Nuts", but then I thought that was too coy and punny. I was given four beers from Innis & Gunn (repped by PMA) to write up as the company makes some changes in Ontario at the LCBO. Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 in Scotland; this is now its 20th anniversary. The company specializes in Scottish ale, also called Scottish red beer, a sort-of milder stout with lower carbonation. My wife likes them for their character and lower carbonation. I usually drink just draught beer but it is pretty hard to tell the difference between draught Innis & Gunn and bottled Innis & Gun – principally because of the carbonation.
1.The Innis & Gunn Lager Beer (473mL cans, +33528, $2.95) now at the LCBO, is made in Ontario, brewed with barley and oats and aromatic hops. It replaces the 500mL can that was imported from Scotland, and the price has been reduced from $3.50 since it is now made locally. The taste remains the same with citrus tones and nuances of the basics of lager beer. 4.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
2.The Innis & Gunn Caribbean Rum Cask Beer (473mL cans, +33526, $3.75 normally, but $3.25 on sale through September 10 as an LTO, saving 50 cents) replaces the bottles and is brewed under license in Toronto. It's a standardized can size, and still 6.8% ABV. Using only barley and low bittering, it's matured in hand-selected rum casks, and this gives it a toffeed dried fruit and off-dry character with some vanilla tones. Matured 51 days in cask. My wife's fave. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
3.The Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask (500mL cans, +13618, $3.35) usually appears in Ontario in January and February, just ahead of St. Patrick's day. It's a Scottish oatmeal stout, with barley and oats, and it matures for 51 days in Irish whiskey casks coming in at 6.1% ABV. It's actually a "Product of Scotland" made in used Irish whiskey casks, exhibiting vanilla tones with nuances of coffee and chocolate (mocha elements) as do stouts. So it is a Limited Edition, and if you wanted more, then you had better buy more when it first comes out...watch for it next winter!! Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
4.The Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask Beer Limited Edition (2 x 330mL bottles in a box, +25082, $12.95) is also a Laphroaig Edition in a double cardboard box. It's another in the Scottish red beer category. It's been double matured in Laphroaig first fill malt cask (10-year old single-malt Laphroaig) AND then in port casks. It's a malty amber ale, coming in at 7.4% ABV, full of peat smoke toffee and tobacco. Well-worth your consideration. Quantities are limited. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
Originally I was going to call this review "Beer Nuts", but then I thought that was too coy and punny. I was given four beers from Innis & Gunn (repped by PMA) to write up as the company makes some changes in Ontario at the LCBO. Innis & Gunn was founded in 2003 in Scotland; this is now its 20th anniversary. The company specializes in Scottish ale, also called Scottish red beer, a sort-of milder stout with lower carbonation. My wife likes them for their character and lower carbonation. I usually drink just draught beer but it is pretty hard to tell the difference between draught Innis & Gunn and bottled Innis & Gun – principally because of the carbonation.
1.The Innis & Gunn Lager Beer (473mL cans, +33528, $2.95) now at the LCBO, is made in Ontario, brewed with barley and oats and aromatic hops. It replaces the 500mL can that was imported from Scotland, and the price has been reduced from $3.50 since it is now made locally. The taste remains the same with citrus tones and nuances of the basics of lager beer. 4.6% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
2.The Innis & Gunn Caribbean Rum Cask Beer (473mL cans, +33526, $3.75 normally, but $3.25 on sale through September 10 as an LTO, saving 50 cents) replaces the bottles and is brewed under license in Toronto. It's a standardized can size, and still 6.8% ABV. Using only barley and low bittering, it's matured in hand-selected rum casks, and this gives it a toffeed dried fruit and off-dry character with some vanilla tones. Matured 51 days in cask. My wife's fave. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
3.The Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask (500mL cans, +13618, $3.35) usually appears in Ontario in January and February, just ahead of St. Patrick's day. It's a Scottish oatmeal stout, with barley and oats, and it matures for 51 days in Irish whiskey casks coming in at 6.1% ABV. It's actually a "Product of Scotland" made in used Irish whiskey casks, exhibiting vanilla tones with nuances of coffee and chocolate (mocha elements) as do stouts. So it is a Limited Edition, and if you wanted more, then you had better buy more when it first comes out...watch for it next winter!! Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
4.The Innis & Gunn Islay Whisky Cask Beer Limited Edition (2 x 330mL bottles in a box, +25082, $12.95) is also a Laphroaig Edition in a double cardboard box. It's another in the Scottish red beer category. It's been double matured in Laphroaig first fill malt cask (10-year old single-malt Laphroaig) AND then in port casks. It's a malty amber ale, coming in at 7.4% ABV, full of peat smoke toffee and tobacco. Well-worth your consideration. Quantities are limited. Quality/Price rating is 94+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Friday, September 1, 2023
REPORT ON THE 2023 NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION trade tasting [OREGON & WASHINGTON STATE] June 2023...
REPORT ON THE 2023 NORTHWEST WINE EXPEDITION trade tasting [OREGON & WASHINGTON STATE]
June 12, 2023...
The Date and Time: Monday June 12 Noon-4P
The Event: 2023 Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Tasting: Oregon and Washington
The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, 17th floor
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: paperless through BottleBooks, which listed very few prices beyond a range from "$$ to $$$$$"
The Wines: I tasted mainly Chardonnays and a few other interesting white, rose and sparkling wines.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-A to Z Wineworks Bubbles NV
-Adelsheim Chardonnay 2020
-Adelsheim Chardonnay Staking Claim 2019
-Angela Vineyards Chardonnay Willamette 2019
-Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills 2021
-Citation Oregon Chardonnay 2015
-Cristom Vineyards Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 $59
-Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2019
-Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020
-Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Brut Sparkling 2020
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero Dosage NV
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut NV
-Troon Vineyard Biodynamic White Blend Kubli Beach Applegate Valley Oregon 2021 [marsanne, roussanne, vermentino]
-Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 $65
-Valley View Winery Domaine Rogue "Quercia" Chardonnay Applegate Valley 2021
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay Oregon 2021
-Airfield Estates Chardonnay 2021
-Brittan Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
-Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2018
-Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2021
-Erath Winery Oregon Pinot Noir Rose 2021
-Evolution White 2021
-Evolution Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Foris Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
-L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines Yakima Valley 2022
-Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Pomum Cellars Idilico Albarino 2022
-Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019
-Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs NV
-Traveri Cellars Rose NV
-Valley View Winery Viognier 2019
The Food: there were enormous cheeseboards from the Cheese Boutique with an assortment of salumni and cold cuts, pre-cut cheeses (including a dynamite truffle cheese), strawberries, blackberries, veggie platters (crudites and cooked/pickled/grilled).
The Downside: the media room was only available for a few people.
The Upside: a good selection of wines and producers, interesting conversations.
The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
June 12, 2023...
The Date and Time: Monday June 12 Noon-4P
The Event: 2023 Northwest Wine Expedition Trade Tasting: Oregon and Washington
The Venue: The Globe and Mail Centre, 17th floor
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: paperless through BottleBooks, which listed very few prices beyond a range from "$$ to $$$$$"
The Wines: I tasted mainly Chardonnays and a few other interesting white, rose and sparkling wines.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-A to Z Wineworks Bubbles NV
-Adelsheim Chardonnay 2020
-Adelsheim Chardonnay Staking Claim 2019
-Angela Vineyards Chardonnay Willamette 2019
-Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills 2021
-Citation Oregon Chardonnay 2015
-Cristom Vineyards Eola Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 $59
-Milbrandt Estates Chardonnay 2019
-Milbrandt Family Chardonnay 2020
-Sokol Blosser Bluebird Cuvee Brut Sparkling 2020
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs Brut Zero Dosage NV
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Noir Brut NV
-Troon Vineyard Biodynamic White Blend Kubli Beach Applegate Valley Oregon 2021 [marsanne, roussanne, vermentino]
-Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021 $65
-Valley View Winery Domaine Rogue "Quercia" Chardonnay Applegate Valley 2021
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-A to Z Wineworks Chardonnay Oregon 2021
-Airfield Estates Chardonnay 2021
-Brittan Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
-Centerstone Willamette Valley Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2018
-Chateau Ste Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Domaine Drouhin Oregon Arthur Chardonnay 2021
-Erath Winery Oregon Pinot Noir Rose 2021
-Evolution White 2021
-Evolution Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Foris Vineyards Chardonnay 2021
-L'Ecole No 41 Chenin Blanc Old Vines Yakima Valley 2022
-Pike Road Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2021
-Pomum Cellars Idilico Albarino 2022
-Rex Hill Seven Soils Chardonnay 2019
-Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Chardonnay 2021
-Traveri Cellars Blanc de Blancs NV
-Traveri Cellars Rose NV
-Valley View Winery Viognier 2019
The Food: there were enormous cheeseboards from the Cheese Boutique with an assortment of salumni and cold cuts, pre-cut cheeses (including a dynamite truffle cheese), strawberries, blackberries, veggie platters (crudites and cooked/pickled/grilled).
The Downside: the media room was only available for a few people.
The Upside: a good selection of wines and producers, interesting conversations.
The Contact Person: kelly@predhomme.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Friday, August 25, 2023
REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICCHIERI trade tasting, June 2023...
REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICCHIERI trade tasting, June 8, 2023...
The Date and Time: Thursday June 8, 2023 11:30A - 5P
The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded.
The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018
-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022
-Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV
-Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV
-Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones]
-Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV
-Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95
-Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95
-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017
-Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019
-Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia
-Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018
-Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco
-Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
-Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022
-Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95
-Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022
-Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV
-Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV
-Ferrari Brut
-Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018
-San Marzano Edda $27.95
-Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55
-Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7)
-Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates)
-Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates)
-Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022
-Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini.
The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89
The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded.
The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018
-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022
-Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV
-Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV
-Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV [my fave, savoury gamey tones]
-Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV
-Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8) $54.95
-Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95
-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017
-Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019
-Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia
-Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018
-Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco
-Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
-Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022
-Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95
-Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022
-Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV
-Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV
-Ferrari Brut
-Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018
-San Marzano Edda $27.95
-Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55
-Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7)
-Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates)
-Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates)
-Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022
-Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini.
The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.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
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for the AUGUST 19, 2023 release.
WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 19, 2023 release.
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of 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 good 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 – this 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).
MAJOR THEME: SMART SUMMER BUYS (the August version of the first January release)
Wines Under $20
===============
Rose+172643 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+519025 Featherstone Phoenix 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+370098 Paul Mas Single Vineyard Reserve Viognier 2021 Languedoc $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+499509 Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+10020 HaHa Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021 New Zealand $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+958736 Muga Barrel Fermented White 2021 Rioja $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+31664 Tilia Chardonnay 2022 Argentina $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88.
R+403345 Tapiz Alta San Pablo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Argentina $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+11851 Creekside Red Tractor Cabernet/Merlot 2020 VQA Niagara $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+648477 Cave du Chateau de Chenas Coeur de Granit Moulin-a-Vent 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Wines Over $20
==============
Fizz+401018 Laboure-Gontard Brut Cremant de Bourgogne NV $21.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
W+523845 Charles Baker B-Side Riesling 2020 VQA Niagara $24.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
W+33226 Santo Wines 1911 Santorini Nykteri 2021 Greece $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+544312 Foris Pinot Gris 2021 Oregon $22.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+29829 Terres Secretes Les Sentinelles Macon-Villages 2020 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+667212 Nederburg The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2021 South Africa $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+261784 Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2019 Puglia $25.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
R+28837 Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Red 2016 Bordeaux $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+239277 Montecillo Gran Reserva 2011 Rioja $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+566844 Famille Perrin Les Cornudes Vinsobres 2020 Rhone $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday September 10...
Rose+325076 Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562 Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228 Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95 [A FAVE]
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281 Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203 Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488 Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca) save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238 Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280 Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa $18.95, save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575 Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405 Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past While ---
REPORT ON THE CRU WINE MERCHANTS PORTFOLIO TASTING 2023
The Venue: Constantine Toronto
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media, wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking catalogue laid out by country and then producer, with details on pricing for licensees.
The Quote/Background: there were 64 wine producers showing anywhere from one wine to a dozen wines each.
The Wines: I could not taste every wine, most notably many of the reds. Prices are licensee net in most cases.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza (+316984 Vintages, $78 retail)
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25.49
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, $39.03
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Blanc de Blanc Cuvee du Boulanger 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $31.67 [my fave fizz of the day]
-Stratus White 2021 VQA NOTL $25.49
-Stratus Skin Contact Viognier 2021 VQA NOTL $27.88
-Stratus Red 2017 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Wiston Estate Sparkling Rose Brut NV Sussex $69.95
-Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut NV $49.95
-Jeaunaux-Robin Fil de Brume Brut NV $69.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace $38.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Cremant Extra Brut 2018 $47.95
-Domaine Oudin Vaugirault 1er cru Chablis 2021 $59.95
-Domaine Francois Gay et Fils Beaune 1er cru Les Teurons Blanc 2018 $89.95
-Barth Charta Riesling 2019 Rheingau $30.95
-Sorelle Bronca Difetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco 2021 Conegliano Valdobbiadene $28.95
-Agricola Molino Moscato d'Asti Mistral 2022 Trersio $24.95
-Vina Costeira Lua Jazz Brut Treixadura Sparkling NV Rias Baixas [not yet priced]
-Raventos Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020 $27 Penedes
-Can Sumoi Ancestral Sparkling 2018 $31.95 Penedes
-Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2019 Oregon $54.95
-Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2019 Napa $230
-San Felo Tuscany Le Stoppie Vermentino [not yet priced]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Malbec 2018 Mendoza (+317008 Vintages, $21.25 retail)
-Stratus Chardonnay 2020 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Stratus Field Blend Ancestral 2022 $27.88
-Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous de la Cabane Rose NV $74.95
-Domaine Oudin Chablis 2021 $37.95
-Domaine Oudin Les Serres Chablis 2021 $47.95
-Sorelle Bronca Modi Brut Prosecco NV $21.95
-Vini Bossanova Pet Nat Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 $41.95
-Rippon Sauvignon Blanc Lake Wanaka 2021 $39.95
-Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier Stellenbosch 2022 $33.95
-Favia-Erickson Carbone Chardonnay 2020 Combsville $79.95
-Hudson Chardonnay 2021 Napa $124.95
-Precision Wine Co. Introvert White 2020 California AVA $21.95
-Brokenwood Hunter Valley Australia Semillon 2022 [not yet priced]
The Food: from Constantine's menu – a variety of flatbreads, including a pomodoro pizza and a mushroom pizza, along with bites of cheese and pate mousse on breads. The charcuterie platter included more cheese, pate, sausages, and salami as well as sundried tomatoes.
The Downside: many wines were physically collated together but split apart by the catalogue listing; this meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing through the booklet.
The Upside: a great opportunity to taste great wines.
The Contact Person: kasiakoziara@cruwinemerchants.com; Charles Baker<charlesbaker@stratuswines.com>
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of 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 good 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 – this 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).
MAJOR THEME: SMART SUMMER BUYS (the August version of the first January release)
Wines Under $20
===============
Rose+172643 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+519025 Featherstone Phoenix 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+370098 Paul Mas Single Vineyard Reserve Viognier 2021 Languedoc $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+499509 Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+10020 HaHa Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021 New Zealand $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+958736 Muga Barrel Fermented White 2021 Rioja $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+31664 Tilia Chardonnay 2022 Argentina $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88.
R+403345 Tapiz Alta San Pablo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Argentina $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+11851 Creekside Red Tractor Cabernet/Merlot 2020 VQA Niagara $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+648477 Cave du Chateau de Chenas Coeur de Granit Moulin-a-Vent 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
Wines Over $20
==============
Fizz+401018 Laboure-Gontard Brut Cremant de Bourgogne NV $21.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
W+523845 Charles Baker B-Side Riesling 2020 VQA Niagara $24.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
W+33226 Santo Wines 1911 Santorini Nykteri 2021 Greece $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+544312 Foris Pinot Gris 2021 Oregon $22.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+29829 Terres Secretes Les Sentinelles Macon-Villages 2020 $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+667212 Nederburg The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2021 South Africa $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+261784 Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2019 Puglia $25.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
R+28837 Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Red 2016 Bordeaux $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+239277 Montecillo Gran Reserva 2011 Rioja $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+566844 Famille Perrin Les Cornudes Vinsobres 2020 Rhone $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday September 10...
Rose+325076 Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562 Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228 Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95 [A FAVE]
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281 Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203 Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488 Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca) save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238 Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280 Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa $18.95, save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575 Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405 Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past While ---
REPORT ON THE CRU WINE MERCHANTS PORTFOLIO TASTING 2023
The Venue: Constantine Toronto
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media, wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking catalogue laid out by country and then producer, with details on pricing for licensees.
The Quote/Background: there were 64 wine producers showing anywhere from one wine to a dozen wines each.
The Wines: I could not taste every wine, most notably many of the reds. Prices are licensee net in most cases.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza (+316984 Vintages, $78 retail)
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25.49
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, $39.03
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Blanc de Blanc Cuvee du Boulanger 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $31.67 [my fave fizz of the day]
-Stratus White 2021 VQA NOTL $25.49
-Stratus Skin Contact Viognier 2021 VQA NOTL $27.88
-Stratus Red 2017 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Wiston Estate Sparkling Rose Brut NV Sussex $69.95
-Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut NV $49.95
-Jeaunaux-Robin Fil de Brume Brut NV $69.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace $38.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Cremant Extra Brut 2018 $47.95
-Domaine Oudin Vaugirault 1er cru Chablis 2021 $59.95
-Domaine Francois Gay et Fils Beaune 1er cru Les Teurons Blanc 2018 $89.95
-Barth Charta Riesling 2019 Rheingau $30.95
-Sorelle Bronca Difetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco 2021 Conegliano Valdobbiadene $28.95
-Agricola Molino Moscato d'Asti Mistral 2022 Trersio $24.95
-Vina Costeira Lua Jazz Brut Treixadura Sparkling NV Rias Baixas [not yet priced]
-Raventos Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020 $27 Penedes
-Can Sumoi Ancestral Sparkling 2018 $31.95 Penedes
-Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2019 Oregon $54.95
-Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2019 Napa $230
-San Felo Tuscany Le Stoppie Vermentino [not yet priced]
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Malbec 2018 Mendoza (+317008 Vintages, $21.25 retail)
-Stratus Chardonnay 2020 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Stratus Field Blend Ancestral 2022 $27.88
-Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous de la Cabane Rose NV $74.95
-Domaine Oudin Chablis 2021 $37.95
-Domaine Oudin Les Serres Chablis 2021 $47.95
-Sorelle Bronca Modi Brut Prosecco NV $21.95
-Vini Bossanova Pet Nat Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 $41.95
-Rippon Sauvignon Blanc Lake Wanaka 2021 $39.95
-Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier Stellenbosch 2022 $33.95
-Favia-Erickson Carbone Chardonnay 2020 Combsville $79.95
-Hudson Chardonnay 2021 Napa $124.95
-Precision Wine Co. Introvert White 2020 California AVA $21.95
-Brokenwood Hunter Valley Australia Semillon 2022 [not yet priced]
The Food: from Constantine's menu – a variety of flatbreads, including a pomodoro pizza and a mushroom pizza, along with bites of cheese and pate mousse on breads. The charcuterie platter included more cheese, pate, sausages, and salami as well as sundried tomatoes.
The Downside: many wines were physically collated together but split apart by the catalogue listing; this meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing through the booklet.
The Upside: a great opportunity to taste great wines.
The Contact Person: kasiakoziara@cruwinemerchants.com; Charles Baker<charlesbaker@stratuswines.com>
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
RECOMMENDED LIMITED TIME OFFERS (LTO) AT THE LCBO, AUG 14 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these are good value...on sale through Sunday September 10
Rose+325076 Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562 Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228 Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95 [A FAVE]
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281 Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203 Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488 Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca) save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238 Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280 Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575 Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405 Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95
Rose+325076 Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562 Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228 Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090 Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698 Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95 [A FAVE]
W+958975 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281 Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203 Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920 Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488 Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca) save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238 Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280 Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575 Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405 Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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