Oct 19/09 Event: Discover Australia 2009, Toronto trade stop over

The Time and Date: Monday, October 19, 2009   2 PM to 6 PM
The Event: Discover Australia 2009, Toronto trade stop over
The Venue: Willard Room, Hotel Intercontinental
The Target Audience: wine agents, sommeliers, media
The Availability/Catalogue: some wineries already had agents in
Ontario, but most did not. Wines are variously available through
consignment or private order.
The Quote/Background: unlike previous editions of Discover Australia,
this show had only wine exhibitors – 17 of them.
The Wines: prices are variable, but in general I was quoted AUSD FOB
per case.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-BlackJack Cabernet Merlot 2004 Victoria, $125 AUSD per case FOB
-Blue Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $17 Vintages
-Downing Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Heathcote, $45 CAD
-Josef Chromy Sparkling Rose 2008 Tasmania, $170 AUSD FOB
-Plunkett Fowles Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2008 Strathbogie Ranges, $35
CAD
-Sandhurst Ridge Merlot 2006, $32 CAD
-Vin 888 Olsen Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $25 CAD
-Ngeringa Pinot Noir 2007 Adelaide Hills, $55.95 (Living Vine)

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-BlackJack Block Shiraz 2005 Victoria, $175 AUSD FOB
-Downing Estate Vineyards Shiraz 2004 Heathcote, $45 CAD
-Galli Estate Camelback Chardonnay 2008 Victoria, $120 AUSD FOB
-Gherardi Viognier 2008 Margaret River, $20 CAD
-Josef Chromy Vintage Sparkling 2005 Tasmania, $220 AUSD FOB
-Pfeiffer Wines Chardonnay/Marsanne 2009 Rutherglen, $15.70 CAD
-Sidewood Estate Pinot Gris 2009 Adelaide Hills, $93 AUSD FOB
-Sirromet First Step Cabernet Merlot 2005 Queensland, $17 CAD
-Vin 888 Olsen Big Fella Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2004, $20 CAD
-Ngeringa J.E. Chardonnay 2008 Adelaide Hills, $55.95 (Living Vine)
-Ngeringa J.E. Assemblage Red 2008 Adelaide Hills, $42.95 (Living Vine)
– syrah, pinot noir, sangiovese, Tempranillo, nebbiolo.
-Ngeringa Syrah 2006 Adelaide Hills, $78.95 (Living Vine)

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Galli Estate Camelback Shiraz 2007 Victoria, $105 AUSD FOB
-Mount Gisborne Wines Chardonnay 2005, $20 CAD
-Vin 888 Olsen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Reserve, $65 CAD
-Warner Glen Estate Frog Belly Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Margaret River
-Ngeringa Viognier 2008 Adelaide Hills, $64.95 (Living Vine)

 

The Food: cheeses, grilled veggies, spring rolls, tartares, breads,
marinated mushrooms.
The Downside: a light attendance
The Upside: a highlight was my tasting the Ngeringa Vineyards of
Adelaide Hills, a biodynamic winery. Pricey, but so are all biodynamic
wines.
The Contact Person: marie.ross@austrade.gov.au
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 88.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com