Small portfolio tastings, Feb 21/13 (HHD Imports, Abcon)

The Date and Time: Thursday, February 21, 2013   1:30 – 4:30 PM
The Event: selected portfolio tastings of H.H.D. Imports and Abcon.
The Venue: Weston Golf Club, Arnold Palmer Room
The Target Audience: sommeliers and club food and beverage managers
The Availability/Catalogue: all items are by consignment.
The Quote/Background: HHD imports has the Arnold Palmer line of wines,
and what if they had a tasting at a venue associated with Arnold
Palmer? Some other agencies were also involved.
The Wines:  I also tried Spinelli Fontamara Quattro 2010, $11 licensee
from Vinaio importers (rated: 85-87). All prices below are licensee.

 

From HHD Imports
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Mahoney Vineyard Chardonnay Gavin Vineyard Carneros 2011, $23.99
-Chateau Julien Barrel Select Monterey Merlot 2010, $17.99
-Hook & Ladder Russian River Chardonnay 2012, $24.99
-Hook & Ladder Russian River Zinfandel 2010, $26.99
-Hook & Ladder Russian River Station 10 Zin Blend Sonoma 2012, $22.99

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Hook & Ladder Russian River Tillerman Cabernet Blend 2012, $22.99
-Arnold Palmer Cabernet Sauvignon California 2010, $21.99
-Redwood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon California 2011, $10.99
-Redwood Vineyards Chardonnay California 2011, $10.99
-Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir 2009 Carneros, $25.99
-Fleur North Coast Petite Sirah 2009 Carneros, $19.99
-Fleur Carneros Pinot Noir 2010, $19.99
-Patrizi Barbaresco 2006, $19.99
-Deutz Brut Classic Champagne NV, $51.99 ($29.99 split)
-Grant Burge GB51 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2011 Australia, $13.99
-Grant Burge GB23 Chardonnay Viognier 2010 Australia, $13.99
-McKinley Springs Bombing Range Red 2006 Washington State, $19.99
-Gunderloch Estate Riverside Riesling 2012, $14.99

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Arnold Palmer Chardonnay California 2011, $21.99
-Relax Pinot Grigio IGP Veneto 2011, $11.99
-Prosecco Permani Treviso Extra Dry, $14.99
-Delas St. Espirt Cotes du Rhone Red 2010, $14.99
-Grant Burge GB15 Pinot Grigio 2011, $13.99

 

From Abcon International,
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bogle Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 California, $17.39
-Porta Winery Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2012 Chile, $13.89

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Bogle Vineyards Petite Sirah 2010 California, $18.39
-Oro de Castilla Verdejo 2011 Spain, $16.39
-DeBortoli Willowglen Chardonnay 2011 Australia, $13.39

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Salvalai Pinot Grigio 2011 Italy, $13.39
-Flaio Primitivo 2010 Italy, $13.89
-Pago de Cirsus Vendimia Seleccionada 2009 Spain, $19.39

 

The Food: platters of open-faced sandwiches with salmon, shrimp, egg,
tuna, plus a selection of international cheeses and breads.
The Downside: the weather was poor and I was arriving by TTC.
The Upside: a good opportunity to taste some 40 wines in a peaceful
setting.
The Contact Person: info@hhdimports.com; Tom Brown at etb54@cogeco.ca;
and abcon@abconwine.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
89.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com