TASTING: World Wine Watch May 2, 2009 Vintages Release

WORLD WINE WATCH (VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR  MAY 2, 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 under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Niagara College Teaching Winery Unoaked Chardonnay 2006 VQA St.
David's Bench: crisp, Chablis-like with apple-pear-lemons. +40675,
$14.95, QPR: 90.
2. Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay 2006 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake: packed
with flavours, well-rounded creamy, butterscotch. +117572, $21.95, QPR:
90.
3. Domaine des Aubuisieres Cuvee de Silex Vouvray 2008: off-dry chenin
blanc, will be a fab drink in two years. +57042, $17.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Tenuta Il Corno Chianti Colli Fiorentini 2006: value priced, hits
all the right sangiovese notes, snap it up. +123752, $14.95, QPR: 90.
2. Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2008 Colchagua: juicy, some
nice herbal fuzz from the carmenere, organic grapes. +56853, $13.95,
QPR: 93.
3. Alkoomi Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Frankland River: great Euro tastes
right from start of entry to finish of length. +904227, $17.95, QPR:
90.
4.Richard Hamilton Lot 148 Merlot 2006 McLaren Vale: lots of length
follows the cabernet-like fruit on the entry. +39461, $19.95, QPR: 90.
5. Chateu Le Bourdieu 2003 Medoc: MVC for the region, some tannins on
the finish, still a good buy. +85084, $19.95, QPR: 90.
6. Domaine Debray Bourgogne Hautes Cotes-de-Beaune 2006: affordable
pinot noir from Burgundy, with the usual cran-cherry nose, even some
oak. +112219, $21.95, QPR: 90.
7. Zenato Cormi Merlot/Corvina 2006 IGT Veneto: ripe, round and
attractive to New World palates. +108282, $19.95, QPR: 90.
8. Mana del Brujo 2006 Calatayud Spain: 14.5% ABV, not yet read, but
will reward patience in two years. Invite me over. +15073, $17.95, QPR:
90.
9. Marques de Valcarlos Gran Reserva 1999 Navarra: pruney and dried
fruit, but with redeeming oak tones. Great for food. Note the vintage
date. +687251, $21.95, QPR: 90.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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. Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva 2005,
+943613, $24.95 retail.
2. Fattoria La Lecciaia Brunello di Montalcino 2003, +121905, $48.95.
3. Acacia Chardonnay 2007 Carneros, +80556, $36.95.
4. La Crema Chardonnay 2007 Sonoma Coast, +962886, $29.95.
5. Sterling Vineyards Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +330233, $24.95.
6. Dominus Estate Napanook 2005 Napa, +63065, $53.95.
7. Rutherford Hill Merlot 2005 Napa, +959338, $34.95.
8. Loan Shiraz 2004 Barossa, +104661, $37.95 [organic]
9. Domaine Bernard Defaix Cote de Lechet Reserve Chablis 1er Cru 20-06,
+17541, $36.95.
10. Domaine Delorme et Fils Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fuisse 2006,
+110261, $32.95.
11. Marchesi Fumanelli Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004,
+105155, $59.95.
 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TASTING: Red VQA Ontario wines, April 15, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009  10AM to 2:30 PM

The Event: a tasting of red VQA Ontario wines

The Venue: LCBO Scrivener Square, Kitchen Event Room

The Target Audience: Wine Writers Circle of Canada members

The Availability/Catalogue: all are available at the winery, but a few are at LCBO and Vintages.

 

The Wines:

 

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

-Alvento  Sondra    Merlot, Cab Franc    2006  VQA  12.5% alc

-Chateau des Charmes  Gamay Noir  "Droit"  2007  St. David'sBench  VQA  13% alc  # 582353  $16.95

-Colio Estate Vineyards Merlot Reserve 2002 Barrel Aged  VQA  Lake Erie North Shore  13% alc  LCBO# ?    $20.95  Vintages

-Creekside  Shiraz  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc   #66654  General List  $15.95 

-Rosewood  Pinot Noir  2007  VQA  Twenty Mile Bench 13% alc

-Stonechurch   Syrah  Reserve  2007  VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake  13% alc $24.95

-Henry of Pelham  Pinot Noir  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  

# 13904  $  17.25   General List

-Wayne Gretzky   Shiraz/Cabernet  2006  Estate Series  VQA St David's Bench  12.7% alc  No LCBO #   $22.95

-Southbrook   Triomphe Syrah 2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12.3% alc  No LCBO # yet.  $24.95  Release Vintages Sept 12, 2009

 

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

-Cave Spring Cellars  Pinot Noir  VQA  Niagara Peninsula   12.5% alc  #417642   $16.95  Avail LCBO, no releasse date given.

-Creekside  Laura Red  2006  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12.8% alc  #117960  Vintages    Available now  $19.95

-Creekside   Pinot Noir  Reserve  2006  VQA St David's Bench  12.6% alc  #81729  Vintages  Avail now  $29.95

-Stonechurch  Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve  2007  VQA  Niagara-on-the-Lake  13% alc  Vintages Selection $19.95

-Pelee Island  Cabernet Sauvignon  Petit Verdot  2007   VQA Ontario  12% alc  Winery only  $19.95 

-Harbour Estates  Cabernet Sauvignon  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #101238  $13.15  General List Craft 

-Inniskillin   Cabernet Franc  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula   12.5% alc   #37016  $13.50  

-Konzelmann  Merlot  2006  Barrel Aged  VQA Niagara Peninsula   12.5% alc  #62465400066  $20.20  Vintages release July 4, 2009.

 

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

-Creekside Cabernet 2007 VQA $13.95 +620708 General List

-Calamus  Meritage  (60% Cab Sauv, 25% Cab Franc, 15% Merlot)  2006  VQA  $20 plus deposit   Avail winery only, no release date

-Cave Spring Cellars   Gamay   2007   VQA   Niagara Peninsula   12.5% alc   # 228569  $12.95  Avail LCBO, no release date given.

-EastDell  CabMerlot  2007  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12% alc  #620187  $12.95  No release date given.

-De Souza  Cabernet Franc  2006   VQA Ontario  12.5% alc   #101121  $11.95  No release date given

-Flat Rock  Pinot Noir  2007  VQA  Twenty Mile Bench  12.5% alc  #1545  $19.95  Avail in Vintages now.

-Frogpondfarm  Organic Cabernet-Merlot  2007  VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake  13.2% alc  #58354  500 ml  $16.00  Vintages Release Sept 12, 2009.

-Dan Aykroyd  Pinot Noir  2007  Discovery Series  VQA Niagara Peninsula  12.5% alc  #101840  $14.95  No release date given.

-Dan Aykroyd  Cabernet Shiraz  2007  Discovery Series  VQA Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #74062  $14.95  No release date given.

-Aleksander   Pinot Noir  2007   $24.95 Not yet labelled.  For release date contact winery.

-Konzelmann  Shiraz  2006  Barrel Aged VQA Niagara Peninsula  12% alc   #624654000607  $13.20  Vintages release Jan 3, 2009.

-Legends  Merlot  2006  VQA  Niagara  13% alc

-Pelee Island  Pinot Noir  Reserve  2007  13.5% alc  #458521  $14.95  --Pelee Island  Baco Noir  2007  VQA Ontario  13% alc  #485128  $19.95  -Trius  Red  2007  VQA Niagara  13.5%  #1040575  $21.75

-Pillitteri  Cabernet Merlot  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #349191  $12.95  No release date given.

-Southbrook  Triomphe  Cabernet Merlot  2006  VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake  12.6% alc  No LCBO # yet.  Vintages May 2, 2009

-Sprucewood  Cabernet France   2007  VQA Lake Erie North Shore   13% alc  $18.95  Avail now at winery and winerytohome.com

-Vineland  Cabernet France  2007  VQA  Niagara Peninsula 12.2% alc   #594127  $12.75

-20 Bees  Cabernet Merlot  VQA Niagara Peninsula  13% alc  #6395  $9.95  -20 Bees  Growers' Red  100% homegrown grapes but not VQA  12.1% alc   #49635  $9.95 1L

-Trumpour's Mill  Pinot Noir  2007  VQA Prince Edward County  13% alc  Vintages Release Aug 2009  $16.80

 

The Food: bread and water

The Contact Person:  sdarby@rogers.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: 7th annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting, March 30, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, March 30, 2009   3PM to 7 PM
The Event: 7th annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting.
The Venue: Berkeley Church Heritage Event Venue, Queen St. East
The Target Audience: customers, trade, and wine press.
The Availability/Catalogue: all items are available at the LCBO, either
through Vintages or General Purchase.
The Quote/Background: I got there after the Champagne tasting, about
4:07PM – it was already packed and almost impossible to move. I headed
straight for the Champagne, to make a comparison with the Piper/Charles
combo of a few minutes before. But I did not glean much because of the
crowds and circumstances.

 

The Wines: I did not try all the wines.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Franciscan Estate Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +496125 Vintages, $24.75
-Robert Mondavi Merlot 2004 Napa, +953562 Vintages, $34.75.
-Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa, +708842 Vintages, $50
-Pol Roger Chardonnay Brut 1999, +96685 Vintages, $88.75.
-Pol Roger Extra Cuvee de Reserve Brut 1999, +989137 Vintages, $82.75
-Casa Silva Quinta Generacion White 2004 Colchagua, +59444 Vintages,
$15.90

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Peninsula Ridge Viognier VQA 2007, +662601 Vintages June 20, $14.75
-Peninsula Ridge Dubois Vineyard Reserve INOX Chardonnay VQA 2007,
+56606 Vintages, $19.75
-Robertson Winery Kings River South Africa Chardonnay 2006, +104810
Vintages, $15.75.
-Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, +255513 Vintages Essentials,
$37.45
-Estancia Chardonnay 2006 Monterey, +75614 Vintages, $19.75
-Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2007 Adelaide Hills, +683011 Vintages, $26.75
-D'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale, +981183 Vintages,
$55.75.
-Gran Feudo Vinas Viejas Reserva 2003 Navarra, +948067 Vintages, $19.75
-Robert Mondavi Private Selection Merlot 2006 California, +524769
General Purchase, $19.80
-Pol Roger Brut Champagne NV, +51953 General Purchase, $54.40
-Ravenswood Barracia Zinfandel 2006 California, +672733 Vintages,
$39.75
-Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler Riesling Spatlese Urziger Goldwingert 2006 Mosel,
+71142 Vintages, $32.75.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Peninsula Ridge Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2007, +53678 GP, $14.75
-Peninsula Ridge A.J.Lepp Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2007, +78543
Vintages, $19.75
-D'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2007 McLaren Vale,
+662775 Vintages, $17.75
-Chivite Gran Feudo Reserve Navarra 2003, +479014 Vintages Essentials,
$15.75.
-Chateau de Gourgazaud 2006 Minervois, +22384 General Purchase, $12.10
-Woodbridge Chardonnay 2007 California, +99408 General Purchase, $13.85

 

The Food: Cheese Boutique provided Chevre Noir, a blue, cheddar, some
goat cheeses, Comte. Whitehouse Meats gave us some pork and lamb
sausages. Lobster rolls appeared and disappeared.
The Downside: the few bottles of higher priced wines ($55 and up) had
disappeared already, and were not replaced.
The Upside: lobster rolls were a pleasant surprise, as was the Chevre
Noir.
The Contact Person: tory@churchillcellars.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Tasting of Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck champagnes, March 30, 2009

The Time and Date: Monday, March 30, 2009  2PM to 4PM
The Event: Tasting of Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck champagnes,
conducted by Christian Holthausen, International Brand Ambassador for
both houses.
The Venue: Veritas, King St. East
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: most items are available in Canada, see
below.
The Quote/Background: when asked which Champagne she preferred, Monica
Ralphs said "Well, what time is it?". The Piper was definitely the
lighter of the two brands, and seemed to go well at breakfast or lunch
or brunch. The Charles was more weighty and thoughtful, best at or
after dinner.
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV, +36962 Vintages, $59.75 – more
mature, aged longer in the cellar
-Charles Heidsieck Brut 2000, +52449 Classics, $88.80
-

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut NV, +462432 LCBO, $57.75 – great in the AM
-Piper-Heidsieck Brut 2000, $99.75 Vintages in May
-Piper-Hiedsieck Rare 1999, about $250, not in Canada yet.
-Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Millenaires 1995, +52449 Classics, $174.80

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Piper-Heidsieck Rose Sauvage NV, $75, not yet available in Ontario – a
higher percentage of pinot noir red wine is added, low sugar, dry
tannins, food wine.

 

The Downside: we had to wait a bit for everybody to be assembled. Also,
a Charles Heidsieck Rose Champagne was not sent in time; it was to be
compared with the Piper Rose Sauvage.
The Upside: a really great comparison of two very different house
styles of Champagne.
The Contact Person: Liz Morellato  morellato@selectwines.ca.
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Bokke Wine Portfolio show March 25, 2009

The Time and Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 3PM to 5 PM
The Event: New Kids on the Block -- the latest 10 wines in Bokke Wines
portfolio.
The Venue: Angell Art Gallery, Queen Street West
The Target Audience: wine press in the afternoon, private clients are
night.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available now or will be
soon.
The Quote/Background: Bodega Goulart specializes in 90 year old Malbec
vines in Argentina, while Viljoensdrift promotes consistency in its
Rivergrandeur tier of wines. Most of Bokke's wines are from South
Africa, with others coming from south of the Equator.
The Wines: all prices are licensee.

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Coney Wines Pizzicato Pinot Noir 2006, New Zealand, $38
-Klein Genot Black Swan Reserve 2006, Franschoek South Africa, $27
[50/50 cabernet sauvignon and franc]
-Lammershoek Zinfandel-Syrah 2006 Swartland South Africs, $18.75 – my
fave of the tasting.

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Goulart Reserva 2007, Argentina, 100% Malbec, $24 Licensee.
-Paris Goulart Glam 2006, Argentina, $20 [60 malbec, 40 cabernet]
-Viljoensdrift Rivergrandeur Shiraz 2007 Robertson South Africa, $19.50
-Viljoensdrift Rivergrandeur Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Robertson South
Africa, $15.95 at Vintages +79483.
-Viljoensdrift Rivergrandeur Chardonnay 2008 Robertson South Africa,
$15
-Mt. Destin Passione 2005 Stellenbosch South Africa, $26.50 [57%
cabernet sauvignon, 33% shiraz, and merlot]

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mt. Destin Chenin Blanc 2008 Stellenbosch, South Africa, $17.20

The Food: baguettes from Longos, cream cheese, camembert, cheddar,
mozzarella, crackers, herb pate.
The Contact Person: Eleanor.rigby1@rogers.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 87.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
mail2web - Check your email from the web at
http://link.mail2web.com/mail2web

The Event: a tasting of Tenuta Rocca with Elena Ercole, February 26/09

The Time and Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009   2:30PM to 7PM
The Event: a tasting of Tenuta Rocca with Elena Ercole. The agent was
Ex-Cellars.
The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street
The Target Audience: wine media, private clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: half the wines are available with eight
weeks lead time, one is in classics, and one is in consignment.
The Quote/Background: the estate is in the heart of Langhe, 24.7 acres.
The Wines: There were five wines, a good number to try.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Tenuta Rocca Vigna San Pietro Barolo 2003, $62, Classics +103721.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Tenuta Rocca Vigna Sori Rocca Dolcetto d'Alba 2007, $26, by six pack
-Tenuta Rocca Langhe Rosso Ornati 2005, $41, by six pack. Half cab
sauvignon, balance split between barbera and nebbiolo.
-Tenuta Rocca Vigna San Pietro Barolo 2004, $87, Consignment – higher
price for 2004 because of exchange rate.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Tenuta Rocca Vigna Rocca Neira Barbera d'Alba 2004, $43, by six pack.

 

The Food: cheeses, rare roast beef, breads.
The Downside: when I went, if was crowded, but then it was after hours.
The Upside: a chance to talk with Elena Ercole and Nuray Ali
The Contact Person: nuray@ex-cellars.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: the bi-annual PMA Canada Chairman's Gala, March 24, 2009

The Time and Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2009  3PM to 9 PM
The Event: the bi-annual PMA Canada Chairman's Gala.
The Venue: the Toronto Hunt, by Lake Ontario
The Target Audience: clients, media, LCBP product consultants.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is coming in to Consignment, or
a few are on Private Order, some are at Vintages, some are here now.
The Quote/Background: we began with two seminars. The first was with
Heinrich Breuer of Georg Breuer Winery in Germany, a dry riesling
specialist. Their philosophy is to produce wines that complement food,
are intense, and age well. They were one of the first wineries to use
sustainable practices. Six wines were shown. The second seminar was
with Berenice Barker of Cape Legends, South Africa. Her theme was South
African Terroir. Again, six wines were shown, from different varietals
such as gewürztraminer, barocca, sangiovese, and pinotage.
The Wines: including the seminars, about 70 wines were shown. This
included six interesting non-Champagne sparklers. I could not try all
of the wines, but here are my ratings:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Norton Cosecha Especial Extra Brut NV, Mendoza, $18.95 Retail.
-Pongracz Methode Cap Classique, Stellenbosch, $18.95.
-Georg Breuer Terra Montosa Riesling 2007
-Georg Breuer Montosa Charta Rheingau Riesling 1997, n/a
-Nino Negri Sfursat 5 Stelle di Valtellina 2005, Lombardy, $69.95
-Norton Malbec Reserva 2006, Mendoza, $18.95
-Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough New
Zealand, $35.
-Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Syrah 2007, $14.95 – my fave red of the
night
-Murrietta's Well Meritage Red 2005, Livermore, $44.95.
-Korta Gran Reserve Petit Verdot 2007, Chile, $27.
-Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial 1981, Rioja, $75.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Offley 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro, $50
-Lamond Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Pincushion, South Africa, $30
-Georg Breuer Terra Montosa Riesling 2001, n/a
-Nugan Estate Manuka Grove Durif 2007, SE Australia, $29.95
-Candido Salice Salentino Riserva 2004, Apulia, $13.95.
-Rhoning Stones Cote du Rhone 2007, $18.95.
-Kunde Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Sonoma, $92.
-Donum Estate Carneros Pinot Noir 2005, Carenos California, $99.
-Murrietta's Well Meritage White 2007, Livermore, $40.
-Frescobaldi Collazzi Toscana IGT 2006, Tuscany, $48.95.
-Andretti Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007, $40
-Norton Perdriel Single Vineyard 2005, Mendoza, [Malbec blend] $64.95.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Georg Breuer Brut Sparkling 2004, Rudesheim, $69.95.
-Osborne Pedro Ximenez 1827 Sherry, $19.95
-Chateau Moulinat Haut-Medoc 2005, $24.95.
-Moncaro Vigneti del Parco Conero Riserva 2005, Marches Italy, $34.95.
-Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2005, Hawkes Bay New Zealand, $44.95.
-Korta Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay/Viognier 2008, Chile, $12.95.
-Andretti Napa Valley Primitivo/Zinfandel 2006, $44.95.
-Alianca Quinta de Baceladas 2005, Bairrada Portugal, $19.95.
-Alianca Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos Reserva 2006, Douro, $26.95.
-Chateau des Perelins Pomerol 2006, $36.95

 

The Food: as always, an extravaganza of roast beef, lamb, cured salmon,
shrimp, oysters, cheeses, breads, ribs, wings, fruit, and desserts.
The Downside: it got crowded real fast, and it was difficult to move
around after 6 PM. Over 400 were on the list, but I'm sure that there
were "others" who arrived later.
The Upside: a good chance to taste some unusual portfolio wines.
The Contact Person: tmcdonald@pmacanada.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Tasting of Taylor Fladgate Ports, March 5, 2009, at Reds

The Time and Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009  11AM to 3PM
The Event: The Essence of Port – a tasting and luncheon of The Fladgate
Partnership ports. Adrian Bridge, Managing Director, led the tasting.
He also commented on the industry in general and some newer products
such as crusted ports, pink ports, kosher ports, and organic ports.
The Venue: Reds Bistro and Wine Bar
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: all ports tasted are available in the
system, or soon will be.
The Quote/Background: The Fladgate Partnership has been awarded more
100 point wines than any of its competitors. It is the leading supplier
of port in the major premium global markets, with 90% of its production
being exported to France, the UK, North America, and other countries.
Its current labels include Fonseca (repped by Family Wine Merchants in
Ontario) Taylor and Croft (both repped by Whitehall Agencies).
The Wines: we had reception ports, the formal tasting led by Adrian
Bridge, and the dessert ports – 11 in all.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port, Vintages +149047, $68.95.
-Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas 2005 Vintage Port, +403873
Vintages Online, $65.
-Taylor Fladgate Vintage 2003 Port, +951962 Vintages Online, $129.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fonseca Quinta do Panascal 2001 Vintage Port, +585893 Vintages,
$64.95.
-Croft Quinta da Roeda 2005 Vintage Port, +650556, $58.95.
-Fonseca Vintage 2003 Port, +673095 Vintages, $127.95.
-Croft Vintage 2003 Port, +673103 Vintages, $123.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Croft Pink Port, $19.95 from Whitehall – a new category launched in
2008, a rose port for cocktails or straight.
-Fonseca White Port, +276816 LCBO General, $13.95.
-Fonseca Bin No. 27 Reserve Vintage Character Port, +156877 Vintages,
$16.95.
-Fonseca Terra Prima Organic Reserve Port, +67132 Coming to market,
$23.

 

The Food: solid bistro food, with upscale variations on Caesar salad
with white anchovies, grilled chicken supreme, Atlantic salmon,
striploin, crème brule, chocolate mousse. Desserts were accompanied by
three ports, while the main foods had Henry of Pelham Sauvignon Blanc
2007 ($15, tamed zest) and Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Chile
($22.95, extractive and dense cassis).
The Downside: unfortunately, the event went past its scheduled
finishing time. That, plus the fact that some people had to leave
early, meant that there was a rushed tasting of the final three ports
which came with the desserts – Taylor Fladgate 20 year old, Fonseca Fin
27, and Fonseca Terra Prima.
The Upside: a great opportunity to learn from and speak with a CEO of
one of the world's finest port producers.
The Contact Person: Fonseca – linda.robinson@familywinemerchants.com
Taylor Fladgate & Croft – stephen.marentette@whitehall.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 89.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: California Wine Fair Media Preview Tasting, March 10, 2009

 The Time and Date:  Tuesday, March 10, 2009   5 PM to 8:30 PM
The Event: California Wine Fair Media Preview Tasting
The Venue: Far Niente, Bay St
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are, or will be, available.
The Quote/Background: We tasted the wines single blind (we knew
California and grape variety).
The Wines: Of the 47 wines tried, out of the expected 400 or more at
the April 6 show, I enjoyed the following --

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Landmark Vineyards Overlook Sonoma Chardonnay 2007 – not available
(Lorac Wine Agency)
-Merryvale Vineyards Starmont Chardonnay Napa 2007, $32.95 –
Consignment from Profile Wine Group.
-Kenwood Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi 2006, $18.95 – Consignment
from Rogers & Co.
-Heitz Wine Cellars Martha's Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2002,
$230 – Private order from Lifford Agencies.
-Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2004, $68.95 – Vintages

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2006, $29.95 – Vintages in
July
-Testarossa Vineyards Castello Chardonnay Central Coast 2007, $29.95 –
private order from B & W Wines.
-Far Niente Napa Chardonnay, $80 – Classics in September 2009
-La Crème Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2007, $31.95 LCBO in June
-Lucas & Lewellen High Nine Pinot Noir Santa Barbara Coast 2006, not
available (Saverio Schiralli)
-Treana Winery Cando Zinfandel California NV, $26.95 – not available
(Noble Estates)
-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2006, $26.95 – not
available (Select Wines)
-Trinchero Family Vineyards Newman's Own Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,
$18.95 – Vintages in May
-Heitz Trailside Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2002 – Private order
from Lifford Agencies.
-Cuvaison Winery Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder Napa 2005, $89
– Vintages in October 2009
-JanKris Winery Crossfire 2005 (50CabSauv/25Mer/25Syrah) – not
available (Majestic Wine Cellars)

 

The Food: lamb lollipops, braised ribs, seared tuna, salmon, shrimp,
panko chicken, diverse breads – all after the tasting.
The Downside: some of my white wines were too warm.
The Upside: I was going to be away April 6, and would miss the show.
This was a great opportunity to try some of the wines – and blind too!
The Contact Person: paula@praxispr.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: The launch party for the LCBO promotion, "The Inside Story".

The Time and Date: Thursday, March 5, 2009  5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Event: The launch party for the LCBO promotion, "The Inside Story".
The Venue: Reds Bistro
The Target Audience: media
The Availability/Catalogue: no catalogue of products poured at this
event, but we had a press kit and a brochure of event listings. All
products are available in the LCBO system.
The Quote/Background: "This is a month long promotion that tells the
stories of those makers (wine, beer, and spirits) who continue to fill
our glasses with enduring satisfaction."
The Wines: wines, beers and spirits were poured by principals. Not all
Inside Story participants showed up, but enough did to make it an
interesting launch. Julien Sereys de Rothschild turned up to pour
Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Red Reserve 2006 and Mouton Cadet Bordeaux White
2007 (both with informative tech cards). The first thing he did was
cross-off the word "winemaker" from the poster and write in "owner".
That ramped up the level significantly. Henry of Pelham attended, as
did Hillebrand, Chateau des Charmes, and Inniskillin. Allan Jackson
himself was there pouring his Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Selection
(White Label) non-VQA non-vintaged "Cellared in Canada" Merlot and
Sauvignon Blanc. The JT company was responsible for somewhere between
1% and 30% of the wine contents of the bottles. I did not have time to
engage Allan Jackson in conversation, but I did wish him well in his
new retirement period. Spirits included Appleton rums, Grey Goose
vodka, The Glenlivet, Jameson, Jack Daniel's, Bulleit Bourbon,
Beefeater, and others. The beers were interesting: Sleeman's, Creemore,
Mill Street, and Pilsner Urquell. Indeed, the wines were on one side,
the beers on the other, and the spirits at the back, where most of the
noise was happening. There were just a few wine writers here.
The Food: the food was actually better than the drinks. Reds put out
appropriate and different matches with each producer – there were
supposed to be 19 matches. Lovely terrines and charcuterie on lavash,
cheeses, fried and crispy bites with the beer (also pizzettes), sweets
with many of the drinks. I didn't have a list of the foods, but they
were all uniformly good.
The Downside: seeing CIC product at the event.
The Upside: a chance to catch up with a lot of LCBO personnel.
The Contact Person: trina.hendry@lcbo.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 91.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Open House tasting of Woodman Wines & Spirits

 The Time and Date: Monday, March 2, 2009  1PM to 4PM
The Event: the beginning of a regular Open House tasting of Woodman
Wines & Spirits portfolio.
The Venue: Spoke Club, King Street.
The Target Audience: the wine media, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: the wines tasted were new products or new
vintages available through the LCBO channels and Consignment. There was
a large booklet with tech notes and space for tasting notes.
The Quote/Background: "We hope to have selected principals available
for any Q and A. Today, we have a rep from Angels Gate (Ontario) and
Anne Deraisme of Champagne Henriot."
The Wines: the range included champagnes, table wines, and a sherry.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV, +959643 V, $62.95.
-First Drop 2% Shiraz 2005 Barossa, +107599 V April 11, $33
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Genevrieres 2006, +87049 V, $101.95.
-Gonzalez Byass Nectar PX Sherry, +87577 V, $18.95.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Henriot Champagne Cuvee des Enchanteurs, +83774 Classics, $195
-Rustenberg Brampton Shiraz 2006 South Africa, Consignment, $19.90
retail.
-Artesa Chardonnay 2005 Carneros California, Consignment, $29.45
retail.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Volnay Clos des Chenes 1er Cru 2006, +974600
Classics, $69.
-Marcarini La Serra Barolo 2004, +7807 V, $68.95.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Angel's Gate Gewurztraminer VQA 2007 Niagara, +58594 LCBO, $15.95
-Angel's Gate Merlot 2006 VQA Niagara, +107722 LCBO, $15.95.
-Rustenberg Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2008 South Africa, Consignment,
$17.90 retail.
-Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2006 Alsace, Consignment, $19.95 retail.
-Artesia Pinot Noir 2005 Carneros California, Consignment, $36 retail.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, +56480 LCBO, $27.90.
-Bouchard Pere & Fils La Vignee Pinot Noir 2007, +605667 LCBO, $17.95.
-Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2007 Rioja, +674564 V, $15.95.

 

The Food: terrines and prosciutto, cheeses, breads, crackers, nuts,
dried fruit.
The Downside: I used to enjoy free Mondays to write, but not anymore.
The Upside: a good small gathering for 17 wines.
The Contact Person: info@woodmanwinesandspirits.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: Wines of Portugal - discover the diversity, Feb 26, 2009

 The Time and Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009  2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Event: Wines of Portugal – discover the diversity
The Venue: Art Galley of Ontario, Baillie Court
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine media, agents.
The Availability/Catalogue: as always, wines were available through
different channels. Some producers were looking for agents. The
catalogue had some strange prices, including a range of British
sterling pounds – since that was all that could found in the price
databases. These were London retail price ranges. Nevertheless, the
book had full agent and principal data, along with a brief description
of all the wines (names, vintages, region, grape varieties in the
blend, etc.).
The Quote/Background: It was a huge tasting with 46 tables and over 250
wines. I could not get through it all. Once again, FWP Trading had a
third of the show.
The Wines: I did not taste everything. I tasted no whites, no
fortifieds (except as noted below), and no sparklers.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adega Cartuxa Fea Reserva 2005 Alentejo (FWP), $50
-Esporao Red Reserve 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade dos Grous Red Reserve 2007 Alentejo (FWP)
-Quinta dos Roques Reserva 2006 (RKW Wines) - $34
-Quinta do Portal Moscatel Reserva 1996 Douro
-Hutcheson Colheita 1978 Porto Tawny, $98.95
-Sogevinus Barros Special Edition Colheita 1979 Porto Tawny, $95 for
500mL.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adega Cartuxa Fea 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-Quinta do Cotto Grande Escolha 2001 Douro (FWP)
-J.Portugal Ramos Vinhos Marques de Borba Reserva 2004 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade Grand Reserve 2004 Alentejo (Lifford)
-Herdade Grand Reserve 2006 Alentejo (Lifford)
-Dao Sul Quinta das Tecedeiras Reserva 2005 Douro (needs agent)
-Burmester 20 years old NV Porto Tawny, $80.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora Grande Escolha 2006 Alentejo (FWP) – made in
best years only.
-Bacalhoa Tinto da Anfora 2006 Alentejo (FWP)
-CARM Quinta do Coa Reserva 2006 Douro (FWP)
-Companhia Das Quintas Quinta do Cardo Seleccao do Enologo 2005 Beira
(FWP)
-Esporao Vinha da Defesa Red 2007 Alentejo (FWP)
-Herdade dos Grous "Moon Harvested" 2007 Alentejo (FWP) - biodynamic
-Monte da Ravasqueira Vinha das Romas Red 2006 Alentejo (FWP)

 

The Food: a great diversity here too – salmon, cheeses, breads,
flatbreads, pork loin.
The Downside: too many wines, quite frankly, and this does not seem
fair to everybody. Some of the producers who came over wanted to talk
to people, but there was no time.
The Upside: I could pick and choose what wines I wanted to sample.
The Contact Person: william.delgado@portugalglobal.pt
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 85.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des vins et

 The Time and Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009  10AM to 6 PM
The Event: 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: none of the wines are available in Ontario.
The group is here to try 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 were sales staff available to
comment on the prices and production.
The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be
acknowledged, is that they were no better than the wines that we
already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be any price
advantages, either. These 40 or so wines could be made available
through Vintages or Consignment. Here were my faves, regardless of
price:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Cabredon Premiere cote de Bordeaux Tradition 2003, 6.3 Euros
-Julien Schaal Syrah Western Cape 2007 South Africa
-Julien Schaal Riesling 2007 Alsace
-Julien Schaal Riesling Les 5 Pierres 2007
-Prieur-Pierre Cuvee Marechal Pierre Sancerre 2006 (both red and white)
-Domaine de la Garenne Les Sens Sancerre 2008

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Fonchereau Le Grand 2006 Bordeaux
-Les Clos Laherte Freres Extra Brut Champagne (uses all 7 permitted
varieties)
-Les Clos Laherte Freres Rose Brut Champagne
-Prieur-Pierre Domaine de St. Pierre Sancerre 2007 (both red and white)
-Cantine Valle Isarco Gewurztraminer 2008 Eisachtaler
-La Giraudiere Saumur Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2007, 6.10 Euros – 50 year
old vines.

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chateau Cabredon Premiere cote de Bordeaux 2007, 3.9 Euros
-Chateau LaMartine 2006 Cotes de Castillon Merlot
-Chateau Meyney 2001 Fronsac
-Julien Schaal Pinot Gris 2007

 

The Food: none.
The Downside: usually there is not enough space to sprawl out and write
notes. No paper was furnished, so I used some 3 by 5 cards.
The Upside: a chance to taste some engaging wines not available here.
The next show will be in April.
The Contact Person: for prices, etc, check with Pascal
p.fernand@apvsa.ca
The Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

The Event: A mini-portfolio tasting of wines offered through Le Sommelier (Feb 23, 2009)

The Time and Date: Monday, February 23, 2009  11AM to 5PM

The Event: A mini-portfolio tasting of wines offered through Le Sommelier.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve, King Street

The Target Audience: wine media and regular customers.

The Availability/Catalogue: the 19 wines are all at Vintages or by Consignment or through Vintages online. His tech/sell sheets were impeccable.

The Quote/Background: most of the wines offered follow sustainable, or organic or biodynamic practices.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bod. Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P. Pecina Crianza 2000 Rioja, $24.95, +132158.

-Busso Piero Barbaresco Santo Stefanetto 2004, $79, organic, +92593.

-Loan Semillon Barossa 2002, $22.95 +108092, Vintages, organic – fave white today

-Nichols Chardonnay Paragon Vineyard Edna Valley 2002, +43.95, Vintages +107847.

-Nevis Bluff Pinot Noir 2004 Central Otago, $35, +96370.

 

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

-Ciu Ciu Oppidum Rosso Marche 2002, $37.95, organic, +133628.

-F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Urgestein Terrassen 2007, $45, +109199.

-Lanciola Terricci Toscana 2001, $49, +92601.

-Loimer Gruner Veltliner Spiegel 2007 Kamptal, $55, Vintages +113258, biodynamic.

-Nittnaus Pinorama Trockenbeerenauslese 2001, $55, +107029.

-Nittnaus Premium Trockenbeerenauslese 2005, $45, +107011.

-Ulithorne Frux Frugis Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale, $60, +76430.

 

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

-F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Loibner Klostersatz, $35, +109181.

-F.X. Pichler Riesling Smaragd Loibner Berg, $59, +109215.

-Loan Shiraz 2004 Barossa, $42.95 Vintages +104661, organic.

-Prinz von Hessen Johannisberge Klaus Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007 Rheingau, +216696, $42.95.

-Quinta da Vegia Casa de Cello Dao Reserva 2005, $57, +85175.

-Schiopetto Friulano Collio 2007, $26, +893526.

 

The Food: charcuterie, pate, cheeses, breads.

The Downside: I'm resigned to spending all my Mondays at the Fine Wine Reserve.

The Upside: good quality upscale decent wines were tasted – and enjoyed.

The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com