May 26/10: Tasting of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Board of Trade

 The Time and Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010  5Pm to 9PM

The Event: A tasting of the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a group representing all the 22 wineries in that micro-region. Sherri Lockwood is this year's head of the group. It was put on by the iYellow wine club.

The Venue: Board of Trade

The Target Audience: consumers

The Availability/Catalogue: There were 22 wineries, with two wines each. Products were available for ordering that night. The catalogue had prices and vintage dates. And many winemakers were actually in attendance.

The Quote/Background: It was a good space for the 200 attendees, willing to cool off with many white wines and sparklers. Angela Aiello, the main organizer for iYellow, had arranged for a variety of seminars for those who wished to learn more.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, leaving out those I had just recently sampled elsewhere.

 

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

-Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling Wine MC 2006, $28.95

-Hillebrand Trius Brut Rose, $29.95

-Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay Brickyard Vineyard, $30

-Niagara College Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008, $18.95

-Peller Estates Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $38

-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, $29.95

 

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

-Cattail Creek Chardonnay Musque 2009, $17

-Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Franc St. David's Bench 2005, $25.95

-Jackson Triggs Methode Classique 2005, $22.95

-Jackson-Triggs Delaine Vineyard Syrah 2007, $32.95

-Lailey Vineyard Pinot Noir Brickyard Vineyard, $35

-Niagara College Unoaked Chardonnay 2007, $14.95

-Palatine Hills Proprietor's Reserve Merlot 2007, $34.95

-Palatine Hills Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, $34.95

-Ravine Merlot 2008, $32

-Stratus Cabernet Franc 2007, $38

-Strewn Chardonnay B.F. Amalgam Terroir, $24.95

 

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

-Maleta Old Vine Dry Sparkling Riesling 2007, $27.95

-Pillitteri Gewurztraminer 2007, $18

-Ravine Riesling 2008, $28

-Strewn Cabernet Franc 2007, $18.95

 

The Food: Oliver and Bonacini catered, with appetizers such as brioche grilled sandwiches, popovers, spoons, etc. There was a big display of dips and breads and veggies. Quite nicely done.

The Downside: It was very hot outside, so I arrived by TTC in shorts. There was just one other guy in shorts.

The Upside: a good selection of wines.

The Contact Person: ange@iyellowwinegroup.com or sherri.lockwood@andrewpeller.com

The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com