SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

1.Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California, $14.95 +68924: basic chunky and dense California cab; brooding  young wine, a bit jammy and spicy at this point yet showing some dried cassis and other dark fruit plus pepper. This is a winemaker's wine that should appeal to most, with some oak treatment. Twist top, 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

2.Gnarly Head Pinot Noir 2013 California, $14.95, +358911: very much a California pinot full of creamy spiciness, lush and plush on the palate, mocha tones, black fruit. Sort of in your face Cali style. Best as a social wine rather than with food. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Gusto Apple Palinka 41% (Johanna Kft, Hungary), +402602, $32.95 500 mL: a nifty dry 100% apple eaux-de-vie. You don't see these too often at the LCBO --what you usually see are apple-pear combos for such orchard fruit eaux-de-vie. So drier than Calvados and stronger than Applejack – perfect for Appletinis or straight-up, allowing you to savour the green apple aromas and sweet apple tones. No baked apples here! It is a bartender's dream to add proper apple flavours to mixed drinks. Made from apples grown in Kecskemet, Hungary, and put through a highly regulated and certified distillation system. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Chateau Tour Carmail 2011 Haut-Medoc, +419002, $19.95: from the Antoine Moeix negociant, this petit chateau-like wine is a new listing. 70% merlot/30% cabernet sauvignon, from vineyards near St. Estephe. Just about all H-M Bordeaux are good values, and this one is no exception. It is a typical red and black fruit Bordeaux with  the MVC and wood tones of something more pricey. It's about four years old now and many tannins have been resolved. The high merlot component ensures this. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Next Generation Germany wine trade tasting

The Date and Time:  Thursday, May 21, 2015  11:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Next Generation Germany wine trade tasting

The Venue: Arcadian Lofts

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: wine availability is mainly private order with some wines at the LCBO or consignment.

The Quote/Background: Many producers came over for this event. There was a seminar for 60 people at 11:30, led by David Lawrason and Janina Huhnand.

 

The Wines: I did not try every wine, preferring to stay with riesling. I had some pinot noirs in the seminar, and they have been folded into here. There were about 40 wineries and over 170 wines.

 

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

-Weingut Dr. Hermann Mosel Riesling Kabinett 2010  Andrews Group

-Ruppertsberger Weinkeller Hoheburg Riuesling Spatlese 2012 halbtrocken  Carto

-Markus Molitor 2007 Riesling Auslese Brauneberger Mandelgraben   Trialto

-St Urbans Hof 2013 Riesling Spatlese Piesporter Goldtropfchen

-Haart 2013 Riesling Kabinett Piesporter Goldtropfchen  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2012 Riesling Hattenheim Alte Reben  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Estate HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hattenheim Pfaffenberg  HHD Imports

-Schloss Schonborn 2013 Riesling Kabinett Erbach Marcobrunn  HHD Imports

-Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Brut Sekt   PMA

-Schloss Reinhartshausen 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hattenheim Wisselbrunnen  PMA

-Schloss Reinhartshausen 2006 Riesling Auslese Erbach Marcobrunn   PMA

-Wegeler Riesling Sekt Brut     Signature

-Salwey 2004 Pinot Noir GG Oberrotweiler Henkenberg    Tandem

-Balthasar Ress 2012 Riesling Auslese Urziger Wurzgarten   Churchill

-Kruger-Rumpf 2007 Riesling GG Pittersberg   Churchill

 

 

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

-Winzergenossenschaft Mayschoss Altenahr Riesling 2014   Le Sommelier

-Weingut Bolling-Lehnert Mosel Piesporter Riesling Kabinett   BND Wines

-Weingut Bolling-Lehnert Mosel Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Spatlese  BND Wines

-Gebruder Anselmann Riesling Auslese 2012 Edesheimer Rosengarten    Cojocaru

-Markus Molitor Deutscher Sekt Trocken Haus Klosterberg Mosel 2013  Trialto

-St Urbans Hof 2012 Riesling Auslese Ockfener Bockstein  The Vine

-Max Ferd Richter 2007 Riesling Spatlese Mulheim Sonnenlay    HHD Imports

-Max Ferd Richter 2013 Riesling Spatlese Brauneberg Juffer Sonnenuhr    HHD Imports

-Haart 2013 Riesling Spatlese Piesporter Goldtropfchen  HHD Imports

-Wegeler Riesling Spatlese 2012 Bernkasteler Doctor     Signature

-Thorle 2012 Pinot Noir Saulheimer Holle  Tandem

-Klumpp 2013 Riesling Baden Sekt    Living Vine

-Klumpp 2013 Riesling Baden    Living Vine

-Rappenhof 2012 Riesling Rheinhessen   Churchill Cellars

-Kunstler 2013 Riesling Kabinett Hochheimer Holle   Noble Estates

 

 

The Food: first, we had a tasting menu to accompany the 11:30 seminar wines, but of course it was very difficult to cross-taste and compare since the glasses and plates were in constant shuffle of placing and replacing. Pickled herring was least successful as it was tasted against three bone dry rieslings, and actually put me off my palate. It took awhile to recover. There were a dozen wines in the seminar, and many were paired against smoked pork belly (two older rieslings), short rib sauerbraten (three young pinot noirs), rare lamb (older pinots), and limburger (two off-dry rieslings). At the show, we had platters of food (sushi, spring rolls, fried treats, quail eggs, smoked warm sausage) plus cheese trays with fruit and veggies. Enough of just about anything that could be paired with German wines.

The Downside: parts of the seminar were difficult to hear and see.

The Upside: a great opportunity to catch up with new and fresh (2014) German wines.

The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 27, 2015

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 27, 2015

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

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", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been 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. 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

 

Michel Gassier Les Piliers Syrah 2012 Costiere de Nimes, +678086, $18.95: a traditionally-made wine, with cork closure and 13.5% ABV. Great hit of syrah black and blue berries, plus a hint of brett and a nuance of leather. Buy lots. QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Sperling Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +242958, $21.95. QPR: 89.

2.Colome Torrontes 2013 Calchaqui Valley Argentina, +357913, $13.95: another version of the "wine of Toronto" comes here in time for the Pan-Am games. This one is exceedingly aromatic, a beauty for summer, 13.5% ABV, twist top. Long finish. QPR: 89.

3.Casa del Bosque Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2014, +974717, $13.95: for savvy lovers with added zest components. 13.5% ABV, twist top, typical character. QPR: 89.

4.Swings & Roundabouts Chardonnay 2013 Margaret River, +408732, $21.95. QPR: 90.

5.Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Stellenbosch, +231282, $17.95: this is a very good price for an "old vines" offering (some 37 years old) for chenin blanc. BF and BA as well, nicely structured. QPR: 89.

6.Bestheim Classic Gewurztraminer 2013 Alsace, +656801, $18.95: MVC but not off-dry as recent gewurzs have been. Also not as bitter a finish. Gold Medalist, and a candidate for "label of the year" (large black/blue print on white label). QPR: 89.

7.Monte del Fra Ca' del Magro 2012 Veneto, +165670, $17.95:a lovely entrance to summer, with Garganega floral aromas and orchard fruit tastes. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 90.

2.Zonte's Footstep Baron von Nemesis Single Site Shiraz 2012 Barossa Valley, +212936, $17.95: rich, ripe tones, double Gold winner, should be aged more. Buy a case. 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 89.

3.Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2013 Hawke's Bay, +586081, $19.95: very good New World merlot, MVC, off-dry in the finish taste, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.

4.Chateau La Verriere 2012 Bordeaux Superieur, +349274, $15.95: MVC all the way for Bordeaux, good price for a Gold Medal. Youthful tones. QPR: 89.

5.Brumont Tour Bouscasse 2009 Madiran, +414615, $17.95: good aging for about 6 years. Dense smoke and dried fruit. Real character. QPR: 89.

6.Bricco Rosso Suagna 2009 Langhe Piedmont, +417022, $14.95: nifty price for a baby barolo, mostly nebbiolo with some dolcetto to freshen it up (it is almost 6 years old). Good for a modest priced BBQ wine. QPR: 89.

7.Varvaglione Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2012 Puglia, +261784, $20.95. QPR: 89.

8.Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2012, +295964, $23.95. QPR: 90.

9.Bod. Balbas Ardal Crianza 2005 Ribera del Duero, +167601, $16.95: a real find and a bargain to boot, ready now, 14% ABV. QPR: 90.

10.Borsao Berola 2011 Campo de Borja, +371518, $17: it has been awhile since the last Spanish garnacha went through the system. This one, at 15% ABV, is a powerhouse of North American appeal through its zinfandel-like fleshiness and flashiness. QPR: 89.

 

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

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

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.Culmina Hypothesis 2012 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +414243, $39.95 retail.

2.Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux La Tour Sarrasine Gigondas 2012, +279562, $28.95.

3.Il Molino di Grace Il Margone Riserva Chianti Classico 2007, +122895, $34.95.

4.Bodegas Vizcarra JC Vizcarra 2011, +214650, $29.95.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Lunch with Johnathan Grieve of South Africa's top “biodynamic” producer Avondale and the Eurovintage agency.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 13, 2015  noon- 2PM

The Event: Lunch with Johnathan Grieve of South Africa's top "biodynamic" producer Avondale and the Eurovintage agency.

The Venue: Novotel Esplanade

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: one of the wines is here, another is coming, two others are under consideration, and the rest ?

The Quote/Background: Grieve talked about BioLOGIC, which combines organic and biodynamic principles. "Avondale is certified organic and we practice bio-dynamic agriculture". They also use conscientious technology such as gravity-flow. There was much discussion about organic wines and wine pricing. The Grieve family bought the estate in 1997.

The Wines:

 

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

-Avondale Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2009, $28  [first made in 2003] PO

-Avondale La Luna 2009, PO  [Bordeaux blend]

-Avondale Anima Chenin Blanc 2013, $22.95  PO

-Avondale Cyclus 2012, $26.95 [viognier & chardonnay & 3 more] [presented to Vintages]

 

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

-Avondale Samsara  Syrah 2009, $32.95  [presented to Vintages]

-Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red 2011, $14.95 +383547 Vintages

-Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin White 2013, $14.95 Vintages this fall

 

The Food: bread, spinach salad, strip loin with green beans, dessert.

The Downside: I had to leave early for a play.

The Upside: a chance to talk with Johnathan before the proceedings began.

The Contact Person: thomasn@rareearthwines.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The 13th Annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting

 

The Date and Time: Monday, May 11, 2015  3Pm to 7PM

The Event: The 13th Annual Churchill Cellars Portfolio Tasting

The Venue: Ed Mirvish Theatre, back lobby on Victoria

The Target Audience: clients, subscribers to the Imbibers' Report, wine writers.

The Availability/Catalogue: just about everything is at the LCBO via the general list or Vintages. There is direct delivery for Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery.

The Quote/Background: It was a mildly garish location, but then that's the wine business – very elegant and stylish, very old style too.

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, nor the mixed drinks.

 

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

-C.H. Berres Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett 2012 Mosel, $24.95

-Willm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2013 Alsace, $15.95

-Fresita Sparkling Wine NV Chile, $13.95 [my fave sparkler]

-Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2013 Livermore Valley, $17.95  [my fave white]

-Michael David Winery Earthquake Zinfandel 2012 Lodi, $39.95  [my fave red]

-Domaine Pinnacle Ice Cider 2012 Quebec 375 mL, $25.25

 

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

-Hermanos Lurton Tempranillo 2012 Toro, $16.90

-Willm Riesling Reserve 2013 Alsace, $15.95

-Chateau Tour Saint-Vincent 2010 Medoc Cru Bourgeois, $23.95

-d'Arenberg The Football Shiraz 2011 McLaren Vale, $21.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Sassy and Sparkling Riesling 2011, $27.95

-Marques de Riscal Reserva 2010 Rioja, $24.30

-Chivite Gran Feudo Reserva 2008 Navarra, $16.95

-San Leonino Governo all'Uso Toscano 2013 Sangiovese Toscana IGT, $19.95

-La Merika Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Central Coast California, $19.95

-Ryan Patrick Rock Island Red 2012 Wahluke Slope Washington, $27.95

-Michael David Winery 7 Deadly Zins Zinfandel 2012 Lodi, $24.95

-Michael David Winery Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Lodi, $24.95

-Marques de Riscal White 2014 Rueda, $12.20

-Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2014 Navarra, $11.95

-Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Uco Mendoza Argentina, $24.95

-Francois Lurton Pinot Grigio 2014 Uco Argentina, $12.95

-Segura Viudas Cava NV Brut Reserva, $14.45

 

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

-Deakin Estate Artisan's Blend Cabernet Tempranillo 2013 Victoria, $12.80

-Alpine Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Marlborough, $15.45

-Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Livermore Valley, $17.95

-Guy Saget Sancerre 2013, $23.95

-Cellier des Dauphins Prestige White Cotes du Rhone 250 mL, $4.75

-Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Casablanca Valley Chile, $12.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Merlot 2012, $19.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Fancy Farm Girl Flamboyant Red 2012, $14.95

-Sue-Ann Staff Estate Cabernet Franc 2011, $19.95

-Waimea Pinot Gris 2014 Nelson New Zealand, $18.95

-Waimea Classic Riesling 2014 Nelson New Zealand, $18.95

-Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2011 Veneto, $17

-House of Mandela Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Western Cape South Africa, $12.85

 

The Food: there was a cheese platter with biscuits, and six slider platters of mini- pretzel buns with roast beef, smoked turkey, mortadella, roasted eggplant, chicken salad, and ham & cheese.

The Downside: I had just come off a heavy tasting weekend, so I was selective in my wine tasting here.

The Upside: a good chance to taste the Ontario wines of Sue-Ann Staff.

The Contact Person: mark@churchillcellars.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Discover New Zealand in a Glass; the annual NZ trade show in Toronto

The Date and Time: Thursday May 7, 2015  1:30 – 5:30PM

The Event: Discover New Zealand in a Glass; the annual NZ trade show in Toronto

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: just about all wines are available through the LCBO or Consignment or Private Order.

The Quote/Background: I pretty well stuck to the special pinot gris table, the special pinot noir table, and avoided sauvignon blanc. We had just tasted a variety of savvies on Sauvignon Blanc Day (see my notes from last month, now posted to my blog at       ).

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines.

 

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

-Auntsfield Estate Heritage Pinot Noir 2010, $74.95  DB Wine

-Auntsfield Estate Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $39.95  DB Wine

-Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah Hawke's Bay 2011, $58.99  Lifford

-Craggy Range Sophia Merlot Cabernet Blend Hawke's Bay 2011, $89.99  Lifford

-Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2013, $19.99 +393694

-McArthur Ridge Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010, $32.65    Connectionz

-Mt.Difficulty Pinot Gris Bannockburn Central Otago 2013, $28  Small Winemakers

-Rocky Point Pinot Noir Bendigo Central Otago 2013, $39.95 +411777

-Rockburn Pinot Noir Central Otago 2012, $47.95  Epic

-Akarua Pinot Noir Bannockburn Central Otago 2012, $38.95   Vonterra

-Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2012, $39.95  Trialto

-Whitehaven Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $24 +245696

 

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

-Auntsfield Estate Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2012, $29.95  DB Wine

-Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir Martinborough 2011, $61  Lifford

-Craggy Range Te Kahu Merlot Hawke's Bay 2011, $33.99  Lifford

-Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2013, $22.95 +408633

-Hunter's MiruMiru Sparkling Wairau Valley Marlborough NV, $25.95  Rogers

-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Fizz Sparkling Marlborough 2009, $29.95 +381236

-Kim Crawford Small Parcels Favourite Homestead Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +378604

-Pasquale Chardonnay Waitaki Valley Central Otago 2012, $12.95  Trilogy

-Loveblock Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $24.95    Trialto

-Marisco The Ned Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $18.99   Stem

-Marisco The King's Thorn Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014, $19.99  Glencairn

-Roaring Meg Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013, $35   Small Winemakers

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose Hawke's Bay NV, $21.95 +280172

-Stoneleigh Latitude Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $25.95  +325654

-Saint Clair Premium Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +413591

-Schubert Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2013, $37  Hobbs

-Sileni Estates The Lodge Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2013, $19.95  Kirkwood Diamond

-Trinity Hill Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay 2013, $35  +415125

-Waimea Chardonnay Waimea Plains Nelson 2013, $21.95  +650242

-Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $27.95   Trialto

 

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

-Craggy Range Kidnappers Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2012, $29.99  Lifford

-te Pa Pinot Gris Marlborough 2013, $17.99  Family Wine Merchants

-Babich Black Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $29.95   Dionysus

-Marisco The King's Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $29.95  Glencairn

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $34.95   Dandurand

 

The Food: there were some cheeses from the Dairy Farmers of Canada (Albert's Leap Bel Haven, Tipsy, and Miranda), as well as the usual selection from Daniel et Daniel (cheeses, dips, breads, pates, charcuterie, veggies

The Downside: because of a conflict with a music recital, I missed the seminar for the first time in years – and it was my fave grape, chardonnay, and bubblies!!!!

The Upside: a good mix of crowd, although fewer people from the Ontario wine industry.

The Contact Person: nzwine@ketchin.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

 

1.Remy Pannier Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie 2013 Loire, +13821, $15: one of the good values at the LCBO, constantly the top-seller for Muscadet in Ontario. Clean, clear, crisp, refreshing flavours of green apples and lemon-lime, some minerality. Best with crustaceans and bivalves such as oysters rather than with lake fish, pairs well with salads and veggies. 12% ABV. Twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Remy Pannier Rose d'Anjou 2014 AOC Loire, +12641, $14: the top-selling LCBO rose, now firmly entrenched and fresher than ever with the recent release of the 2014 vintage. Grapes include cabernet franc (60%), grolleau (30%), and gamay (10%). Only 10.5%, so perfect for sitting around on the deck/pool/balcony/patio. The producer recommends serving with salads or spicy foods, but I would also serve it with any first course that could play off vinous red fruit tones. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserva Maipo 2013, +309302, $12.90: carmenere could be the national grape of Chile, just as nebbiolo is of Piedmont and sangiovese is of Tuscany. Its brisk style has been muted a bit here with a North American appeal of plums, mocha, and black cherries, reminiscent of hotter California. Oak nuances and a smooth finish complete the scenario. An all-purpose red for sipping on decks or drinking with food. 13.5% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

4.G. Marquis Vineyards Chardonnay The Silver Line 2013 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL, +258681, $17.95 Vintages October 2015: a nifty all-purpose chardonnay with enough fruit (apples, pears, melons) and oak tones (muted vanilla), probably best as a first course or entry level wine for fish. 13.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.G. Marquis Vineyards Pinot Noir The Silver Line 2013 Single Vineyard Niagara Stone Road VQA NOTL, +258673, $19.95 Vintages Essential: a "burgundian" companion to G. Marquis Chardonnay, hand-harvested, and vinified as cool climate style with a medium-body. More fruity than some, but with a diminished Ontario cranberry feel. 13.2% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Le Cirque Classique Sauvignon Blanc-Muscat 2012 Vin De France, +377093, $11.95 LCBO: an appealing and affordable wine for the summer sippers on the patio/balcony/deck/boat. It's what we used to call a zipcode wine (the only regional info was a French zipcode: here, it is F84049). Expect oranges with an overtone of light herbs, sort of like an orange salad, which I love. Best with creamy cheeses on the deck. 12% ABV, twist top.

Quality/Price rating is 87 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2010, $20.95 (500 mL), +980805): Hungarian nectar, full of apricot, dried peach and orange peel. 13% ABV. Try with blue cheese as an ending to the meal. No price increase over the 2008, last here at Vintages in 2014. There will not be many of these left as new Euro rules raise minimum sugar levels and increase the puttonyos to 5 or 6, eliminating all the 3 and 4 levels. Prices will rise too, through $50 a bottle. Quality/price rating 91 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

8.Faustino VII Blanco Rioja 2013, $12.65 +399568 LCBO: an extra-dry white, with many tones of apples and lemons, finishing crisp. Better as a first course white rather than a casual social sipper. 11.5% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/price rating 87 points by Dean Tudor.

 

9.Faustino VII Tempranillo Rioja 2012, $12.95 +315234 LCBO: some oak showing but definite tempranillo MVC Rioja complexity, even at this price level. Expect some vanilla and mocha tones with a whiff of forest floor. 13% ABV. Cork closure. Quality/price rating 88 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

10.Portia Ebeia Roble Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2013, $15 +307710 LCBO: a nifty Ribera at an astounding price level. A good entry into the deep and delicious world of Spanish Duero wins. Oak spices, some cloves, raspberries, rustic but the lingering finish means it might be better with food than as a social sipper. Aged in oak 4 months. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/price rating 89 points by Dean Tudor.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Epic Portfolio Tasting, celebrating 15 years of Rob Groh's agency, The Vine

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 5, 2015   2:30 PM to 5 PM

The Event: Epic Portfolio Tasting, celebrating 15 years of Rob Groh's agency, The Vine

The Venue: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through normal distribution channels, although some were specially ordered for the event and were listed as Event Exclusive for ordering on May 5. The catalogue listed prices and delivery status. The wines were poured on three floors.

The Quote/Background: Forty producers were scheduled to arrive from Italy, Spain, California, Australia, Germany, Portugal and Ontario to help celebrate and discuss the wines.

The Wines: I did not, could not, taste every wine. I tried as many Event Exclusives as I could. Prices quoted are licensee.

 

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

-Cave Spring Riesling CSV 2007, $27.50

-Cave Spring Blanc de Blancs NV Niagara, $25.12

-Pra Monte Grande 2013 Veneto, $33.95

-Vie di Romans Chardonnay 2013 Fruili, $47.95

-Vie di Romans Dessemis Pinot Grigio 2008 Friuli, $54.95

-Puelles Zenus 2001 Rioja Alta, $44.95

-Remirez de Ganuza Reserva 2007 Rioja Alavesa, $97.95

-Remirez de Ganuza Trasnocho 2008 Rioja Alavesa, $132.95

-St. Urbanshof Riesling Ockfener Bockstein Spatlese 2013 Mosel, $45.95

-Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon SLD 2010 Napa, $113.95

-Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay Rued Vineyard 2013 Sonoma, $77.95

-Kistler Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard 2012 Sonoma, $92.95

-Kistler Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard 2012 Sonoma, $113.95

-Schramsberg Rose Brut 2011 Napa, $52.95

-Schramsberg J Schram 2006 Napa, $129.95

-Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Napa, $129.95

-Philip Togni Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Napa, $149.95

-Turley Old Vine Zinfandel 2012 Napa, $47.95

 

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

-Nicolis Testal IGT 2008 Veneto, $29.95

-Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2000, $371.95

-Cocci Grifoni Passerina Brut Spumante 2013 Marche, $19.95

-Vie di Romans Pierre Sauvignon Blanc 2013 Friuli, $46.95

-Vie di Romans Ciampagnis Vieris Chardonnay 2013 Friuli, $39.95

-Vie di Romans Dessemis Pinot Grigio 2013 Friuli, $47.95

-Chateau St. Cosme Cote Rotie 2012, $81.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut NV, $19.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Rose NV, $25.95

-La Vida al Camp Cava Brut Nature Organic NV, $21.95

-St. Urbanshof Urban 2014 Mosel, $15.95

-St. Urbanshof Riesling QbA Alte Reben 2014 Mosel, $20.95

-Estampa Delviento Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Colchagua, $25.95

-Cade Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 2011, $106.95

-Plumpjack Chardonnay Reserve 2013 Napa, $61.95

-Clos du Val Chardonnay 2013 Napa, $43.95

-Dutton-Goldfield Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2013 Sonoma, $60.95

-Justin Chardonnay 2013 Paso Robles, $32.95

-Justin Isosceles 2011 Paso Robles, $117.95

-Kistler Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain 2013 Sonoma, $87.95

-Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2012 Napa, $47.95

-Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2011 Napa, $56.95

-Storybook Mountain Viognier 2013 Napa, $59.95

-Mayacamas Chardonnay 2012 Napa, $72.95

-Turley Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard Napa, $113.95

 

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

-St. Urbanshof Riesling Wiltinger 2014 Mosel, $24.95

-Odette Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2012 Stags Leap Napa, $148.95

-Tally Chardonnay Estate 2012 Arroyo Grande Valley, $36.95

 

The Food: there were flatbreads with pissaladiere (my fave), three kinds of tomato sauced pizzas, chicken curry wraps, prosciutto and cheeses, bottled water.

The Downside: I had just come from the New Wines of Greece show

The Upside: a chance to taste Event Exclusives!!

The Contact Person:  rob@thevineagency.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: New Wines of Greece Tasting

The Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 5, 2015   11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The Event: New Wines of Greece Tasting

The Venue: 99 Sudbury Glass Factory

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available in Ontario through the normal distribution channels of LCBO and consignment with a few private orders. There were also two aisles of wineries seeking representation. The catalogue was arranged by winery, with those in the Ontario market place listed first. Wine description and agencies were listed, but not prices.

The Quote/Background: It was good to see that Greece is still a major player in the wine business, and it will continue to grow after the Danforth LCBO gets its renovation to have a Greek corner.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine, just some from most producers.

 

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

-Dom. Porto Carras Chateau Carras 2006   Connexion Oenophilia

-Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2009    Dionysus

-Glinavos Dryades 2007    Intra Vino

-Argyros Estate Assyrtiko 2014  Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora White 2014   Kolonaki

-Boutari 1879 2007    Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Microclima 2005    Kolonaki

-Parparoussis Muscat of Rio 2010  Kolonaki

-Santo Santorini Grande Reserve 2012  $34.95 Kolonaki

-Santo Vinsanto 2007  $26.95 Kolonaki

-Sigalas Vinsanto 2005   Majestic

-Dom. Spiropoulos Ode Panos 2013 Sparkling    Rubaiyat

-Cavino Domaine Mega Spileo 2009   $24.95   United Stars

-Cavino Namea Grande Reserve 2008  $17.95   United Stars

 

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

-Troupis Fteri Moschofilero 2014   Bozven Imports

-Moraitis Paros Reserve Red 2009  Celebrity Wines

-Hatzimichalis Prima Terra Red 2009    Dionysus

-Alpha Estate Xinomavro Reserve Old Vines 2010     Eurovintage

-Alpha Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014     Eurovintage

-Argyros Santorini Assyrtiko 2014  Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2013   Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora Areti Red 2009   Kolonaki

-Gerovassiliou White 2014   Kolonaki

-Panagiotopoulos Merlot 2009   Kolonaki

-Panagiotopoulos Cabernet Sauvignon 2008   Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Terroir 2004    Kolonaki

-Dom. Tselepos Amalia Sparkling   Kolonaki

-Lyrarakia Okto White 2014   Majestic

-Ktima Pavlidis Thema White 2014  Majestic

-Mercouri Estates Foloi 2014    Rubaiyat

-Santo Santorini 2014   $17.95 Kolonaki

-Samos  Anthemis 2007 $22.95  United Stars

-Samos Vin Doux 2012 $14.95   United Stars

 

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

-Troupis Mantinia 2014   Bozven Imports

-Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos White 2014, $19.95 Cons   Dionysus

-Glinavos Poeme Brut 2009 Sparkling, $17    Intra Vino

-Parparoussis Gifts of Dionyssos 2014  Kolonaki

 

The Food: phenomenal, with fresh oysters, fresh scallops, and cooked shrimp, plus smoked salmon, croquettes, liver pate, arancini, bottled water, and sliders. On the side there were cheeses and charcuterie from the Cheese Boutique. First rate.

The Downside: it was hot and sweaty inside – this has ALWAYS been the case for years, with other wine trade tastings here. 99 Sudbury needs to take up a collection of admission charges to pay for a fan...

The Upside: the quality of Greek wines gets better every year; the reds were very much pretty good (as indicated by scores).

The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 13, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 13, 2015

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

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", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been 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. 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

 

Rockway Vineyards Small Lot Block 150-183 Riesling 2013 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +424176, $19.95: easily outshines many Australian rieslings that were $50 a pop. 10% ABV, twist top. Look for succulence and lushness, not quite the (M) the catalogue says. QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:

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

1.Flat Rock Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +286278, $18.95: tasty, from older vines, with some new wood. Twist top. 13% ABV, nicely aged. QPR: 89.

2.Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Chardonnay 2012, +942482, $23.95. QPR: 89.

3.Les Anges Sauvignon Blanc 2013 IGP Val de Loire, +408203, $13.95: value driven for its grassiness. 11.5% ABV, first course wine. QPR: 89.

4.Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2014, +499509, $14.95: another nifty sipper wine from the south of France, with lots of flavour from white grenache. Flowers and citrus. QPR: 89.

5.St.Urbans-Hof Riesling 2013 Old Vines Mosel, +995746, $19.95: very good, long length, 9.5% ABV, sipper or first course white. QPR: 88.

6.Villanova Traminer Aromatico 2014 Fruili Isonza, +411314, $13.95: enough acid to make it off-dry, certainly more dry than the (M) given to it. QPR: 88.

7.Finca Nueva Blanco 2013 Rioja, +280560, $16.95: barrel-fermentation gives creamy wood tones without the spiciness. 13% ABV. Solid wine, mixing citric tastes with cream. QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:

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

1.Ste. Michelle Snoqualmie Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Columbia Valley Washington, +414771, $16.95: Strong cabernet sauvignon nose and MVC taste, 14% ABV, delivering good value for an American wine not from California. QPR: 89.

2.Vina Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Maipo Valley, +18721, $17.95: 14.5% ABV feels hot on the finish but lush-plus cabby tones dominate, long length. QPR: 89.

3.Ballast Stone Windjammer Shiraz 2012 McLaren Vale, +167064, $21.95. QPR: 90.

4.Stella Bella Isca Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +47639, $22.95. QPR: 90.

5.Casetta Barbaresco 2009, +412247, $22.95. QPR: 90.

6.Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino 2011, +333575, $19.95: a baby brunello, one of the better ones, still a tannic finish so needs more time in the cellar or a double decant. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.

7.Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico 2009, +83998, $21.95. QPR: 89.

8.Catapereiro Escholha 2012 Tejo Portugal, +380808, $15.95: from a single vineyard, a tasty North American approach to wine, 14% ABV. Touriga nacional and Syrah blend. Cork closure. QPR: 89.

9.Quinta da Fronteira Seleccao do Enologo 2011 Douro, +408088, $22.95. QPR: 89.

10.Heredad de Baroja Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +276113, $24.05. QPR: 90.

11.Langa Tradicion Centenaria Garnacha 2012 Calatayud, +194795, $14.95: the Garnacha of the Month is back, after too long an absence. Layered tones of fruit and smoke. QPR: 89.

 

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

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

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.Bachey-Legros et Fils Les Grands Charrons Meursault 2011, +410647, $51.95 retail.

2.Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana 2012 Veneto, +928218, $30.95.

3.Burning Kiln M-1 Merlot 2013 VQA Ontario, +406470, $34.95.

4.Perrin Coudoulet De Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2012, +48884, $29.95.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: French Wine Connection 2015

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 4, 2015  Noon to 5 PM

The Event: French Wine Connection 2015

The Venue: OCHO Hotel

The Target Audience: wine agents, selected media.

The Availability/Catalogue: looking for agents. The catalogue was extremely informative, with background data on the wineries, full addresses, pix of the representative or winery owner, and a detailed description of featured wines (including bottle production and medals).

The Quote/Background: This is the ninth annual FWC in North America, now with about 18 producers from 8 or so regions in Toronto. All of these wines started off as having no representation in Ontario, although by the time the show opened some of them had agents here. There was a special effort to promote Loire Valley wines, with extra sponsorship. Half of the wineries here today were from that region; the balance seemed to be sole representatives from other places, such as one champagne, one beaujolais, one rhone, etc.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices were not generally available, and where they existed, they were FOB or Ex-Cellars in Euros. Because of the speculative nature of the tasting, I only rated the 4 and 3.5 starred wines.

 

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

-Domaine Burckel-Jung Cremant d'Alsace Rose

-Le Clos Lucas La Renaissance Sparkling Rose Gamay Noir, 8% ABV, 4.69E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Carte Blanche, 14.9E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Extra Brut Cuvee Onirique,  26E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Cuvee Maxime Blin, 37E

-Champagne Maxime Blin Brut Cuvee Authentique, 47E

-Domaine des Caillots Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Touraine, 5E

-Domaine des Caillots Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Rose Touraine, 5E

-Domaine Patrick Girard Les Rebourgeres 2012 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sure Lie, 4.50E

 

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

-Domaine Burckel-Jung Gewurztraminer 2013

-Ambrosia Chateau Plaisance 2011 Bordeaux Superieur

-Ambrosia Chateau Maucamps 2009 Haut Medoc

-Chateau Segonzac Vieilles Vignes 2013 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux

-Chateau de Bellvue de l'Espy 2014 Merlot Rose, 3.50E

-Maison Jean Pla Le Souris Verte IGP Cates Catalanes Blanc

-Claude Lafond La Raie 2014 AOP Reuilly

-Claude Lafond Le Clos des Messieurs 2013 AOP Reuilly

-Collegiale des Domaines de Loire Les Bois de Vaux 2013 Vouvray Sec

-Collegiale des Domaines de Loire Domaine Pascal Balland 2014 Sancerre

-Domaine Pascal Gibault Evasion 2013 Touraine, 4.72E

-Domaine Pascal Gibault Chenonceaux 2013 Touraine

-Domaine de Flines Rose Sparkling Loire Grolleau gris, 3.50E

-Domaine de la Commanderie Quincy Prestige 2013, 5.35E

-Domaine de la Commanderie Quincy Tradition 2013

-Domaine des Caillots Touraine Chenonceau 2013, 6.75E

-Domaine Patrick Girard Le Fleuron de la Rebourgere 2013 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sure Lie, 2.85E

-Olivier et Lafont Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014 Blanc, 12E

 

The Food: veggies, crusty French bread, water, dips, cheese.

The Downside: I was expected a bigger show, with more wineries from other regions.

The Upside: actually  it was a good chance to taste a range of Loire wines.

The Contact Person: carole.ringuet@businessfrance.fr

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE: DVD review, First Run Features

A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE (First Run Features, 2014, 82 minutes, FRF916554D, $31.48 CAD, cheaper in US and at Amazon) has been written and directed by David Kennard, who is now in the midst of his wine trilogy. Previously, he had done A Year in Burgundy and is now involved with filming A Year in Port, to be released early next year. Overall, it is a fine doc, rated 6.7 at IMDB (which seems low to me for it is not an instructional video but rather a POV doc). It apparently may be coming to DevourFest, the food film festival held every November in Wolfville Nova Scotia (they had showed A Year in Burgundy last year). The video shows the process and the vintners of Champagne, assisted by the presence of Martine Saunier, a wine importer from the US. I remember her being more involved, though, in the Burgundy film. There is a description and actual viewing of the process and rules in Champagne, a very heavily regulated major industry that really has no competitors since it is both unique and a Protected Designation of Origin. The video does go into its uniqueness but not into its PDO status. As I said, this is a POV doc not an instructional one. Throughout the world, it is the brand name that is important in selling and marketing Champagne. There are good descriptions on the region's chalky soil, its northernmost position, frost, rain and rot. There is a brief history, from Attila the Hun through WWI which showed the impact of invasions and wars, and the need for deep cellaring. There are about one billion bottles in the cellars of Champagne. Kennard chose a diverging range of producers and vineyards to visit; thankfully, none was really commercial or a co-op: Bollinger, Diebolt-Vallois, Gosset, San-Chamant, Stephane Coquillitte, and Gonnet-Medeville. The 2012 year began as a grim one with moist bad weather and pests. But as August opened, the sun came out and the crop was saved – down in quantity but up in quality. Kennard does not explore the Champagne label for what is on it, and thus did not remark on the five or so designations that are part of the Champagne rules. The two that affect us the most are RM and NM, for grower and negociant champagnes. There is also no talk of the varieties allowed in Champagne, although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are noted as well as the one mention of Pinot Meunier. Apart from the narration, it is all in French with English subtitles. If you turn on the subtitles, then you'll also get the English narration in written English. Bonus tracks include deleted scenes and there are biography scripts. I would have picked better music for the beginning (Why Blue Danube? Why not some Piaf? Keeps it French....), but this is still a worthwhile video that I enjoyed very much. Quality/Price Rating: 88.

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: DAY OF WINE AND ROSES ...Annual April Rose tasting conducted by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada.

The Date and Time: Friday, April 24, 2015  10:30AM to 1:30PM+

The Event: Annual April Rose tasting conducted by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada.

The Venue: Condo Meeting Room

The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (now celebrating its 30th year).

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available either at the LCBO (general, Vintages) or as part of the LCBO seasonal rose program or at the Ontario winery.

The Quote/Background: Agents and wineries were requested to submit for tasting by the writers. A dozen writers turned up, not a bad crowd given everybody's schedule these days of intense dinners and trade shows. The spreadsheet was put together, but some did not submit these electronically and some did not submit a spreadsheet at all – this made life arduous in that some minimum data had to be pulled off websites. NEVERTHELESS, we appreciated everybody's efforts to participate, and look forward to more next year. Last year we had 70 wines, this year: 80. Can 100 be next? WOW...

The Wines: I tasted all wines that were put out, with a few faves indicated (see below). There was no consensus reached since this was NOT a competition nor a judging. Each writer took his own notes and formed his own opinions. Individual writers will decide where to place stories, such as blogs, articles, backgrounders, broadcasts, web episodes, etc. In my notes I emphasized fruitiness and freshness, as well as some brisk character on the palate and in the finish. Some roses are just for quaffing/sipping on the patio; others can go with first courses and seafood, and sweet ones can be with desserts or cheeses. The wines listed below are GROUPED, but not ranked within.

 

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):  [[13 wines]]

-Delegat's Wine Estate Limited,NV,Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé,$21.95,280172,New Zealand,Hawke's Bay  [nicely dry, refreshing]

-Cono Sur,2014,Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose,$13.90,365205,Chile,Bio Bio Valley,Pinot Noir [best value Rose of this tasting]

-Cordoniu,Seleccion Raventos Brut NV, $15.95  [always a winner]

-Kir Yianni,2013,Akakies  Sparkling Rose,$18.95,,Greece,xinomavro,kolonaki

-Piper Heidsieck Champagne,Rose NV  [although some stale notes in this sample]

-Mas des Bressades,2014,Cuvée Tradition Rosé,$15.95,950576,France,Costières de Nîmes,"50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20% Cinsault  [good value in still rose]

-Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery ,2014,Cabernet Rosé,$20.00 ,415893 VQA Cabernet Franc

-Flat Rock Cellars,2014,Pink Twisted,$16.95,39974,Canada,Niagara Pen.,"Pinot Noir, Syrah & Riesling  [one of the best in Ontario]

-Cono Sur,NV,Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rose,$8.40,318014,Chile,Bio Bio Valley,Pinot Noir [hard to beat this price]

-Chapoutier Beaurevoir Tavel 2013

-Maison Mori d'Azur,2013,Cloud Chaser Dry Rose $27.95,,Provence gren/cinsault/mourvedre Kolonaki

-Gassier Sables d'Azur 2014 Rose Cotes de Provence, $15.95 [solid south of France rose]

-G.Marquis,The Silver Line Ice Cuvee, $22.75  [best off-dry rose sparkler]

 

 

 

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

-Henry of Pelham,NV,Cuvee Catherine Brut,29.95, +217505 Niagara VQA,,

-Viticoltoni Acquesi Brachetto d'Acqui Sparkling Rose Piedmont Italy, $12.90

-Vignobles Lorgeril,2014,L'Orangeraie Rosé,$9.95,279661,France,Pays d'Oc,"50% Cinsault, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 15% Grenache

-E. Guigal,2014,Côtes du Rhône Rosé,$18.95,225003,France,Côte du Rhône AOC,"50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre

-Bottega SPA,Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose NV,$13.45 ,277202,Italy,Veneto,Pinot Noir & Raboso

-Remy Pannier,2014,Rose d'Anjou,13.95,12641,France,Loire,60CF/30Grolleau/10Gamay

-Perrin et Fils,2014,La Vieille Ferme Rosé,$10.95,622134,France,Rhône Valley,"Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah

-Ogier,,Ventoux Rose 2013, $12.95

-Gerard Bertrand,2014,Cote des Rose,$18.95, Languedoc,,+373985 Family Wine Merchants

-Mediterra,2013,Thalia Dry Rose,$9.95,,Crete,,Kotsalfali Kolonaki

-Bellingham Wines,2014,Berry Bush Rose, $10.95 ,406611,South Africa,Coastal,Pinotage

-Kim Crawford,2014,Kim Crawford Pansy! Rose,$17.00 ,650325,New Zealand,Hawke's Bay,100% Merlot

-Westcott Vineyards,2012,Delphine ,$15 VQA Vinemount Ridge,"Cab Franc, Pinot Noir

-Bacalhoa Vinhos de Portugal,2014,JP Azeitao Rose,$8.95,,Portugal,,Moscatel/Syrah,PMA

-Bodegas Muga,2014,Muga Rioja Rosé,$13.95,603795,Spain,Rioja,"60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, 10% Tempranillo

-Kacaba Vineyards,2014,Rebecca Rose,$14.95 VQA Niagara,Gamay,

-Henry of Pelham,2014,Rose,$13.95, VQA,PN/Gamay/CS

-Pondview Estate Winery,2014,Cabernet Franc Rose, $14.95 ,241802,Canada,Niagara on the Lake,Cabernet Franc,

-Vieni,2013,Classic Brut,$22.95,,Vinemount  VQA,,Ch/PN/PM

-Henkell,Rose Sparkling, $14.95

-MARTINI & ROSSI Martini Rosé Sparkling Wine,$13.95 ,384669,

 

 

 

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

-Gerard Bertrand,2014,Gris Blanc,$16.95 Tautavel +409870,,Family Wine Merchants

-Yellow Tail,Rose Bubbles, $11.95

-Chateau Bellevue La Foret,,Rose 2013, $14.95

-G. DuBoeuf Beaujolais 2013,Rose, $17.95

-Robert Giraud,2014,Chateau Timberlay Clairet,$15.95,,Bordeaux France,,,PMA

-Sogrape Vinhos, S.A.",n/v,Gazela Vinho Verde Rosè,$9.45,404533,Portugal 35% Borraçal, 30% Espadeiro, 30% Amaral, 5% Vinhão

-Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rose 2014 Rioja, $11.80

-Faustino V Tempranillo Rose 2014 Rioja, $12.95

-Torres,2014,Sangre de Torres Rose,$13.95 Spain,+233437,Family Wine Merchants

-Folonari,,Pinot Grigio Rose 2014, $9.90

-Masi,2014,Rosa dei Masi,$14.95,377267,Italy,Verona,Refosco,

-CITRA,2014,Citra Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, $8.45 ,404541 Ortona Abruzzo,Montpulciano,

-13th Street Cuvee Rose,$24.95 ,147504 VQA Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Gamay Noir

-Sue-Ann Staff,2013,Fancy Farm Girl Flirty Bubbles,$29.95, VQA Niagara -Peninsula,Riesling/Merlot (Churchill Cellars )

-Diamond Estates Winery,2012,FRESH Sparkling Rose,$13.95 ,341347,Canada,Niagara Peninsula,"Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

-Vieni,2012,Rose Brut,$29.95,,Vinemount VQA,,PN/PM/Riesling/Chard

-Colio Estate Wines,N/V,Girls' Night Out Sparkling Rosé $14.95,360941, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Noir

-Agrilandia,2013 Fortulla Rose, IGT Rosato di Toscana $26.95 50% cabernet franc, 50% cabernet sauvignon","Infinite Intelligence Inc

-Kir Yianni,2014,Akakies Dry Rose,$12.95,,Greece,,Xinomavro,Kolonaki

-Lazy Days Rose 2014 South Africa, $10.95

-Trivento,,Tribu Malbec Rose Argentina,$11.95 Malbec,

-Trapiche,,Malkina Rose $11.95 Argentina,,

-Bod. Volcanes de Chile Summit Reserve Rose 2014, $9.95

-Jacob's Creek,,Moscato Rose $11.90 Australia

-Truett Hurst,2014,Fuchsia Rose,$15.95,406769,California ,,Zinfandel blend,

-Sutter Home,,White Zinfandel California, $9.05

-Charles & Charles Rose Washington State, $15.95

-John Howard Cellars of Distinction,2014,Megalomaniac Pink Slip Rose,$17.95, 85126, Niagara Riesling/Merlot

-Strewn,2014,Cabernet Rosé,$13.95 VQA Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

-Pelee Island Winery ,2013,Cabernet Franc Rose ,$12.75,377564,VQA 100% Cabernet Franc

-Peninsula Ridge,2014,Beal Vyds Cabernet Rose,$11.95,,Ont VQA,,Cab Sauv,PMA

-House Wine Co.,2014,Pink House,$12.95 VQA,Chard/Merlot/CS,Family Wine Merchants

-Sibling Rivalry,2014,Pink,$13.95 VQA,PN/Gamay/CS,Family Wine Merchants

-Southbrook Vineyards,2014,Triomphe Cabernet Franc,$19.95 ,279117 VQA Niagara Peninsula,100% Cabernet Franc

-Creekside Estate Winery,2014,Cabernet VQA Rose 2014 ,$15.95 ,+48819 100% Cabernet Sauvignon,Hobbs

-Featherstone Winery,2014,Rose,$14.95 ,117861 VQA12% Merlot/81%gamay/7%CabFranc,

-Fielding Estate Winery,2014,Rosé,$15.95,53421,VQA Gamay, Cab Franc

-Colio Estate Wines,2013,Girls' Night Out Rosé,$12.95,89862,VQA Ontario,Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc

-Rockway Glen,2014,Patio 9 Pink ,$13.95,323766,Canada,Niagara Vidal, Cab Sauv

-Diamond Estates Winery Cotton Candy Rose,$9.95 ,369652,Canada,Niagara Peninsula,Blend,

-Tawse Echos Rose 2014 VQA Niagara

-Cave Spring Cellars,2013,Rosé,$14.95,295006 VQA Niagara Escarpment,61.5% Cabernet Franc,38.5% PN

-Pillitteri Estates Winery,2013,Dry Rosé,$15 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake,Merlot 55% Cabernet Franc 45%

-Diamond Estates Winery,2013,EastDell Estates Summer Rose,$12.95 , 560243,VQA Niagara Peninsula,"Riesling, Merlot

-Sue-Ann Staff,2013,Fancy Farm Girl Foxy Pink,$17.00 VQA Niagara Peninsula,Riesling/Cab Franc, (Churchill Cellars)

-Westcott Vineyards,2013,Delphine ,$15,,VQA Vinemount Ridge,Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot

 

The Food: bread and water, plus some chocolates.

The Downside: 80 wines may appear to be daunting, but the first batch were sparklers (just one champagne) followed by international and then domestic still wines. At the finish we tried the sweeties.

The Upside: The WWCC appreciated the opportunity to taste and write about these roses before Mother's Day, June weddings, and summer. It has been a big help.

The Contact Person:  deantudor@deantudor.com

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

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: Shucking with Savvy: Sauvignon Blanc Day April 24/15

The Date and Time: Friday April 24, 2015  1 – 5 PM

The Event: Shucking with Savvy: Sauvignon Blanc Day

The Venue: John & Sons Oyster House

The Target Audience: wine opinion makers and writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available in Ontario through the normal distribution channels of LCBO, consignment, etc.

The Quote/Background: this is the second year that New Zealand Wine Canada has hosted an oyster and savvy party. There were 17 wines plus a variety of oysters, By the time I got there, John & Sons were serving oysters from BC and Massachusetts. Joining us was St Supery Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2013 (von Terra), a different style of savvy.

The Wines:

 

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

-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc South Island 2014, $24.95

-Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $22.50

 

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

-Ara Pathway Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $14.95

-Awatere River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $19.85

-Forrest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $25

-Lawson's Dry Hills Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $18.95

-MOMO Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $17.95

-Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $16.95

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $19.95

-Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $18.80

 

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

-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $29.95

-Babich Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $14.95

-Haha Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $16.95

-Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $19.95

-Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014, $16.95

-Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $16.95

-Peter Yealands Sauvignon Blanc South Island 2012, $15.95

 

The Food: oysters, water

The Downside: I had just curated a Rose tasting, but the pause between events refreshed my palate. Nothing like briny oysters and savvy to get a "reset".

The Upside: a chance to re-visit NZ savvies since my time at the NZ trade show in May will be limited.

The Contact Person: rketchin@ketchin.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: City Fare 2015; Southwest Ontario arrives in Toronto

The Date and Time:  Saturday, May 30, 2015   2PM to 5PM

The Event: City Fare 2015; Southwest Ontario arrives in Toronto

The Venue: Wychwood Barns

The Target Audience: media and about 500 others (there was a split between the afternoon 2 – 5 and the evening 7 – 10. We opted for the afternoon).

The Availability/Catalogue: products are available mostly in the region. From time time wines and beers travel via the LCBO or private order.

The Quote/Background: The show was jointly organized with iYellow club; hence, there were many young food and wine explorers at the exhibits, photographing, texting, etc. I was there mainly for the alcohol, my wife Ann @infalliblenana was there for the food as a basis for her blogs.

The Beers and Wines:

 

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

-Oxley  Chardonnay 2013 VQA, $18.95

-Wooden Bear Golden Russet 2013 Dry, $14.95

-Wooden Bear Claw Draught Hard Apple Cider

-Colio Lily Sparkling

-Burning Kiln Cabernet Frank

 

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

-Oxley Riesling 2013 VQA, $18.95

-Railway City Brewing Dead Elephant India Pale Ale

-Railway City Brewing Iron Spike Blonde Ale

-Wooden Bear Claw Draught Hard Perry Cider

-Cooper's Hawk Cab Merlot 2012

-Cooper's Hawk Touche [off-dry white]

-Burning Kiln Cureman's Chardonnay

 

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

-Alton Farms Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $14

-Alton Farms Dry Riesling 2013, $18

 

The Food: it was variable, with sweets intermingled with savouries and wines. This made it hard to move orderly from booth to booth. We started with some sweet food, to cut our appetites, and then moved to savoury foods and then beer and then wines. You need a plan at these things...There were tarts (pecan, salted cashew, rum raisin, chocolate chip) from Killer Desserts in Port Stanley, there was maple syrup (Jakeman's, in a take home sample bottle: THANK YOU), cheeses (Bright Brand asiago and old cheddar; MountainOak Dutch gold cheese and Dutch smoked cheese). Smackwater Jacks had liquid nitrogen ice cream, bacon skewers, and stuffed Belgian endive. Blue Elephant Brew House provided spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, and sweet potato bread pudding. Papa D's Hot Sawce had mac 'n' cheese and meatball tacos flavoured with, well, their hot sauce. The Twisted Lemon in Cayuga gave us a sauced whole wheat ravioli, while their bartender crafted a complicated Geneva gin with burnt meringue cocktail (my wife had that). Bayside Brewing had a range of beers. The Arts and Cookery Bank had five (5) types of marshmallows [my fave was the coconut]. There were some non-alcoholic ciders, including an apple-strawberry-rhubarb cider. JP's Barbeque served up some beef BBQ on a bun, nicely sauced. Sixthirtynine did an amazing trout crudo (I shamelessly took two). One of the dessert highlights was the verde fresco chocolate from Chocolatea...and of course, who could ever forget Robbie's Gourmet Sausages [lamb merguez with chimichurri sauce}. There were also tourism groups and real farms (e.g., Norpac Beef) on display. It was a terrific day for food and drink!!! There are separate brochures available for beer/ale trails (36 breweries) and for wine routes.

The Downside: there was rain off and on. Also, there was no real list of what we were getting, nor press kits. We picked up materials as we went along, but inevitably we felt burdened with samples, pen, paper, glass, plate and more with only two hands.

The Upside: the crowds were spread out nicely, with each booth having about five people or fewer at a time. There was entertainment from a pretty sharp Bluegrass Band.

The Contact Person: joanne@swotc.ca or jen@swotc.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Spring Portfolio wine tasting of 30.50 Imports

The Date and Time: Monday, April 27, 2015  1 – 4 PM

The Event: Spring Portfolio wine tasting of 30.50 Imports

The Venue: Crush

The Target Audience: wine writers and trade clients

The Availability/Catalogue: a few items were Vintages, some were private order, but most were consignment.

The Quote/Background: it was crowded but then the room size comes into play. Eventually everybody spread out.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Private orders/Vintages are specified. Prices here are retail.

 

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

-Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara 2006, $74.95

-Castello di Verduno Barbaresco Rabaja 2006, $69.95

-Azienda Agricola 499 Moscato d'Asti 2014, $22.50

-Fattoria di San Quintino VinSDanto del Chianti 2011, $29.95  375mL, P.O.

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino 2009, $69.70

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino 2010, $79.95

-Valle de Junco Lapa dos Gaivoes Escolha 2011, $34.95

-Sidonio de Sousa Garrafeira 2009, $49.95  [my fave wine of the tasting]

-Belem's Madeira Wine 10 year old Verdelho, $64.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Escolha 2011, $34.95

-Bod. Tradicion 30 Year Old Palo Cortado, $129 Vintages

-Bod. Tradicion 30 Year Old Oloroso, $104 Vintages

-Chapuy Carte Verte Brut NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, $59.95

-Chateau Musar Red 2003, $69.95

 

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

-Castello di Verduno Barolo Monvigliero Riserva 2006, $100

-Azienda Agricola 499 Moscato Bianco Dry 2012, $24.95

-Azienda Agricola 499 Langhe Freisa 2012, $29.95

-Chiusa Grande Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Terre Casale 2013, $14.95

-Fattoria Casablanca Coppaia Bianco Vermintino 2013, $15.95

-Fattoria Casablanca Chianti Colli Senesi 2013, $19.95

-Fattoria di San Quintino Sangiovese IGT La Fagiana 2013, $34.95  P.O.

-Il Paradiso di Frassina Gea Rosso di Montalcino 2012, $39.95

-Il Paradiso di Frassina DO 12 Uve IGT 2008, $59.95

-Caiarossa Pergolaia 2006 Tuscany, $34.95

-Caiarossa 2006 Tuscany, $79.95

-Musella Amarone dell Valpolicella Riserva 2009, $74.95

-Daniele Pintus Vermentino 2013 Sardinia, $24.95

-Daniele Pintus Canonnau 2013 Sardinia, $24.95

-Douro Prime Inquieto Reserva 2010, $39.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Tinto 2012, $24.95

-Bod. Commenge Don Miguel 2010 Ribera del Duero, $45

-Chateau Musar Hochar Pere et Fils Red 2009, $34.95

-Chateau Musar Jeune Red 2011, $25.95

 

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

-Castello di Verduno Langhe Nebbiolo 2012, $29.95

-Castello di Verduno Verduno Basadone 2013, $29.95

-Azienda Agricola 499 Langhe Freisa Selection Coste dei Fre 2012, $39.95

-Cantina di Venosa Aglianico del Vulture Vignali 2011, $19.95

-Fattoria Casablanca Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva 2010, $29.95

-Fattoria Casablanca Coppai Chianti Colli Senesi 2013, $15.95

-Fattoria di San Quintino Chianti 2013, $15.95

-Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2011, $29.95

-Porta da Teira Ninfa Branco (SB/Fernao Pires) 2012, $24.95

-Bod. Briego Reserva 2009 Ribera del Duero, $34.95

-Celler Cesca Vicent Red 2012 Priorat, $24.95

-Chateau Barrejat Seduction 2012 Madiran, $24.95

 

The Food: charcuterie, cheeses, toasted breads, crackers, water.

The Downside: too bad it was not held on the main floor.

The Upside: a rare Monday event

The Contact Person: nelson@3050imports.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com