Tasting Growers' Champagnes...

The Date and Time: Monday, October 29, 2012 10:30 AM to noon
The Event: monthly tasting meeting of the Wine Writers' Circle of
Canada in Toronto. This time we tasted the Growers' Champagnes repped
by Groupe Soleil and the indigenous Italian wines of the Appellation
Wines agency.
The Venue: LCBO Summerhill
The Target Audience: WWCC members
The Availability/Catalogue: all champagnes are available by
consignment. There is always a rotating selection of about a dozen or
more.
The Quote/Background: www.groupesoleil.com brings in many champagnes
through the year. Check with gsoleil@rogers.com for a listing, or the
website. At the same time, we were presented with some Zalto stemware
to taste-test. We had the white wine glass ($65) which had been
previously judged to go better with champagne than the champagne glass
($67.50). But since we did not have the champagne glass for a
comparison, there is no way of knowing whether the champagne actually
tasted better or not in the white wine glass rather than in the
champagne glass. If so, then this would save purchasers the cost of doubling up.
Details are at Edward_j_thompson@yahoo.ca
The Wines: One wine was corked. Most NV wines here were 50% of a base
year plus 25% of two other, later years.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Andre Clouet Rose Bouzy NV [all pinot noir], $59.95 cases of six
-Andre Clouet Silver Brut Nature NV [all pinot noir], $49.95 [my fave]
-Andre Clouet 1911 NV [all pinot noir], base 2002, plus 2005, 2006, $95

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Champagne Bereche et Fils Reserve Brut NV, base 2009, 35% PMeunier,
$49.95
-Champagne Laherte Les Clos 2008, $78 [all 7 official grape varieties,
60% 2008, field blend, biodynamic]

The Contact Person: gsoleil@rogers.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Italian Autochthonous (Indigenous) Wines tasted through Appellation Wines

The Date and Time: Thursday, October 25, 2012 2PM to 4:30 PM
The Event: Tasting of Italian autochthonous (indigenous) wine
varieties, represented by Appellation Wines.
The Venue: JAM Café, Carlton Street
The Target Audience: clients, restaurant patrons, wine media,
sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available from
kenhayden@appellationwines.ca through Consignment, in six bottle cases,
ranging in price from $17 to $40 or so a bottle.
The Quote/Background: Ken Hayden has been importing wines made from
indigenous grave varieties for some time, but this year he began
specializing in only Italian wines. He now has some 50 different wines
on Consignment.
The Wines: There were a range of flavours, but the foundations were how
they tasted in terms of known varietal taste profiles. If you like
merlot, then you would appreciate an indigenous variety that comes
close to the velvet plumy taste of a merlot. Still, it was a chance for
exploration and restaurants are always seeking new and interesting
wines. I have indicated the grape variety in parentheses. ALL OF THESE
WINES WERE RE-TASTED A SECOND TIME ON OCTOBER 29 (DIFFERENT BOTTLES).

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Fina Vini Zibibbo [dry] 2011 Sicilia, $20.84
-Alberto Quacquarini 2006 Petronio Marche, $42.00 (vernaccia nera)
-La Crotta di Vegneron 2010 Cornalin Vallee d'Aoste, $28.50 (cornalin)
-I Vini di Emilio Bulfon 2011 Forgiarin Friuli, $20.95 (forgiarin)
-Comelli Paolino Pignolo 2008 Friuli, $28.50 (pignolo)
-D'Uva Angelo Tintilia Del Molise 2009, $23.75

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Alberto Quacquarini Vernacia Nera Serrapetrona 2010, $25 (vernaccia
nera)
-Fattoria Paradiso 2008 Barbarossa Il Dosso Emilia-Romagna, $32.70
(barbarossa)
-Cieck 2011 Erbaluce di Caluso Piemonte, $18.00 (erbaluce)
-Torre Guaceto (Academie Racemi) 2008 Puglia, $25.10 (sussumaniello)
-Anna Spinato 2008 Malanotte del Piave Veneto, $35.00 (raboso)
-Agrivite Valdarno 2009 Pugnitello Tuscany, $37.00 (pugnitello)
-Terralba 2009 La Vetta Moradella Piemonte, $23.00 (mortadella)
-Azienda Guerrieri 2011 Celso Marche, $22.50 (Bianchello del Metauro)
-I Vini di Emilio Bulfon 2011 Piculit Neri Friuli, $22.25 (piculit
neri)
-Valentino Fiorini 2011 Bianchello del Metauro Marche, $21.25
(Bianchello del Metauro)
-Conte Collalto 2009 Wildbacher, $22.75 (wildbacher)
-Duca della Corgna 2009 Divina Villa Etichetta Nera, $26.25 (trasimento
gamay)
-Cantine Sociale Il Nuraghe 2010 Tiernu Sardegna, $22.75 (bovale)
-Terra di Briganti 2011 Sciascinoso Campania, $21.25 (sciascinoso)
-Maison Vigneronne Freres Grosjean 2010 Cornalin Valle d'Aosta, $31.50
(cornalin)
-Mannucci Droandi Barsaglina 2010 Tuscany, $32 (barsaglina)
-Mannucci Droandi Foglio Tonda 2010 Tuscany, $32 (foglio tonda)
-Col Dovigo Vespaiolo Breganze Veneto 2011, $20.25 (vespaiolo)

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantine Briamara 2011 Erbaluce di Caluso Biancamano Piemonte, $23.00
(erbaluce)
-Vinchio Vaglio Serra 2010 Don Rodrigo Piemonte Albarossa, $23.25
(albarossa)
-Anna Spinato 2010 Raboso Marca Trevigiana Veneto, $18.25 (raboso)
-Duca della Corgna 2011 Divina Villa Etichetta Bianca Umbria $22.75
(trasimento gamay)
-Vinchio Vaglio Serra 2011 Rebus Piemonte, $22.21 (ruche)
-I Vini di Emilio Bulfon 2011 Cjanorie Friuli, $20.95 (cjanorie)
-Santa Venere 2011 Vescovado Calabria, $24.95 (guardavalle)
-Santa Venere 2010 Marsagliana Nera Calabria, $24.95 (marsagliana nera)
-Maison Vigneronne Freres Grosjean 2009 Fumin Valle d'Aosta, $27.00
(fumin)
-Conte Collalto 2011 Rosabianco 1.50 Veneto, $23.00 (manzoni rosa)

The Food: we had small bites of charcuterie, spoons of chick peas,
breads, some cheeses.
The Downside: 50 at one go is Ok for trade professionals, but it could
be hard on clients.
The Upside: the single varietal wines offer an opportunity to
experience distinctive flavours that are seldom, if ever, found in this
market.
The Contact Person: kenhayden@appellationwines.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Vertical tasting of Luce, 1999 - 2009, at Trattoria Giancarlo

 The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 6PM to 10PM
The Event: Vertical tasting of Luce conducted by Lamberto Frescobaldi.
His family has been making wine since the fourteenth century.
The Venue: Trattoria Giancarlo
The Target Audience: wine writers.
The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines are no longer generally
available.
The Quote/Background: Luce della Vita began as a co-production with
Robert Mondavi. Tim Mondavi made the wine (Sangiovese and Merlot blend)
with Lamberto but it wasn't named until the wine was in the bottle in
1993.
The Wines: We sat down and tasted through 11 vintages of Luce, from
2009 back to 1999. In lesser years, the Merlot side is higher (2002)

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Luce 2003 – Italianate, my fave of the evening
-Luce 2006 (mocha tones)
-Luce 2000, 60% merlot, French style
-Luce 2004, 60% merlot but Euro dryness
-Luce 2007 – overthetop elegance

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Luce 1999
-Luce 2001
-Luce 2002 – 75% merlot, soft Californian
-Luce 2005 dusty
-Luce 2008 layers of fruit but shorter finish
-Luce 2009 needs time at this point

The Food: At the reception, we had crostini with pesto, crostini with
dried tomatoes, and crostini with porchetta and truffle oil to
accompany the Danzante Prosecco NV ($16.95 licensee only). Later, with
leftover Luce wine and magnums of decanted Lucente 2010, we had a
dinner --
Baked whole mushrooms, balsamic vinaigrette, grilled polenta, parmesan
Risotto in Chianti, grilled figs and sheep's milk cheese
Grilled striploin, olive oil infused with crispy sage, garlic and red chilli, sweet potato and
rapini
Dessert: Vanilla gelato over warm apple crostata
The Contact Person: pdelpeschio@awsm.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2012

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Lomond Syrah 2008 WO Cape Agulhas South Africa: delicious North Rhone
affordable flavours, great syrah hit (blackberries, leather, violets),
14% ABV. +146464, $18.95, QPR: 91.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20

 

Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz 2006 Barossa, +39073, $48.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. First Press Chardonnay 2010 Napa: a wooded chardonnay, like an
elegant Burgundian, not tiresome after a glass or two. 14% ABV, cork
finish. +199810, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. Nugan King Valley Frasca's Lane Chardonnay 2009 King Valley
Victoria: a mid-weight chardonnay with spice box complexity. 13.5% ABV,
basic MVC. +288191, $18.95, QPR: 89.
3. Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough: a Kiwi savvy, good
regional zest, 13.5% ABV, twist top, MVC all the way. +734798, $18.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: off-dry, delicious
spicy complexity, concentrated grapefruit and lychee MVC, 13.5% ABV.
+747600, $17.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2009 Lodi: soft and fruity, but long
length, aged well, MVC for zinfandel, 13.5% ABV. +57356, $18.95, QPR:
89.
2. Santa Carolina Specialties Dry Farming Carignan 209 Cauquenes Valley
Chile: intense dark frit tones, modest price, 15% ABV, an 80 year old
vineyard. +213520, $15.95
3. Chateau Haut-Bertinerie Elegance Merlot/Cabernet 2009 Blaye Cotes de
Bordeaux: good modest wine to lay down for a few years, from the fabled
2009 vintage. +295857, $18.95, QPR: 90.
4. N. Potel Maison Roche de Bellene Cuvee Reserve Bourgogne 2010:
quality at this price level? Yes, we all tried bottle #7889 of 24,500
bottles. It was value at entry level, with great notes on the back
label. Open it up to air but serve it on the next day (or double
decant). +299859, $16.95, QPR: 90.
5. Domaine Langlois-Chateau Saumur-Champigny 2010: delicate cabernet
franc tones, MVC, 13.5% ABV. +7179, $17.95, QPR: 89.
6. Mas Estela Quindals 2007 Emporda Spain: organic wine with a hit of
fruit flavours, bursting in fact. 15% ABV, hot finish. +133033, $17.95,
QPR: 89.
 
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
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Stratus White 2009 VQA NOTL, +660704, $44.20 retail.
2. Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Napa, +707224, 39.95
3. Rodney Strong Reserve Chardonnay 2009 Russian River Valley Sonoma,
+210039, $34.95
4. Philippe Colin Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumes 1er Cru 2008,
+299933, $69.95
5. Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Pinot Noir 2009 VQA Twenty Mile Bench
Niagara, +34553, $75
6. Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, +118695, $38.95.
7. Santa Helena Vemus Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Colchagua Valley, $24.95
8. Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2006, +287235, $28.95
9. Rust en Vrede Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 WO Stellenbosch,
+921767, $24.95
10. Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006, +685180, $24.95.
11. Senorio de P. Pecina Reserva 2001 Rioja, +82156, $29.95

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Azureau Wines Portfolio tasting

 The Date and Time: Thursday, October 18, 2012 4PM to 5:30PM
The Event: Partial tasting of wines in the Azureau portfolio.
The Venue: Berkeley Street Church
The Target Audience: wine writers, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: the wines come from Argentina, Chile,
US, Italy, and Spain.
The Quote/Background: The tasting was in support of Second Harvest and
the Gourmet Games, and some of the winery principals were in
attendance.
The Wines: Available by Consignment, or by Private Order.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantine Riondo Veneto Ca' Barone Cabernet 2009, $19.95 C
-Bod. Salentein Uco Valley Numina Blend [mostly Malbec] 2010, $32.95 C
-Bod. Salentein Uco Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2011, $22.95 PO
-Casas del Bosque Casablanca Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $17.95 PO
-Casas del Bosque Casablanca Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011, $27.95
C
-Casas del Bosque Casablanca Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2011, $32.95 C
-Rioja Vega Rioja Reserva 2005, $24.95 C
-Rioja Vega Rioja Gran Reserva 2006, $34.95 PO
-Bod. Nekeas Navarra Izar de Vega Sindoa [cab sauv, temp, merlot] 2008,
$34.95 PO

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Cantine Riondo Veneto Black Label Prosecco, $15.95 C
-Cantine Riondo Veneto Gran Bosco Corvina-Cabernet-Merlot Rosso 2009,
$19.95 C
-Cameron Hughes Lot 285 Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa 2009, $34.95
C
-Cameron Hughes California Lot 350 Chardonnay Santa Maria 2010, $19.95
C
-Bod. Salentein Uco Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $22.95 C
-Bod. Salentein Uco Valley Primum Malbec 2007, $54.95 PO
-Casas del Bosque Casablanca Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $17.95 PO
-Bod. Nekeas Navarra El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa 2010, $22.95 C
-Bod. Nekeas Navarra Vega Sindoa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $15.95 PO
-Paco & Lola Albarino Rias Baixas 2011, $22.95 C

-R. Stuart Oregon Big Fire Pinot Gris 2011, $23 C

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantine Riondo Veneto Spago Nero Prosecco, $15.95 C
-Cantine Riondo Veneto Spago Argento Pink Frizante, $15.95 C
-Cameron Hughes Lot 224 Syrah Lake County California 2009, $22.95 C
-Bod. Salentein Uco Valley Reserve Malbec 010, $22.95 PO
-Rioja Vega Rioja Joven Tempranillo/Grenache 2010, $14.95 C

-R. Stuart Oregon Big Fire Pinot Noir 2009, $28 C

The Food: none
The Contact Person: dan@azureau.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

WineWire.Ca goes live!

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 4PM to 7 PM
The Event: Launch of winewire.ca, an online wine shopping destination
for Ontario.
The Venue: Terroni's Rifugio Room, Yonge and Price.
The Target Audience: clients, wine writers, lifestyles
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines served today came from the
catalogues of the suppliers to winewire.ca
The Quote/Background: Adam Bekhor and Nelson Abreu are the co-founders
of a centralized website marketing unit that provides access to some 18
(and growing) wine agents and their consignment listings. Winewire.ca
is not a middleman but rather a site with paid-for listings of agents,
so the agents and the LCBO get all their monies. Winewire.ca estimates
that 130 wine agents represent about 10,000 wines that could be on
consignment. Here is an opportunity to introduce and sell wines
directly to consumers. Certainly, as a facilitator, it can be one of
many different sales channels. On the website are details of the
arrangements plus many sources of data about wines in general. The site
provides public exposure to wines primarily sold to restaurants but not
sold in the LCBO retail stores. The basic procedure is to find what you
are looking for and then to make your arrangements with the agent: you
pick the wines for a "cart" and the agent will call you. The one major
drawback -- and this is nothing new – is that you still have to order
wine by the case. So it is important to have regular portfolio
tastings, perhaps coordinated by winewire.ca. "Working as a marketing
representative for the wine agencies listing their products on our
site, we do not directly handle any part of the actual buyer-seller
transaction." Some of the current wineries involved include Argentum,
B&W, Bokke, Le Sommelier, Tannin, Wine Coaches, Appellation, 3050
Imports, Rouge et Blanc.
The Wines: These wines were provided by the agents, and hopefully there
will be regular tastings. Some wines are tasted via WineWire TV, which
is available on the website.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cantina di Venosa SCARL Dry Muscat 2011, $17.95

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Bel Star Prosecco Brut, $16.95
-Ciu Ciu Bacchus Rosso Piceno 2010, $17.95
-Castello di Verduno Dolcetto d'Alba 2010, $24.95

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Valdibella Kerasos Nero d'Avola Sicily 2011, $18.95
-Musella Valpolicella Ripasso 2009, $29.95

The Food: bruschetta, charcuterie, cheeses, breads.
The Downside: I was actually expecting to taste more wines, say, at
least one for each supplier.
The Upside: there is a possibility for out-of-province sales, and
selling mixed cases in the future as winewire.ca works on these issues.
The Contact Person: david@profis.ca or info@winewire.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Dinner with Sylvia Corti, Head Winemaker for Argento Wines, at One, Oct 16, 2012

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 16, 2012  6PM to 10PM

The Event: Dinner with Silvia Corti, Argento Wines Head Winemaker.

The Venue: One restaurant, Hazelton Hotel

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines tasted are at the LCBO, the Bonarda arriving in November. The agent is Profile Wine Group

The Quote/Background: Silvia Corti has been at Argento for eight years but has been making wine for 17 vintages. There was a short ("Cerca del Cielo") documentary about a day in her life in the Mendoza. At the dinner, she spoke about the wines at the LCBO. The company, though, makes four tiers of wines, with AG47 as entry level, Argento, Argento Seleccion, and Argento Reserva.

The Dinner: A knockout --

 

We all tried the Argento Pinot Grigio 2012 (+620492, $9.95) with its peaches and minerals, and some apps: lamb and grilled vegetable empanadas, beets and squash, eggplant puree, parsley and pickled shallots, salmon ceviche, orange and lime consommé, apple and avocado chutney crisp fingerling. At a private room, we had the meal: seared scallop, sweet potato raviolini, cured cherry tomato, double smoked bacon foam (Argento Chardonnay 2012, +591701, $9.95) with its apple fruit and finishing acidity.  Next was locro stew (house made chorizo, corn, butternut squash, white beans, roasted peppers) with Argento Bonarda 2011 ($9.95, arriving in November to the LBO GL) and its Italianate black cherry palate and soft finish. Then came beef two ways: roasted strip loin with chimichurri and pico de gallo, and braised short rib with black pepper and thyme frites, pecorino desardo, with Argento Malbec 2012 (+591693, $9.95) and its black fruit component augmented by mocha tones. We were supposed to conclude with Argentine cheeses, but none are exported to Canada so we had a selection from the Cheese Boutique. The wine: Argento Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2010 (dense with vanillins and red fruit, some age showing, +164764, $12.95.

The Downside: I would have liked to have tried the Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (+589523, $9.95) to see it matched against the Reserva and find differences.

The Upside: a chance to talk to the winemaker.

The Contact Person: trina@hendrypr.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

B&W's Australian wines at Sassafraz, Oct 16, 2012

The Date and Time: Tuesday October 16, 2012 1PM to 8PM

The Event: Australia Wine Trade Event from B & W Wines.

The Venue: Sassafraz Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine trade and B & W clients

The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available through the usual distribution channels, from General List to private orders.

The Quote/Background: Many producers came with export directors or winemakers.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Wines on consignment wines listed here have no order number.

 

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

-Two Hands Wines 2010 Angels Share Shiraz, $28.95

-First Drop 2009 2% Barossa Shiraz, $39.00, Vintages Feb/13

-Langmeil 2009 Orphan Bank Shiraz, $59.95 PO

-Mollydooker 2010 Carnival of Love Shiraz, $100.00 Classics +242743

-Penley Estate 2009 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon, $23.95

-Two Hands Wines 2008 Ares Shiraz, $168.00 PO

-Yalumba 2006 Octavius, $110 +449017

-First Drop 2009 JR Gantos McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon-Touriga Nacional, $36.95

-Henschke 2009 Keyneton Euphonium, $49.95

-Mollydooker 2009 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz, $49.95

-Rockford Estate 2006 Basket Press Shiraz, $74.95 PO

-Yangarra Estate 2007 McLaren Vale Cadenzia GSM, $36.95 PO

-Jansz NV Premium Cuvee Brut Sparkling, $24.95

-Mollydooker 2010 Gigglepot Cabernet, $64.95

-Paxton 2009 Paxton Jones Block Shiraz, $32.95, +149914

 

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

-Pirramimma Wines 2008 Old Bush Vine Grenache, $24.95 +108068

-Twelftree Wines 2010 Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz, $69.95

-First Drop 2010 Half and Half Shiraz Monastrell, $19.95 +285452

-Mollydooker 2009 The Velvet Glove, $211 +242784 Classics

-Two Hands Wines 2010 Lily's Garden Shiraz, $62.95 +683086

-Twelftree Wines 2011 Greenock Single Vineyard Grenache/Mataro, $46.95

-Yangarra Estate 2009 McLaren Vale Shiraz, $34.95 PO

-Yangarra Estate 2006 High Sands McLaren Vale Grenache, $64.95 PO

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 Petit Verdot, $26.95 +986752

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 White Label Shiraz Viognier, $25.95 PO

-First Drop 2011 Bella Coppia Adelaide Hills Arneis $26.95, PO

-Twelftree Wines 2011 Rose Single Vineyard Grenache, $26.95

-Paxton 2010 Quandong Farm Shiraz, $34.95

 

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

-Langmeil 2009 Valley Floor Shiraz, $24.95

-Mollydooker 2010 Two Left Feet Shiraz, Cab, Merlot, $29.95

-Penley Estate 2008 Hyland Shiraz, $21.95

-Two Hands Wines 2011 Brave Faces Shiraz Grenache, $29.95 +660035

-Lucky Country 2011 Shiraz, $16.80, +145276

-Mollydooker 2011 The Violinist Verdelho, $29.95

-Oxford Landing 2011 Merlot, $14.95

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 White Label Tannat, $25.95

-Two Hands Wines 2011 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.95

 

The Food: there was a charcuterie platter and a cheese platter plus breads, biscuits, nuts, and dried fruit.

The Downside: it was on the same day as two other tastings at One.

The Upside: a chance to taste a variety of Oz wines that were NOT chardonnay.

The Contact Person: bw3@bwwines.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Angelo Gaja Wine Seminar, Oct 15/12, at Vertical Restaurant

The Date and Time: Monday, October 15, 2012  10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

The Event: A Gaja wine tasting seminar with Angelo Gaja.

The Venue: Vertical Restaurant.

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: All wines are available as specified below.

The Quote/Background: Gaja spoke about his philosophy of wine and winemaking, reviewing the contributions of Mondavi and Parker. He covered the rise of cabernet sauvignon, the rise of alcohol content, climate change in Europe, and natural artisanal wines. He makes wine to go with Italian cuisine, to make wines that are more elegant than opulent. He explained his simple clean black and white label and his family's involvement in the management of the firm.

The Wines: we tasted six wines, one by consignment, the rest at Vintages. The Stem Wine Group has access to the Gaja back catalogue, ranging from a Costa Russi 1990 ($2,600 a bottle) through a Collection series. Vintages has a list of 33 wines it will be ordering from Gaja; this pre-order closes November 12 (check www.stemwinegrou.com).

 

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

-Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe Piedmont 2010, $54.95 Vintages

-Gaja Barbaresco Piedmont 2008, $159.95 Vintages Offer to Nov 12/12

-Gaja Sperss Langhe Nebbiolo Piedmont 2005, about $300. This vintage not available, but 2004 ($338.95), 2007 ($265.95), and 2008 ($249.95) are through Vintages offer to Nov 12/12.

 

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

-Gaja Ca' Marcanda Magari Tuscany IGT, $65.95 Vintages Online Nov 19.

-Gaja Pieve S. Restituta Sugarille Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, $159.95 through Vintages offer to Nov 12/12.

-Gaja Dagromis Barolo Piedmont 2007, $79.95 consignment through www.stemwinegroup.com

 

The Food: charcuterie platter, cheese platter, breads.

The Downside: nothing really

The Upside: a chance to speak with Angelo Gaja.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 97.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

REPORT from "The Royal", Thursday, November 8/12

My wife (from rural Indiana) and I spent an absolutely marvelous day at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on November 8, 2012, courtesy of the Royal's Media Room....We skipped all the family activities (Petting Farm, Family Fun Zone) and headed directly for the Northern Ontario Pavilion. Here's where we annually drop the big bucks on such great foods as smoked fish from Purvis Fisheries, organic flours from Poschaven Farms (excellent buckwheat), different cheddar cheeses from Thornloe Cheese, sausages from Graywalk Buffalo, soaps and wool/fibres, and various snack foods and juices.

 

We walked over to the Royal Culinary Theatre and checked out the programme (spicy), visited the Royal Vineyard and Brew House, and noshed at the Royal Court Restaurant -- all on the way to the Ricoh Ring Coliseum for an afternoon with the horses.

 

You can divide the Royal into basically "horses" and "food". We had great seats for the equine display of junior amateur and international jumpers, including one with a prize of some $32,000, won by an American. This was followed by a hackney harness pony championshp, Belgian draft horses, and some more wagons and jumping. We then moseyed over to the Horse Palace where it all began, chatting up several participants (people, not horses) along the way and back. Brrrr, it was cold there, but I guess the horses love it.

 

On to the "food" - there was the butter sculpture winner (a pig), a Holstein show and subsequent sale, a sheep breeding judging, various milking exhibits, and sheep shearing. Of particularer interest were the new litters from two sows, one litter born Oct 28 (10 piglets) and one on Oct 29 (these moved too fast to count). They were feeding/eating all the time. Sad to say, the food nutrition Good Health section seemed to be under-attended: what does it take to give one a healthy sense of food?

 

We looked at the giant veggies, the grain award winners, the 4-H winners. We skipped the cows, rabbits, and poultry (couldn't find any chickens anywhere).

 

The Fair goes on through Sunday, well worth a visit, especially in the food-for-sale areas where many booths offer a discount as they clear out. We'll be back next year, and maybe we'll also take in Sunday.

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

 

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2012

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. 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. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Montgras Quatro 2011 Colchagua Valley: a big wine for sipping or food,
terrific syrah component shines through, menthol, woody, fab price. 14%
ABV, cork finish. +50641, $14.95, QPR: 92.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE VALUE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20

 

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010 Pyrenees
Victoria, +290874, 51.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2010 VQA Niagara: excellent
aromatic blend of chardonnay, chard musque, Gewurz, viognier. No wonder
I picked it as Gold when I judged in the OWA 2012. 13% ABV, cork
finish. +251116, $17.95, QPR: 91.
2. Vieil Armand Medaille Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: Gold Medal
quality, rich, tantalizingly spicy, evolving with some incipient
marmalade tones, finishes off-dry. 13% ABV. +260158, $17.95, QPR: 91. 
3. Cave de la Vigne Blanche Macon-Villages 2010: it is possible to get
quality white burgundy, albeit with some sort of French lightness, at
this low price. Bargain wine. +284034, 15.95, QPR: 90.
4. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Awatere Valley Marlborough: classic MVC
from nose to tail, 13.5% ABV. +225557, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5. Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 WO Elgin: delicious
chardonnay tones (vanillin, peaches, tropical fruit), longer finish,
13% ABV. +295402, $19.95, QPR: 89.
6. Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010
Rheingau: young but good petrol feel already, 9% ABV, intense but crisp
finish. +70946, $18.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2010 VQA Niagara: another excellent
red blend, with shiraz-style dominating both in volume and in flavours.
13.5% ABV, cork finish. +247882, $18.95, QPR: 89.
2. La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2010 Mendoza: intense black
tones (fruit, mocha, colour) with power to spare. 13% ABV, twist top.
+075515, $15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Del Quorum Nacido del Quorum Seleccion 2007 DO Jumilla: good blend
of mainly monastrell plus three international grape varieties, 14% ABV.
+29346, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4. Chateau Roques Mauriac 2010 Bordeaux Superieur: consistent MVC
quality, ready soon, bargain price. +295782, 15.95, QPR: 90.
5. Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008: a great party wine
in that North American appeal style, with fruit and chocolate. Sip and
play, no spaghetti and meatballs here (who wrote that at the LCBO???).
+204016, $15.95, QPR: 89.

 

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
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2009 DO Ribera del Duero,
+341461, $26.95 retail.
2. La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +656835, $29.95.
3. Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2009 VQA Okanagan, +208694, $35.95.
4. Jonata Todos Red 200 Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara, +218941,
$59.95.
5. Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +642496, $29.95.
6. Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2010 WO Western Cape, +129353,
39.95.
7. Tertulia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Washington
State, +292276, $33.95.
8. Vasse Felix Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +947879, $24.95.
9. Hartenberg Shiraz 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +906289, $34.95.
10. Domaine de Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2011, +200063, $21.95.
11. Markus Molitor Edition No. 3 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling
Spatlese 2003 Mosel, +298000, $29.95.
12. Quinta dos Quatros Ventos Colheita 2008 Douro, +902742, $24.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Wines of Brasil trade tasting, Oct 10/12 at Park Hyatt

The Date and Time: Tuesday Oct 10, 2012    2PM to 6PM

The Event: Wines of Brasil trade tasting

The Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto Hotel

The Target Audience: media, sommeliers, trade

The Availability/Catalogue: not many of the wines are available right now, but most of the wineries present had agents who can private order or do consignment. You would need to check with the Commercial Promotion people such as Barbara Ruppell, barbara@winesofbrasil.com

The tasting booklet just listed the wineries, and none of the wines. I requested a list by email, but pricing was still haphazard. One of the wineries never came.

The Quote/Background: Chuck Byers and Sandi Kraft gave an informative presentation of "Wines of Brasil", but it was unfortunately lightly attended and its time overlapped with the tasting. The Brazilian wine heritage came from Italian immigrants in 1880, so it is still a young industry. They are currently exported to 31 countries, including Canada, but have still to find a growing market in Ontario.

The Wines: I was fortunate to try most of the wines. My faves were mostly whites and sparklers, plus merlot.

 

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Agnus Merlot 2010, $16.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Moscatel NV, $15.95

-Salton Desejo Merlot Tinto 2007, $30

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Dedicato Chardonnay 2012, $27

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Espumante Brut NV, $23.

-Miolo Miolo Merlot Terroir 2009, $29.95

-Pizzato Verve Tinto Seco 2009

 

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Agnus Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $16.95

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Grande Vindima Quorum 2006, $35-40

-VIniBrasil Paralelo 8 Premium 2007, $24.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Brut Branco NV, $15.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Brut Rosé NV, $15.95 

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Reserva Assemblage 2008, $19.95

-Salton Talento Tinto 2007, $30

-Salton Espumante Gerações Domenico Salton NV Brut, $26    

-Salton Volpi Chardonnay 2011, $16.95

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Espumante Moscatel Branco NV, $21   

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Dedicato Tannat 2011, $27

-Miolo Quinta Seival Castas Portuguesas 2008, $22.95

-Miolo Brut Millesine 2009, $23.95

-Miolo Brut Rose 2010, $17.95

-Aurora Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $36

-Aurora Espumante Branco Brut NV, $15          

-Aurora Espumante Rose Moscatel NV, $15

-Cave Geisse Espumante Rose Terroir 2008, $53

-Pizzato Concentus Tinto 2007

-Pizzato Fausto Merlot 2010.

                       

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Dadivas Chardonnay 2011, $13

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Dadivas Pinot Noir 2011

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Elos Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $25

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Elos Tauriga Nacional/Tannat 2009, $25

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Viognier/Chenin Blanc 2011, $13.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Assemblage Red 2011, $13.95

-Salton Volpi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

-Salton Volpi Cabernet Franc 2012, $15.95

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Frisante Suave Moscato NV, $14.95.

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Virtus Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $18

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Virtus Merlot 2011, $18

-Miolo Family Tannat 2010, $17.50

-Miolo Family Chardonnay 2011, $17.50

-Miolo Collezione Viognier 2010, $24.50

-Miolo Family Pinot Noir 2010, $17.50

-Aurora Reserva Chardonnay 2011, $36

-Aurora Tinto Merlot 2012

-Cave Geisse Espumante Brut 2009, $41

-Pizzato Chardonnay 2012

-Pizzato Tannat 2007

-Pizzato Merlot Reserva 2009

 

The Food: cheese and charcuterie, beef, breads, fruit.

The Downside: it was lightly attended

The Upside: as it was a small show, there was a chance to talk to exporters and Ontario agents.

The Contact Person: mrouette@themconcept.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com