The Event: a tasting of Amethyst Wine Agency wines, Feb 2, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, February 2, 2009   6PM to 7PM

The Event: a tasting of Amethyst Wine Agency wines.

The Venue: Verity, Queen Street

The Target Audience: wine writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: all products are available through the agent.

The Quote/Background: this is an interesting eclectic list, which includes Archibald Orchards Estate Winery (fruit wines, mainly apple) and Mountain Road Wine Company, both from Ontario.

The Wines: all prices estimated retail.

 

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

-Summerhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Marlborough, $22.95

-Gibbston Highgate Estate Chardonnay Heartbreaker 2007 Central Otago, $32

-Gann Family Chardonnay Russian River 2006, $32.95

-Chateau David Queynac [Merlot] Bordeaux 2005, $17.95 – value priced

-Mountain Road Wine Company VQA Cabernet Franc 2003, $24.95

-Archibald Hard Cider Sparkling Apple Wine, $10.95.

 

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

-Summerhouse Pinot Noir 2005 (2006 is current vintage, $32.95)

-Gibbston Highgate Pinot Gris Dreammaker 2007 Central Otago, $32

-Gibbston Highgate Pinot Noir Soultaker Central Otago, $45

-Mountain Road Wine Company VQA Unoaked Chardonnay 2005, $14.95.

-Mountain Road Wine Company VQA Barrel Fermented Chardonnay "Hard Times" 2005, $12

-Archibald Ida Red Oak Aged Apple Wine, $12.95

-Archibald McIntosh Off-Dry Apple Wine, $12.95

 

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

-Mountain Road Wine Company VQA Rose Gamay 2005, $11.95

 

The Food: dips and vegetables and breads.

The Downside: Laura had to attend to her clients, and I did not want to intrude.

The Upside: I could taste at my own pace.

The Contact Person: Laura Higgins (www.amethystwine.ca)

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com