The Event: Champagne tasting- Ayala and Palmer & Co.

The Date and Time: Tuesday, September 16, 2014  3PM to 6PM

The Event: Champagne tasting- Ayala and Palmer & Co.

The Venue: Fine Wine Reserve

The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, and private clients

The Availability/Catalogue: wineonline.ca and Hanna Neal Wine Merchants

The Quote/Background: It was a crowded room, which was good. The wines were laid out and served nicely chilled. It was a taste and try before you buy session; all cartons were six packs.

The Wines:

 

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

-Ayala Perle d'Ayala 2005, $160

-Palmer & Co Blanc de Blancs 2008, $79.95

-Palmer & Co Brut Millesime 2004, $84.95

 

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

-Ayala Rose Majeur N/V, $79.95 – my overall fave in terms of price/value

-Ayala Blanc de Blancs 2007, $99.95

-Palmer & Co Brut Reserve N/V, $61.75

 

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

-Ayala Brut Majeur N/V, $64.95

 

The Food: none

The Contact Person: andrewhanna@winetrader.ca; service@wineonline.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tasting the wines of Versado and Sperling Vineyards

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, September 16, 2014  2:30 PM to 5:30 PM

The Event: Tasting the wines of Versado and Sperling Vineyards

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Premium Tasting Room

The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available or will be.

The Quote/Background: Ann Sperling presented four Sperling Vineyards Okanagan Valley BC VQA sparkling wines [traditional method] plus a Pinot Noir 2012; Peter Gamble presented six Versado from Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza Argentina. Both winemakers were available for extensive conversations about the winemaking and the wines.

The Wines:

 

-Versado Mendoza Malbec 2013, $25.95. QPR: 90. new release

-Versado Mendoza Malbec 2012, $25.95. QPR: 92.

-Versado Mendoza Malbec 2010, $25.95. QPR: 92.

-Versado Mendoza Malbec Reserva 2011, $59.95. QPR: 94 [fabulous oaking] new release

-Versado Mendoza Malbec Reserva 2010, $59.95. QPR: 93

-Versado Mendoza Malbec Reserva 2009, $59.95. QPR: 92

 

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Brut Rose 2012, $42 QPR: 91 pinot noir, new release

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Brut Reserve 2010, $50 QPR: 94 new release

    70%PN/30%Ch, 36 months on lees

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Brut 2009, $39.95 QPR: 91 pinot blanc

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Brut 2008, $39.95 QPR: 90 pinot blanc

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Brut Rose 2012, $42 QPR: 91 pinot noir, new release

-Sperling Vineyards VQA Okanagan Pinot Noir 2012, $27.95 QPR: 92 new at Vintages

 

The Food: Ace breads

The Contact Person: peterjgamble@sympatico.ca; ann@southbrook.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Annual Tasting of Sparkling wines by Wine Writers' Circle of Canada, Sept 26/14

The Date and Time:  Friday, September 26, 2014  10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

The Event: Annual tasting of sparkling wines, both imported and domestic, by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members.

The Availability/Catalogue: Most wines are available through the upcoming holiday season. For Ontario wines, this may be at Vintages and/or at the winery. Some of the data is unfortunately missing, not all of it was on a requested spreadsheet. But there is enough here to scout around.

The Quote/Background: About a dozen WWCC members signed up, the entire membership received the spreadsheet.

The Wines: There were about 90 wines, both imported and domestic. They are grouped together by my measure of tasting and notes. They are NOT ranked. Nor are they reflective of any group consensus or of any other member's comments, etc. These are my own personal groupings as a wine writer/taster/judge.

                       

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

-Louis Roederer Champagne    NV    Brut Premier    $69.95     268771

-Piper-Heidsieck Champagne    NV $54.95 LCBO                           

-Iron Horse Classic Brut    2007        $29.95 Sonoma Private order        Glazer's -Cave Spring Cellars    NV    Blanc de Blancs    VQA Niagara $29.95     213983 LCBO

-Huff Estate Cuvee Peter F. Huff 2010 PEC, $39.95 (2007 is at Vintages)

-Fresita  Chile NV [strawberries and white wine]                           

-Henry of Pelham        Cuvee Catharine Brut     $29.95     217521 LCBO

-Henry of Pelham    2009    Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc    $44.95 315200

-Henry of Pelham        Cuvee Catharine Rose Brut    $29.95     217505 LCBO

-Tawse    2011    Spark Blend     $24.95     384966

-Chateau des Charmes n/v Brut $22.95 224766  LCBO

-ANGELS GATE WINERY    2011    HANDSOME BRUT    $24.95    395160 LCBO

-Philipponnat Champagne    N.V.    Royal Reserve Brut    $59.95     995720 Vintages

-Taittinger Champagne        Brut Reserve     $62.95     365312

-Champagne Tarlant    NV Brut Reserve    $42.40     325167

-Champagne Pannier    N/V    Brut Selection    $46.95     374421

-Paul Goerg Blanc de Blancs Champagne $49.95 Private order        Glazer's Canada -Champagne Lacroix Triaulaire    N/V Brut    $42.95 Consignment

 

 

 

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

-ANGELS GATE WINERY    2011    ARCHANGEL CHARDONNAY    $23.95    227009 LCBO

-Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee    2007        $41.00 Sonoma Private Order Glazer's Canada

-Cattier Champagne    N/V    Cattier Brut Premier Cru Champagne    $44.60     325720

-Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne (LCBO# 537605)                    

-ANGELS GATE WINERY    2009    PINOT NOIR ROSE    $25    BEAMSVILLE BENCH

-Fielding Estate Winery    NV Brut $34.95 Winery

-Jackson-Triggs 2011 Grand Reserve Series Entourage Sparkling Brut $22.95 234161 Vintages

-Featherstone Winery    2010    Joy    $34.95     310334 Twenty Mile Bench Dec 6, 2014

-Flat Rock Riddled Sparking     2009    VQA $24.95 Vintages               

-VIICOLTORI ACQUESI BRACHETTO D'ACQUI SPKLNG 375667 $ 12.90 LCBO               

-Freixenet Sonoma Caves    N/V    Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut     $27.95    Airen Imports

-Kim Crawford 2009 Small Parcel Fizz Sparkling    $29.95     +381236    New Zealand

-Codorniu Raventos    NV PINOT NOIR LCBO $15.95

-Cono Sur    NV    Sparkling Brut    $13.95     215079    Chile    Bio Bio Valley

-Cono Sur    NV    Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose    $13.90     365205    Chile    Bio Bio -KWV Cathedral Cellar Brut 2010 $16.95     296426    South Africa

-Ste. Michelle Wine Estates    NV    Michelle Brut    $16.85 LCBO    363341 Washington

-Contraband    Sparkling Wine, +400127 LCBO $18.95 [also on tap too]               

-Lacheteau    NV    Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire    $19.95     217760

-Creekside Estate The Trad Reserve 2011 Queenston Road Vineyard MT

-Gancia    nv    Gancia Sparkling Brut    $14.95     n/a    Italy    Piedmont

-Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad     $29.95?                       

-Tawse    2013    Spark Riesling    $19.95     VQA 370361

-Grange of Prince Edward     2010    Lot 2 Brut     $29.95 Prince Edward County

 

 

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

-ANGELS GATE WINERY    2011    SAUVIGNON BLANC    $23.95 BEAMSVILLE BENCH

-Coyote's Run Winery    2011    Sparkling Chardonnay    $24.95    398388 LCBO Nov 22

-Coyote's Run Winery    2009    Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose    $29.95    359125 LCBO -Jackson-Triggs    2012    Reserve Series Cuvee Clos    $14.95    217679 LCBO

-John Howard Cellars of Distinction/Megalomaniac     2012    Bubblehead    $28.95     363655  LCBO

-Diamond Estates Winery    2012    FRESH Sparkling Rose    $13.95

-Lakeview Cellars    2008     GMR Sparkling    $19.95

-Diamond Estates Winery    2013    20 Bees Buzz & Bubbles    $13.95     332577 LCBO

-Chandron Brut    Sonoma                                       

-Bodega Santa Julia    N/V    Organic Sparkling Brut    $14.85     314237 LCBO    Mendoza

-Juve e Camps    NV    Brut Rose Pinot Noir Cava    $19.95     385088 Catalunya

-Jackson-Triggs    2010    Grand Reserve Series Entourage Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc    $29.95    353078 Vintages

-Jackson-Triggs    2010    Grand Reserve Series Entourage Sparkling Merlot    $29.95

-Sue-Ann Staff     2011    Sparkling & SASSY    $27.95     344622 Vintages

-Sue-Ann Staff     2011    Sparkling & Icy    $34.95     359703 Riesling Vintages Dec 4 -Colio Girls Night Out Sparkling $14.95

-PELEE ISLAND WINERY    2012    SECCO    $15.75 LENS    225946    LCBO

-Grange of Prince Edward 2013    Sparkling Riesling $19.95 392746 Prince Edward C Vintages

-Codorniu Classico    NV                               

-Fantinel    NV    Spumante Prosecco Brut One & Only DOC Millesimato    $19.95     390617 LCBO

-Palatine Hills    NV    Prestige    VQA $20.00

-Redstone    2011    Sparkling    $24.95 at Tawse VQA

-Barefoot Cellars    NV    Barefoot Bubbly Pinot Grigio    $12.95    216952 LCBO

-Segura Viudas Brut Reserva $14.25                                   

-Delegat's Wine Estate    NV    Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut    $21.95     163634    New Zealand    Hawke's Bay

-Delegat's Wine Estate    NV    Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé    $21.95     280172    New Zealand    Hawke's Bay

-Freixenet    N/V    Freixenet Carta Negro Brut    $13.95     216945    Spain    Penedes

-Freixenet    N/V    Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut    $12.45     216887    Spain    Penedes

-Freixenet    N/V    Freixenet Cordon Rosado Brut    $13.95     217059    Spain    Penedes

-Bottega SPA    NV Vino Dei Poeti Prosecco DOC    $13.95 897702    Italy    Veneto

-Bottega SPA    NV    Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose    $13.45 277202 Italy    Veneto

-La Marca    NV    La Marca Prosecco DOC    $17.95    Vintages #287987    Italy    Veneto

-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserve    $18.95     388603    France     Alsace

-BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE VINTAGES 53215 $18.95

-Ruffino     N/A    Prosecco DOC    $16.95         Italy

-Foss Marai     NV    Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco     $19.95     72939    Veneto

-Villa Sandi Prosecco (LCBO# 394387)     $14.45                           

-Saphora Rose    New Zealand                                   

-Saphora Sparkling    New Zealand                                   

-Gancia    nv    Gancia Prosecco DOC    $16.95     n/a    Italy    Piedmont

-Gancia    nv    Gancia Sparkling Rose    $14.95     n/a    Italy    Piedmont   

-Rockway    Patio 9 Niagara    $12.95                                   

-Rockway    Patio 9 Rose Niagara    $12.95                           

-Huff Estate Cuvee Janine 2012 PEC, $29.95 Winery

-Tenuta S. Anna    N/V     Tenuta S. Anna Prosecco  Extra Dry    $17.95     388710

-Mionetto Prosecco Treviso $17.95                                       

-Il Prosecco Mionetto    $13.30                                       

-Santa Margherita Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut (LCBO# 687582)     $17.95   

-Hungaria    $12.25                                           

-Sumarroca Prosecco                                           

 

The Food: bread and water

The Downside: my own personal feeling is that, overall, the wines were not as good as last year's wines. It may be different vintage years, it may be changes in wine submissions, it may be pricing levels – I do not know.

The Upside: a chance to taste a large collection of sparklers.

The Contact Person: deantudor@deantudor.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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 LCBO 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.

 

NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some "under $25" suggestions, along with point values.

 

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

 

Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +557165, $17.95: quite a blazing riesling with intense pleasure, twist top, 11.5% ABV. Much like Rhine, off-dry finish of course, sip or food. QPR: 90.

 

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Quails' Gate Chardonnay 2012 VQA Okanagan, +377770, $21.95, QPR: 90.

2.Chateau des Charmes Paul Bosc Estate Chardonnay 2012 VQA NOTL, +287268, $21.95, QPR: 91.

3.Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2012 Casablanca, +738393, $22.95, QPR: 90.

4.Whitehaven Greg Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +325944, $24.95. QPR: 90.

5.Perrin & Fils Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2013, +499509, $14.95: excellent value recognition for restaurants, fruity, dry stone fruit finish, begs for food. QPR: 89.

6.Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +2144460, $18.95: softer vanilla  expression of savvy because of some BF in used French oak (but not Fume Blanc style), 13.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.

7.Bestheim Reserve Pinot Gris 2012 Alsace, +315143, $15.95: good body, off-sweet, complex in a floral sense, nice crisp finish, serve not too cold. Gold Medalist. QPR: 89.

8.Monmousseau Clos Le Vigneau Vouvray 2012, +318840, $19.95: off-dry, complex finish with great body of chenin blanc fruit – without the sweetness. 12.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2010, +295964, $24.95. QPR: 90.

2.Balbas Reserva 2001 DO Ribera del Duero, +85183, $20.95. QPR: 91.

3.Rancourt Meritage 2009 VQA Niagara, +394106, $20: excellent production of a bordeaux-styled blend, 13% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 89.

4.Chateau Vrai Caillou 2009 Bordeaux Superieur, +348292, $15.95: I tasted this bottle 5 hours after it had been opened and the contents aerated by others as they poured an ounce or so for tasting. It had promising value at such a price level, so you will need to decant it and let it breathe for a while. 13% ABV. QPR: 89.

5.Luigi Righetti Campolieti Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, +695890, $17.95: perhaps the LCBO ripasso of the month...QPR: 89.

6.Leite de Faria Animus 2012 Douro, +385302, $13.95: delicious fruit-driven wine with Rhone-like complexity, priced to go. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

7.Quinta de Pancas Seleccao do Enologo 2010 Lisboa, +380931, $18.95: lots of activity going on here, being under French oak for 12 months and 13.5% ABV. A very good organic wine, with touriga nacional, merlot, cab sauv, and alicante bouschet. QPR: 89.

8.Peter Bright Terra d'Alter Reserva 2011 Vinhos Regional Alentejano, +266916, $17.95: decent wood aged wine (22 months in barrel) and 15% wallop ABV. QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $25

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Marlborough, +304469, $31.95 retail. QPR: 91.

2.Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2010, +512384, $29.95. QPR: 90.

3.Bouchard Pere & Fils Montagny 1er Cru 2011, +653683, $29.95. QPR: 90.

4.Jean-Marc Brocard Vau de Vay Chablis 1er Cru 2012, +159012, $29.95. QPR: 91.

5.Versado Malbec 2013 Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza, +317008, $25.95. QPR: 91.

6.Holm Oak Pinot Noir 2012 Tasmania, +376863, $28.95. QPR: 91.

7.Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz 2012 Clare Vally, +998476, $26.95. QPR: 90.

8.Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2012 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valey Walker Bay South Africa, +999516, $44.95. QPR: 91.

9.Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 WO Stellenbosch, +283390, $29.95. QPR: 91.

10.Chateau Fonreaud 2010 Listrac-Medoc, +243311, $30.95. QPR: 90.

11.Domaine Jean Deydier & Fils Les Clefs d'Or Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2010 Vieilles Vignes, +384370, $44.95. QPR: 91.

12.San Biagio Barolo 2009, +378000, $36.95. QPR: 90.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Lunch paired with a range of Bodega Volcanes de Chile with winemaker Maria del Pilar Diaz and Woodman Wines and Spirits, the agency.

The Date and Time: Thursday, September 4, 2014  11:30AM to 3PM

The Event: Lunch paired with a range of Bodega Volcanes de Chile with winemaker Maria del Pilar Diaz and Woodman Wines and Spirits, the agency.

The Venue: Spoke Club, King Street

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: five of the wines we tasted were at LCBO or upcoming Vintages, others were private orders and barrel samples.

The Quote/Background: Maria spoke on newly emerging Chilean regions such as Bio Bio and Leyda, as well as talking about her vineyards' drainage soils, which are mainly volcanic with moisture retention that can withstand higher temperatures. There was more, also found at www.volcanesdechile.com. Maria commented on the wines in turn while we tasted, and then on the food pairings while we ate with wine seconds.

The Wines:

 

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

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Pomerape Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Leyda, 13.5% ABV, Vintages +371138, $14.95

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Grenache-Petite Sirah-Mourvedre 2011, 14.5% ABV, Vintages +389668, $17.95

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Petit Verdot-Petite Sirah 2013, barrel sample.

 

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

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Lava Brut N/V (here, mostly 2010), $11.95 private order, charmat method, chardonnay and pinot noir.

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Leyda Valley 13.5% ABV, private order $15.95.

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Summit Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2012 Rapel Valley 14.5% ABV, LCBO +350553, $10.95

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Tectonia Pinot Noir 2012 Bio Bio Valley 14% ABV, Vintages Dec 6 +389676, $17.95.

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Montepulciano Grenache 2013, barrel sample.

 

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

-Bodegas Volcanes de Chile Summit Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2013 Rapel Valley 14%, LCBO +292607, $10.95.

 

The Food: our menu began with an appetizer of white bean puree and the Lava Brut, followed by a mixed baby leaf lettuce salad with goat cheese, an ideal match for the two savvies we tried. The main was either a roasted salmon with Israeli couscous or a burger with frites (or a vegetarian option), followed by dessert of a lemon fruit sorbet. I opted for the salmon which paired nicely with the pinot noir.

The Contact Person: jason@woodmanws.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH –

1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $22.95. Now available at Marks and Sparks, er, Marks and Spencer UK for 15.99 pounds (about the same price as here in the Vintages Essentials program). It's an organic wine also certified as biodynamic by Demeter. It is an intense, well-developed cabby savvy, typically North American, with twist top and 12.9% ABV. The many times that I have had it, I gave it a ranking of 89 – 93 depending on the wine's development at the time. Lately, it has been higher. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

2.Mike Weir Vinyasa 2013 VQA Niagara, +379131 $13.95: another entry in the local lo-cal winemaking. Vinyasa refers to a Sanskrit term used to describe the flowing movement between poses as a way to inhale and exhale or breathe. Comprised of riesling (48%), chardonnay (48%), and pinot grigio, the wine comes in at 70 calories. There's a Nutrition Fact table showing 1 gram of sugar per serving (137mL, about 5 oz). The alcohol is 9.5%. It's a great alternative to pinot grigio (123 calories) at the same price but with about a little more than half the calories. Very aromatic and pleasant, clean and brisk for sipping. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

3.Chateau des Charmes Merlot 2012 St David's Bench Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $29.95 at winery: made only in the best years, 2010 was the last vintage. Rich and ripe cassis, cherry, cedar tones from one year barrel aging in French oak. As is typical with merlot, you'll get a velvet soft finish with enjoyable finishing tannins. Give it two more years. 553 cases. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

4.Chateau des Charmes Chardonnay 2012 Paul Bosc Vineyard VQA St David's Bench, +287268, $21.95: one of many chardonnays at different price points from Chateau des Charmes. Barrel fermented and barrel aged in French oak for a year, with lees stirring. Burnt cream and buttery complexity, baked pie, vanilla-caramel arcing tones on the palate. Long finish. One of my fave chards, but do not serve overchilled. 491 cases. 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.Sauvion Carte D'Or Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2012, +143016, $12.95: one of the better values at the LCBO, at the lowest price point for muscadet in Ontario. Clean, clear, crisp, flavours of green apples and lemons, some minerality. Best with briny  crustaceans and bivalves rather than with fish. 12% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 20123 South Africa, +22251 LCBO, $11.95: green and herbaceous, great as a first course wine, lightly tropical but good finish. 14% ABV, twist top. Overall, light and crisp. Sponsoring Canada Braai Day September 20. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Nederburg Winemaster's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, +111526 LCBO, $11.95: with some cassis sweetness and red fruit showing, with a suggestion of mushroom or forest floor. Medium bodied but 14% ABV. Velvet tannins, under cork closure. Sponsoring Canada Braai Day September 20. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Ungava Premium Gin from PQ!!

Ungava Premium Gin (Domaine Pinnacle, PQ), +374231, $34.90: at first sight an intriguing yellow colour bordering on green, reminiscent of yellow chartreuse. Apparently, all of the flavour and the colour come from hand-picked Arctic ingredients from the Ungava Bay area. The northern botanicals include wild rose hips, cloudberry, crowberry, Labrador Tea, Arctic Blend, and of course Nordic Juniper (which is not too pronounced with its diminished flavours). Labrador Tea and Arctic Blend are two plants within the rhododendron family. All six botanicals are used in Inuit tea. See www.ungava-gin.com for further technical and botanical details. Entry is light and bracing with aromatics carrying through. Toned down juniper is noticeable, but other unique flavours are in play. Long finish, not hot. Tried straight and over ice. Bottle and label also employ Inuktitut wording. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Devour! Filmfest program launch at the Drake.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 8, 8PM to 10PM

The Event: Devour! Filmfest program launch at the Drake.

The Venue: The Drake 86'd

The Target Audience: regular 86'd consumer crowd, Toronto wine, film and food media.

The Availability/Catalogue: see www.devourfest.com

The Quote/Background: Devour! The food film fest runs November 12 – 14 in Wolfville, NS. The organizers were in town to take advantage of TIFF and squeeze in a launch with a promotion for food, wine and film writers to announce the program of Devour, now in its fourth year. Michael Howell, Devour! Executive Director (former chef-owner of Tempest, an award-winning restaurant in Wolfville) said Devour was the world's largest festival focused on food and film. There will be 55 films dedicated to food (18 new features and 37 shorts) including the world premiere of the Canadian film Shuckers, directed by Jon Bietcher and produced by Chef Chuck Hughes, as well as Food Chains by Sanjay Rawal and El Somni, and "an operatic multimedia feast" from Spanish director Franc Aleu. There will be 15 hands-on sessions and five dinners inspired by feature films. There will also be two days of food trucks (I cannot wait for those fried clams).

The opening Gala features Anthony Bourdain, and 16 local chefs creating a Nova Scotia dinner. There is also a dedication to the Order of Good Cheer with a reception and a procession. Bourdain will introduce the opening festival screening of Eat Drink Man Woman, participate in an audience Q&A and host a one-hour book signing at the Devour! Opening Gala Post-Reception.

This year also marks the beginning of a relationship with the Berlin Film Festival, which ultimately means that the Devour! Food Film Fest will be at a world class status and will feature more premieres of feature food films. The full program and tickets for the festival's screenings and events happening November 12-16, will be available on Monday, September 22 through the Devour! website (www.devourfest.com} and Ticketpro. Tickets will also be available by phone at 1-888-311-9090.

 

The Food: at the launch, the Drake kitchen provided NS lobsters via nachos, NS apples (juicy SweeTango apples, part honeycrisp, part zester) via strudel, and NS oysters on the half shell, along with Dragon's Breath Blue cheese (unobtainable in Ontario) appetizers. Nova 7, a Nova Scotia version of moscato d'asti, was poured as the alcoholic beverage representing Nova Scotia, garnished with an NS apple slice.

The Downside: I had been expecting commingling with media and consumers, but the media area was later roped off for privacy and note-taking.

The Upside: Jason Priestly, on the Devour Board, turned up, as did cookbook and food personality Bob Blumer, both touting the wonders of the film fest and the food from local chefs. The event was extremely well-orchestrated.

The Contact Person: lia@devourfest.com; media@devourfest.com; michael@devourfest.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Devour! Filmfest program launch at the Drake.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 8, 8PM to 10PM

The Event: Devour! Filmfest program launch at the Drake.

The Venue: The Drake 86'd

The Target Audience: regular 86'd consumer crowd, Toronto wine, film and food media.

The Availability/Catalogue: see www.devourfest.com

The Quote/Background: Devour! The food film fest runs November 12 – 14 in Wolfville, NS. The organizers were in town to take advantage of TIFF and squeeze in a launch with a promotion for food, wine and film writers to announce the program of Devour, now in its fourth year. Michael Howell, Devour! Executive Director (former chef-owner of Tempest, an award-winning restaurant in Wolfville) said Devour was the world's largest festival focused on food and film. There will be 55 films dedicated to food (18 new features and 37 shorts) including the world premiere of the Canadian film Shuckers, directed by Jon Bietcher and produced by Chef Chuck Hughes, as well as Food Chains by Sanjay Rawal and El Somni, and "an operatic multimedia feast" from Spanish director Franc Aleu. There will be 15 hands-on sessions and five dinners inspired by feature films. There will also be two days of food trucks (I cannot wait for those fried clams).

The opening Gala features Anthony Bourdain, and 16 local chefs creating a Nova Scotia dinner. There is also a dedication to the Order of Good Cheer with a reception and a procession. Bourdain will introduce the opening festival screening of Eat Drink Man Woman, participate in an audience Q&A and host a one-hour book signing at the Devour! Opening Gala Post-Reception.

This year also marks the beginning of a relationship with the Berlin Film Festival, which ultimately means that the Devour! Food Film Fest will be at a world class status and will feature more premieres of feature food films. The full program and tickets for the festival's screenings and events happening November 12-16, will be available on Monday, September 22 through the Devour! website (www.devourfest.com} and Ticketpro. Tickets will also be available by phone at 1-888-311-9090.

 

The Food: at the launch, the Drake kitchen provided NS lobsters via nachos, NS apples (juicy SweeTango apples, part honeycrisp, part zester) via strudel, and NS oysters on the half shell, along with Dragon's Breath Blue cheese (unobtainable in Ontario) appetizers. Nova 7, a Nova Scotia version of moscato d'asti, was poured as the alcoholic beverage representing Nova Scotia, garnished with an NS apple slice.

The Downside: I had been expecting commingling with media and consumers, but the media area was later roped off for privacy and note-taking.

The Upside: Jason Priestly, on the Devour Board, turned up, as did cookbook and food personality Bob Blumer, both touting the wonders of the film fest and the food from local chefs. The event was extremely well-orchestrated.

The Contact Person: lia@devourfest.com; media@devourfest.com; michael@devourfest.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH!

FLEX APPEAL; a vegetarian cookbook for families with meat-eaters (Whitecap, 2014, 216 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050-188-1, $29.95 CAN paper covers) is by Pat Crocker (herbalist and prolific cookbook author) and Nettie Cronish (organic foods chef and cookbook author). Their book is about putting together a healthy and delicious dinner in half an hour or less for both vegetarians and carnivores. I must say that when I first saw the book, I thought - "hey, terrific, a cookbook about flax seed". But there was no flax in the book, and I needed new glasses...Nevertheless, "flexitarian" as a term has become more popular, and seems to be an ideal meeting place for the convergence of carnivore and vegetarian. In essence, it is all about treating meat as just another garnish and serving it with a lot of veggies. A little meat goes a long way, such as a single strip of bacon or even just using bacon fat to saute veggies. They've got a whole section on how to eat less meat and how to make sharp meat purchases (mostly by buying organic and by buying less). This is mainly a veggie book with a little meat that could be added. Think strips and small e.g., shrimp, chicken liver, sirloin and poultry strips, etc. So with caramelized onion and pear tart, you could add bacon, with feta-stuffed figs, try prosciutto, with cheddar and salsa tortillas try tuna, or chicken with spicy lentil pinwheels. It is arranged by course, from apps/snacks to breakfast, skillet suppers, stir-fries, one-pots, noodles, wraps, soups, stews, salads, and desserts. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of equivalents.

Audience and level of use: vegetarians and meat eaters.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: cauliflower and coconut curry chowder (whitefish); Alsatian vegetable gratin (turkey); avocado and olive salad (trout); skillet fava bean paella (shrimp); hot and sour tempeh noodles (scallops); Mediterranean frittata (sausage); Caesar salad (crab).

The downside to this book: I'd like more meat choices per dish.

The upside to this book: good concept.

Quality/Price Rating: 89.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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 LCBO 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.

 

NOTE: It is getting more difficult to endorse wines under $20 for the simple reason that the LCBO does not release many of them into the Vintages program, ones that can be deemed to be worthy of your consideration. So I will now just ADD some "under $25" suggestions, along with point values.

 

 

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

 

Stellenrust Wild Yeast Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2011 WO Stellenbosch, +382218, $17.95: wonderfully complex, better than many chardonnays at twice this price. 13% ABV, cork closure, oaky and nutty tones which follow through right on the mid-palate and the length. Could be aged two more years. QPR: 93.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2011 VQA PEC, +132928, $21.95. QPR: 90.

2.Auntsfield Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Southern Valleys Marlborough, +663286, $20.95, QPR: 89.

3.Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musque 2012 CSV VQA Beamsville Bench, +246579: vibrant, ripe and affordable, off-dry on the palate, in the peach mode of viognier-albarino-riesling, No oak, but dry finish. QPR: 89.

4.Flat Rock Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +43281, $16.95: another succulent riesling from Ontario, twist top, 11% ABV, but dynamite bursts on the palate. Off-dry. QPR: 91.

5.Domaine Chevallier Chablis 2012, +112227, $19.95: this now seems to be the LCBO chablis of the month, particularly for under $20. Expect orchard fruit, minerals, stony finish and lemons. QPR: 89.

6.Mallory & Benjamin Talmard Macon-Uchizy 2012, +733956, $16.95: a good basic burgundy chardonnay, affordable. Green tones (apples, peppers, lemon finish). Gold Medalist. QPR: 89.

7.Michel Gassier Les Piliers Viognier 2013, +669531, $18.95: richly aromatic, ripe orchard fruit (peaches), citric finish, better with food, good price. QPR: 89.

8.Bischofliche Weinguter Trier Dom Riesling Kabinett 2011 Mosel, +378828, $18.95: off-dry Mosel Riesling wine with mounds of flavour, 9% ABV. QPR: 89.

 

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2012 VQA NOTL, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 90.

2.Reininger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Walla Walla Valley Washington, +387027, $21.95. QPR: 89.

3.Cederberg Shiraz 2010 WO Cederberg South Africa, +374199, $24.95. QPR: 89.

4.Piccini Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +134791, $20.95. QPR: 89.

5.Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2012 Anconcagua Coast Chile, +143214, $19.95: good quality pinot MVC in the New World style at an affordable price-- red fruit, mocha, some licorice, lovely finish. Cork closure. 14% ABV. QPR: 89.

6.Cantine Ferri Oblivio Nero di Troia 2008 IGT Puglia, +380600, $19.95: very good complexity for the price, red fruit and leather dominate, plus other signs of being aged. 14.5% QPR: 89.

7.Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007 DOC Gioia del Colle Puglia, +724674, $13.95: amazing value for a Euro Zinfandel, 13.5% ABV, and well-aged too. A real winner. QPR: 90.

8.Quinta de Pancas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Vinho Regional Lisboa, +380568, $18.95: nicely developed and aged cabby, like Bordeaux, 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

9.Luzon Seleccion 12 Meses Crianza 2008 DO Jumilla, +310219, $17.95: noteworthy blend of black fruit flavours from the monastrell, tempranillo, and cabby grapes. Full of the spirit and palates of Spain, tremendous value for the toastiness. QPR: 90,

 

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $25

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling 2011 VQA Vinemount Ridge Niagara, +241182, $35.20 retail.

2.Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse 2012, +732917, $35.95.

3.Chateau des Charmes Merlot 2012 St David's Bench VQA St David's Bench, +453431, $29.95.

4.Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2012 VQA Niagara River, +184523, $27.20.

5.Seglas 2006 AC Margaux, +359810, $53.95.

6.Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2008, +368910, $29.95.

7.Quintarelli Primofiore 2009 IGT Veneto, +20867, $59.95.

8.La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva 2004 Rioja, +315531, $39.95.

9.Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2009 DO Bierzo Spain, +379891, $29.95.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

NATURAL WINE; in introduction to organic and biodynamic wines made naturally (Cico Books, 2014; distr. T. Allen, 224 pages, ISBN 978-1-78249-100-2, $24.95 US hard covers) is by Isabelle Legeron, the first French woman to become a Master of Wine, She runs the RAW Natural Wine Festival in London, and consults with restaurants and promotes "natural" wine. She's also got a website www.thatcrazyfrenchwoman.com, with a TV show on the Travel Channel under that name. There is a large argument raging in the wine world over what is a natural wine. Some believe that it should be applied only to organic and biodynamic farms; others think it should also mean "sustainable" or "green", etc. The key would simply be to get rid of the word "natural" and just have "organic or biodynamic" and "sustainable". It is only the organic and biodynamic wines that are certifiable. There are no controls over the rest of the "natural" wording on the label. Indeed, some organic wineries just press organic grapes and then use regular winemaking techniques. They can still call their wines organic. I know of many farms who use the term "natural" to reflect their organic practices, because they just do not have the money nor the wait time to apply for certification. Legeron offers one of the first books meant for the general reader to cover O & B wines. In general, wine is a process, and it is also an industry. Wineries try to be consistent from year to year because they have a product to sell. The weather determines what about of "corrections" the winemaker needs to take (more acid, earlier/later picking, more sugar, more irrigation, etc.). A natural O & B winery rolls with the punches and produces wine "as is". The author takes us through the year and discusses wine faults, stability, health issues, taste, fermentation, sulphites, and a load of contentious issues. She's assisted from time to time by other writers such as Nicolas Joly, Tony Coturri, and 11 others. She gives notes on 140 wines, sorted by types (bubbly, red, white, rose, sweet). Not surprisingly, France has the most listings, followed by Italy: these are the two leaders by production. Canada has one mention (Pearl Morissette in Niagara, a Chardonnay), but none in the longer list of "other" wineries. Other additional sections cover a glossary, lists of associations and wine fairs, restaurants and stores for the US and UK, and a bibliography

Audience and level of use: the curious reader, wine lovers.

Some interesting or unusual facts: "soils harbor 80 percent of the world's biomass. Earthworms alone, for example, amount to about the same weight as all other animals combined."

The downside to this book: too many gratuitous photos of just bottles and the like.

The upside to this book: a beginning – let's have more.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! * The Tastemakers (McClelland and Stewart)

THE TASTEMAKERS; why we're crazy for cupcakes but fed up with fondue (Signal McClelland & Stewart, 2014, 319 pages, ISBN 978-0-7710-7912-2, $29.95 CAN hard covers) is by business and food writer David Sax, who authored Save the Deli. He's also a Beard Award winner for his writing. Here he looks at the world of food trends: where they come from, how they grow, and their decline. It is a book full of anecdotal material plus some hard evidence from chefs, entrepreneurs, and analysts. Certainly it is good read about what we are "told" to eat. The "Tastemakers" are people who spread the news about new foods. They are a sub-category of who we used to call "opinionmakers". So this is an investigation into who is creating the buzz about a variety of food products. Most noticeably, there is kale, sriracha, quinoa, cupcakes (sales grew 56% from 2008 to 2012), chia seeds, apples, acai berries, pomegranates, kombucha, and more (there is an index from which you can pick out your fave food). Ultimately, it is all about  money and influence, and celebrities. I'm not too cynical, although the book can make you one (the difference between a pessimist and a cynic is that the cynic is better informed). He's got four types of trends: cultural, agriculture, chefs, and health. These trends break out mostly by marketers, and they matter mostly because they are profitable and cutting edge. Nobody wants to be left behind; everyone in this business is searching for the next big food trend. Most of the discussion is about "trends", but really, they are just fads. You cannot call the Paleo diet a fad (as he does) since it has been around since 1975, just bubbling under until recently. Cupcakes, though, are definitely a fad since the modern ones transmogrified from muffins and were featured in Sex and the City. And it is lacking in a discussion on wines (one half-page only), beers and cocktails (not at all for both). It's a good book, and a fine read for summer. More details can be found through his bibliography. Quality/Price Rating: 92.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Taste Local Love Local Ontario wines, Aug 14

The Date and Time: Thursday, August 14, 2014  5 - 9PM

The Event: Taste Local Love Local

The Venue: 1095 Queen Street West

The Target Audience: social media and food and wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are in the Ontario promotion from Sept 14 to Oct 11. There was a catalogue for this show, with 21 wines, although vintage dates were lacking. Some wines were not presented, while others were on the table but ex-catalogue.

The Quote/Background: this was a celebration of Ontario wine and pie (sweet and savoury).

The Wines:

 

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

-Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc Organic 2012, $21.95

-Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $14.95

-Jackson-Triggs Black Series Meritage 2012, $13.95

-Norman Hardie Niagara Pinot Noir 2011, $39

 

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

-The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy Ripasso Style Red 2012, $19.95

-Cave Spring Dry Rose 2013, $13.95

-Henry of Pelham Riesling Icewine 2013, $49.95

-Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2012, $17.95

-Rosehill Run Liberated Chardonnay 2013, $14.95 ($12.95 promotion)

-Rosehall Run Defiant Pinot Noir 2013, $18.95 ($16.95 promotion)

-Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red 2011, $14.95

-Pelee Island Lighthouse Sauvignon Blanc, $13.95

 

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

-Wayne Gretzky No.99 Riesling 2012

-Inniskillin Pinot Noir 2012, $15.95

-Grange of Prince Edward Trumpour's Mill Gamay Noir 2012, $14.95

-Sandbanks Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $16.95

-Sandbanks Estate Shoreline White 2012, $14.95

-Pelee Island Baco Noir 2012, $11.95

-Colio Estate Late Harvest Vidal 2013, $11.95 375mL

-Bricklayer's Predicament Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio 2013, $13.95

 

The Food: the Cheese Boutique supplied some Ontario cheeses, including Blue Celtic from Glengarry and Thunder Oak Gouda. Four pie companies were involved: Lakeside Bakery from Leamington contributed pumpkin pie tarts, Wanda's Pie in the Sky did a pear cranberry pie (excellent with all forms of wine, because of higher acid in the fruit), Sweet and Savoury Pie Company did a tandoori chicken cutie pie on a stick. There was supposed to be one other company, but I had to leave by 6:15 so I may have missed it – if it had arrived.

The Downside: 1095 Queen Street was an awkward venue in an awkward location.

The Upside: a chance to match food I never eat with Ontario wines.

The Contact Person:erin@themintagency.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

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

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com

The Event: dinner with Joseph Carr, founder of Joseph Carr wines and the Josh Cellars line of varietals.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, August 27, 2014  6PM to 9PM

The Event: dinner with Joseph Carr, founder of Joseph Carr wines and the Josh Cellars line of varietals.

The Venue: Biff's

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: coming soon to the LCBO, prices are estimated.

The Quote/Background: Joesph Carr is passionate about his wines. As a negociant, he works with small estate growers and winemakers, even coopers, across California to source hand crafted wines. His company is now just nine years old, and maintains his winemaking philosophy as a chance to follow his dream of producing wines of balance and sophistication. They are all approachable in the distinctive California style, but with Euro lean labeling that stands out from the shelf. He sources his Carr wines from Napa for the reds and Sonoma for the whites. His entry level wines (Josh Cellars) are named after his father, and feature more varietals from all over California. Many are sold in American restaurants, and thus have a higher recognition factor in Canada. He uses two winemakers, one for Josh and one for Carr.

The Wines: We had some Josh Cellars wines for reception, and again with dinner. At dinner, we also had Joseph Carr wines from Napa.

 

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

-Josh Cellars Legacy Red, $21.95 (FAVE of the night), with merlot-zinfandel-syrah-petite sirah.

-Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.95

-Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, under $30

 

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

-Josh Cellars Chardonnay, $17.95

-Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, $17.95

-Joseph Carr Merlot Napa, under $30

 

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

-Josh Cellars Pinot Noir, $21.95

 

The Food: at the reception we had pork rillettes, oysters, and cheese croquembouche.  Dinner had choices. I opted for protein to catch the wines, so I began with smoked trout with apple and fennel (Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay did a great job of accompanying the food), followed by filet mignon (bleu for me) with smoked eggplant puree, and then orange and fennel bavarois. I had a wide variety of wines with the filet, but I thought the cabernets went best.

The Downside: I had just come from a frustrating ticket exchange for seats at the Met opera.

The Upside: a chance to connect with Joseph Carr.

The Contact Person: jcarr@josephcarrwine.com; rsandham@thekirkwoodgroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: a tasting of the Cuvee 2014 Winemakers selections, August 27/14

The Date and Time: Wednesday, August 27, 2014  1PM to 3PM

The Event: a tasting of the Cuvee 2014 Winemakers selections.

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada plus guests.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the winery and, in some cases, also through the LCBO.

The Quote/Background: WCO had stopped previewing Cuvee wines for the press, and in the transfer of Cuvee to Brock University, there was an opportunity for the WWCC to taste the wines as they came to market. Next year's tasting is expected to be in March.

The Wines: we tasted some 35 wines. I personally enjoyed the Wild Ferment savvy from Hillebrand and the Benchmark Red from Thirty Bench best of all. The Coyote's Run Meritage was the only red wine with a screw cap; about half of the whites had cork closures. There were no sparkling or ice wines submitted in Cuvee.

 

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

-Bachelder, Niagara 2011    Chardonnay, Wismer Vineyard $44.95   

-Cave Spring Cellars    2010    Riesling CSV Estate Bottled $29.95   

-Hillebrand Estates 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Clean Slate, Wild Ferment $32 (MY FAVE WHITE)

-Niagara College Teaching Winery Balance 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Lincoln Lakeshore $12.95   

-Peller Estates    2013    Sauvignon Blanc, Private Reserve $18.75   

-Southbrook    2011    Winemakers' White "Whimsy"    Chard / Sem / Muscat    $35   

-Strewn    2011    Chardonnay, French Oak $24.95   

-Cornerstone Estate Winery     2010    Cabernet-Merlot $19   

-G. Marquis    2010    Epic - Silver Line    M / CS / CF    $29.95   

-Henry of Pelham Family Estate     2011    Baco Noir Reserve    $24.95   

-Inniskillin    2012    Merlot Reserve Series    $24.95   

-Rennie Estate Winery    2011    Assemblage "G"    M / CS / CF     $55    (16.9% ABV)

-Rockway Vineyards    2011    Small Lot, Block 11-140 Cabernet Franc $24.95   

-Thirty Bench     2010    Benchmark Red, Small Lot Meritage Blend $60 (MY FAVE RED)

 

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

-Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate2012 White Meritage, Grand Reserve SB 80/Sem 20 $24.95   

-Nyarai Cellars    2012    Viognier $21.95   

-Peninsula Ridge    2013    Sauvignon Blanc, Wismer Vineyard $19.95   

-Big Head Wines     2012    Pinot Noir    $48   

-Chateau des Charmes    2012    Merlot, St. David's Vineyard $29.95   

-Cooper's Hawk Vineyard    2012    Merlot Reserve $34.95   

-Pillitteri Estates Winery    2010    Exclamation Winemakers's Red Reserve $45   

-The Foreign Affair    2012    The Conspiracy    Meritage Blend    $19.95   

-Stratus    2010    Red     CS/M/PV/CF       

-Coyote's Run Estate Winery    2010    Meritage     $39.95 (the only red with a twist top)

-Hidden Bench Vineyards    2011    Pinot Noir, Beamsville Bench    $32.75   

-Kacaba    2011    Syrah, Terrace Vineyard    $24.95   

-Le Clos Jordanne    2011    Pinot Noir, Village Reserve $30   

 

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

-Calamus Estate Winery    2013    Pinot Gris     $16.95   

-Pelee Island Winery    2012    Singing Moon Pinot Blanc    $14.95   

-Reif Estate Winery    2012    Gewurztraminer Reserve    $19.95   

-Ridge Road Estate Winery    2013    Pinot Gris $16.95   

-Thirteenth Street Wine Co.    2011    Essence Arôme    White Blend    $34.95   

-Domaine Queylus    2011    Pinot Noir Reserve $45   

-Magnotta    2010    Limited Edition Cabernet Franc $18.95   

-Malivoire Wine Co.    2011    Courtney Gamay    $24.95   

-Vieni    2011    Aglianico Al Passo    Aglianico    $29.95   

 

The Contact Person: btatarnic@brocku.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com