The Event: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada monthly tasting, this time California over $18 (Feb 20, 2009)

The Time and Date: Friday, February 20, 12PM to 3PM

The Event: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada monthly tasting.

The Venue: LCBO, Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: WWCC members.

The Availability/Catalogue: most of the 55 wines are at the LCBO or via Consignment.

The Quote/Background: the call this month was for California wines over $18. The agents provided availability data plus sell/tech sheets.

The Wines:

 

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

- Paul Dolan Vineyards, Zinfandel  2006,  63% Mendocino County, 37% Amador County,  Vintages Feb 28/09  #46342  $21.95

-J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay  2007  Arroyo Seco Region, Monterey County,  13.5% Alc   Gen List #258699  $20.75

-J.Lohr   Cabernet Sauvignon  2005  Hilltop Vineyard  Paso Robles  San Luis Obispo County  14.9% Alc   Vintages  Jan/09  #686584 $39.95

-Don Sabastiani & Sons,  Smoking Loon  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006 California  13.5% Alc  General List  #55517  $20.55

-Chalone Vineyard  Chardonnay  2005  Chalone Appellation  14.2%

Alc LCBO #80226  Vintages avail now  $36.95

-Chalone Vineyard  Pinot Noir  2006  Chalone  Appellation  14.7% Alc  LCBO  #710145  Vintages now avail  $36.95

-Arrowood Chardonnay Reserve 2005 Unfiltered Sonoma $49.95 +64543

 

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

-Qupe,  Marsanne  2007  88% Marsanne, 12% Roussanne  Santa Ynez Valley  12.5% Alc   Vintages, avail now,   #32417    $29.95

-Folie a Deux Winery,  Menage a Trois,  White  2007   Chardonnay, Muscato, Chenin blanc,  13.5% Alc   Vintages Feb 28/09 release,  #665166  $19.95  200 cases of 12

-Tin Barn Vineyards  Zinfandel  2005  Dalrady Vineyard  Napa Valley 15.5% Alc  Vintages  Nov/08  #682997  $36.95

-Napa Cellars  Sauvignon Blanc  2007  Napa Valley  14.3% Alc $19.95

-Napa Cellars  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Napa Valley  14.5% Alc $23.95

-Gallo Family Vineyards  Chardonnay  2005  Laguna Vineyard  Russian River Valley  14.5% Alc   Vintages  #544981  $29.95

-Edmeades Vineyards Zinfandel  2006  Mendocino County  15.5% Alc   No other info. (Diamond Estates)

-Chalone Vineyard  Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Monterey County  13.5% Alc

LCBO #104190  Vintages now avail  $18.95

-Arrowood Syrah 2002 Sonoma Beau Melange $29.95 +64550

 

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

-Wente Vineyards, Zinfandel  2006  Beyer Ranch  Livermore Valley  14.5% Alc    General List  #66118  $17.95

-Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards,  Pinot Noir  2007,  Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 14.4% Alc    Vintages Essential  #954834  $24.95

-Mumm Napa   Brut Prestige   Methode Traditionnelle  NV  13% Alc   General List  #265678  $27.95 

-Hartford Court,  Pinot Noir  2006  Land's Edge Vineyards  Sonoma Coast  14.4% Alc   Vintages Jan 31/09  #919712  $40.95

-Clay Station Vineyard  Viognier  2007  Lodi  $13.5% Alc  Consignment #25411  $22.78 Select Wine Merchants

-337 Wine Cellars,   337 Cabernet Sauvignon  2006  Lodi  14.5% Alc   

Consignment Licensee  $19.99 Retail $20.79 Select Wine Merchants

-Scott Family Estate Chardonnay  2006  Monterey Dijon Clone  14.5%

Alc  $22.90 (Majestic Wine Cellars)

 

The Contact Person: sdarby@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Uncork New York: the Fine Wines of New York, Feb 18, 2009

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009   2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Uncork New York: the Fine Wines of New York

The Venue: Chef's House, George Brown CAAT

The Target Audience: wine press and wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: at best, scattered. There are some agents (e.g., Hanna for Raphael, Edward's for Bedell) but Robert Ketchin is your best bet for details on availability. The emphasis, of course, was on expensive wines, over $25 – to showcase the productions.

The Quote/Background: It has been years since the last New York trade show was in town, also at George Brown. Much marketing has been concentrated at the Fall and Spring consumer wine shows, as well as HOSTEX. We were delighted that there was a seminar for us to catch up with New York wine development. Robert Ketchin led a PowerPoint presentation and we had notes and a CD of screen captures. We tackled the three principal areas: Finger Lakes, Long Island and Hudson River (33 wineries on the Hudson), with many facts and figures and wines to taste. In terms of competition, most of the Finger Lakes seem to reflect most of what we in Ontario taste in PEC and Niagara (Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sparkling). That's always a tough sell, especially with the Canadian dollar once again tanking. The wines of the Hudson and Long Island (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage) are sufficiently different in taste and structure from Niagara wines that they can be assessed as an emerging wine region – and ought to be marketed that way.

The Wines: I tasted 54 wines; here were my faves --

 

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

-Peconic Bay Riesling 2006 Long Island, $23.20

-Millbrook Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Hudson River, $36

-Wolffer Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2005 Long Island, $37.40

-Millbrook Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2005 Hudson River, $47.20

-Macari Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2004 Long Island, $47

-Bedell Cellars Musee 2005 Long Island, $83.95 [Meritage]

 

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

-Lamoureaux Landing Gewurztraminer 2006 Finger Lakes, $19.60

-Raphael Estate Merlot 2006 Long Island, $21.60

-Herman J. Weimer Riesling 2007 Finger Lakes, $26.15 Vintages

-Dr. Konstanin Frank Riesling 2006 Finger Lakes, $25.40 Vintages +70631

-Castello di Borghese Cabernet Franc 2004 Long Island, $37.60

-Raphael Cabernet Franc 2006 Long Island, $25

-Macari Vineyards Bergan Road 2004 Long Island, $72.95 [Meritage]

-Macari Vineyards Sette NV Long Island, $28.

 

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

-Sheldrake Point Chardonnay 2006 Finger Lakes, $13.45 Vintages +79947

-Brotherhood Pinot Noir 2006 Hudson River, $15.10 Vintages +79939

-Raphael Merlot 2001 Long Island, $33.95 Vintages +82388

 

The Food: from George Brown kitchens – raw oysters, cheeses, breads, meats, sweets.

The Downside: it was lightly attended.

The Upside: the seminar was a great opportunity to catch up.

The Contact Person: nywine@ketchin.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 93.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Ontario Vintages Tip Sheet for March 28, 2009

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MARCH 28, 2009
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing <deantudor@deantudor.com>
Always at www.deantudor.com since 1995. Also visit my "Wines, Beers and
Spirits of the Net Compendium", a guide to thousands of news items and
RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits.
My tastings are based on MVC (Modal Varietal Character); ratings are
QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices are LCBO retail. Only my top rated
wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does NOT put out all of the wines of the
release for wine writers or product consultants. Also, some defective
or corked wines are not available for re-tasting.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Alamos Torrontes 2007 Argentina: excellent aperitif, finishes dry.
+81539, $13.95, QPR: 90.
2. Wits End Free Settler & The Convict Chardonnay/Viognier 2007 South
Australia: juicy, good viognier fruit, aperitif or sipper. +90928,
$13.95, QPR: 90.
3. Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2008 WO Western Cape: zesty, herby,
great price, 13% ABV. +662718, $11.95, QPR: 90.
4. Torre Varano Taburno Falanghina 2007 Campania: good solid fruit
flavours, ripe and refreshing, distinguished finish. +106351, $16.95,
QPR: 90.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Graffigna Centenario Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 San Juan Argentina:
soft, almost like merlot. +93716, $15.95, QPR: 90.
2. Piping Shrike Shiraz 2006 Barossa: juice, lots of shiraz flavours.
+48504, $18.95, QPR: 90.
3. Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap 2007 WO Western Cape: very serious
imitator of Northern Rhone. +626333, $13.95, QPR: 90.
4. Perrin & Fils Cairanne Peyre Blanche 2006 Cotes du Rhone Villages:
juicy elegance, brimming with some older flavours through aging.
+650960, $18.95, QPR: 90.
5. Quaderna Via Tempranillo Crianza 2005 Navarra: organic wine, very
good length, some forest floor. +115758, $18.95, QPR: 90.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers
could buy and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1. Clos du Val Chardonnay 2006 Carneros Napa, $29.95 retail.
2. Kim Crawford SP Spit Fire Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Marlborough, $24.95.
3. Chartron & Trebuchet Saint-Romaine Blanc 2006, $24.95.
4. Domaine Michel Caillot Meursault La Barre Dessus-Clos-Marguerite
2005, $59.95.
5. Domaine Serge Laloue Sancerre 2007, $23.95.
6. Botalcura La Porfia Grand Reserve Cabernet Franc 2005 Maule, $22.95.
7. Chateau Haut-Sarpe 2004 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, $49.95.
8. Domaine des graves D'Ardonneau Cuvee Prestige 2004, $24.95.
9. Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, $37.95.
10. Sportoletti Assisi Rosso 2006, $21.95.
11. Campillo Reserva 2002 Rioja, $23.95.
12. Conde de Valdemar Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, $39.95.
13. CUNE Vina Real Reserva 2001 Rioja, $32.95.
 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: a tasting of the wines of Friuli Grave, Feb 17, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009    2PM to 4:30PM

The Event: a tasting of the wines of Friuli Grave under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Canada.

The Venue: Grano Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine media, trade (mostly agents).

The Availability/Catalogue: These wineries are looking for Ontario agents; some of them are repped in other provinces. Wines are only available ex-cellars.

The Quote/Background: "Quite a crowded affair – just about everybody came out today!"

The Wines: the thirteen wineries had at least three wines each, with pinot Grigio, cabernet franc, refosco, and tocai friulano in the mix. Vintages were the most recent available. I concentrated on the wines already here or available through a current agent.

 

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

-Cantina San Martino Cabernet Franc 2007, 4.06 Euros (Tannin Fine Wines)

-Furlan Castelcosa Cabernet Franc 2005 IGT Venezia Giulia, 3.95 Euros – oldest wine in the show (T2 Import-Export Canada Inc.)

 

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

-Cabert Cabernet Franc 2007, 3 Euros (Lifford)

-Forchir Pinot Grigio 2007, 4.90 Euros (Stem Wine Group)

-Le Due Torri Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $14.95 (La Cantina Imports)

-Stocco Cabernet Franc 2007, 13% ABV, 3.10 Euros, looking for agent.

 

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

-Plozner Pinot Grigio Malpelo 2007 IGT Venezia Giulia, 6 Euros – almost rose in colour, looking for agency.

-Ronco Cliona Ucelut 2006 IGT Venezia Giulia, 8 Euros – late harvest style, 500 mL bottle, looking for an agent.

-San Simone Cabernet Franc Sugano 2007, 5.50 Euros, looking for agent.

 

The Food: excellent waitservice brought out platters of prosciutto, smoked salmon, stuffed mushrooms, various breads and cheeses.

The Downside: the wines were pretty basic, but it was a good survey of where Friuli is now.

The Upside: the ex-cellars prices in Euros were given in the catalogue.

The Contact Person: piero.titone.toronto@ice.it

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna, Feb 16, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, February 16, 2009  12 PM to 6 PM

The Event: a tasting of Castagna Vineyard wines from Beechworth Australia, with winemaker Julian Castagna. The Ontario agent is The Living Vine.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve.

The Target Audience: clients, wine media, on a drop in basis.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available but in small numbers. Six wines were available, but we also tasted a "no-longer-available" 2007 Allegro from a previous offering.

The Quote/Background: All wines are produced from their own biodynamic vineyards. Julian was available to talk about any issue, including the recent Australian wild bushfires.

The Wines:

 

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

-Castagna 2007 Adams Rib The White, 14% ABV, viognier and chardonnay, BF, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, $96.95 – my fave.

-Castagna 2005 Sparkling Genesis Syrah, shiraz and viognier, 600 bottles made, MC used, $99.95, four six-packs available, move fast.

 

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

-Castagna 2007 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2008 Allegro Rose, 14% ABV, shiraz and viognier, $39.95.

-Castagna 2006 Adams Rib The Red, 14% ABV, pinot noir and shiraz, $49.95.

-Castagna 2005 Un Segreto, sangiovese and shiraz, $96.95.

 

The Food: some "small food" was promised, such as three cheeses (including Beemster XO), assorted breads and crackers, pate, etc.

The Downside: it was on Family Day, which I think reduced the attendance somewhat.

The Upside: a great chance to catch up with Mark Cuff and Julian Castagna.

The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: A tasting with Daniel Castano Munoz, Export Director of Bodegas Castano of Murcia Spain (Feb 12, 2009)

The Time and Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009  6PM – 7 PM

The Event: A tasting with Daniel Castano Munoz, Export Director of Bodegas Castano of Murcia Spain. His family estates also include Sierra Salinas (Alicante).

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve.

The Target Audience: private clients of the agent John Hanna and Sons.

The Availability/Catalogue: some of the wines come and go through Vintages and Classics, but they can be ordered through the agent.

The Quote/Background: The wines of Bodegas Castano (Yecla) and Bodegas Sierra Salinas (Alicante) are structured around the Monastrell (mourvedre) grape. Daniel spoke on the terroirs of Eastern Spain.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bod. Sierra Salinas "Mira" 2005, $35. Vintages Online.

-Bod. Sierra Salinas "1237" 2005, $125. Also some garnacha.

-Vina al Lado de la Casa 2006, $35. 60 year old vines.

-Casa Cisca 2005, $60. 90 year old vines, highest altitude.

 

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

-Bod. Castrano Monastrell 2008, $10. Sipper or first course.

-Bod. Castrano "Hecula" 2006, $14. June Vintages, best with goat cheese.

-Bod. Castrano "Coleccion" 2005, $24. 20% cab sauvignon. Best with firm cheeses.

-Bod. Castrano Dulce 2004, $25 for 500 mL, sweet. Best with Benedictin.

-Bod. Sierra Salinas "Mo" 2007, $16.95. Best with goat and cheddar.

 

The Food: we were each given a plate of cheese, with each clearly marked. We tasted the cheeses against the wines as we wished. Tasted were Paillot de Chevre (PQ) goat, Ile-aux-Grues 5 year old cheddar (PQ) raw cow, cave aged Gruyere raw cow, Benedictin bleu (PQ) cow, and Beemster XO (Holland) cow.

The Downside: I had really wanted to come during the trade session during the day, and talk with Daniel, but three additional and different wines were being poured at night, so I decided to forego my regular night activities this one time in order to taste 9 wines instead of 6.

The Upside: the three additional wines, more pricey, were worth coming out at night.

The Contact Person: andrewhanna@winetrader.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Bokke Wines portfolio tasting, Feb 11, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009  2:30 PM to 5 PM

The Event: Bokke Wines portfolio tasting

The Venue: Monkey Bar and Grill, Yonge and Lawrence.

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are either consignment or private order.

The Quote/Background: Most of Bokke Wines is from South Africa. Cosman is also President of the South African Wine Society.

The Wines: all prices are for licensees.

 

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

-Bodega Goulart Paris Glam 2006 Argentina, $20, 60% Malbec, 40% cab sauvignon, old vines.

-Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2006 South Africa, $21. Barrel aged blend of old vine Chenin blanc, chardonnay and viognier. 14.5% ABV.

-Lammershoek Pinotage 2006 South Africa, $19.50. 14.5% ABV.

-Zandberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 South Africa, $18.50. 14.5% ABV.

 

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

-Domiciano de Barrances Malbec 2006 Argentina, $15.

-Weingut-Huber Riesling Terrasen 2007 Austria, $21.50

-Rimu Grove Pinot Noir 2005 New Zealand, $38. 14.5% ABV.

-Lammershoek Roulette Red 2005 South Africa, $24. Cote du Rhone style. 14.5% ABV.

-Lammershoek Syrah 2006 South Africa, $30.50. 14.5% ABV.

 

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

-Weingut-Huber Gruner Veltliner Obere Steigen 2007 Austria, $19.

 

The Food: two cheeses, one a smoked gouda, and breads.

The Downside: it was just after the Pre-Cuvee tasting, and it was raining during out walk.

The Upside: great end to the day.

The Contact Person: Eleanor Cosman [Eleanor.rigby1@rogers.com)

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com