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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 31, 2015 (Hallowe'en)

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 31, 2015 (Hallowe'en)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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
 
Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008 Rioja, +276030, $18.95: first rate quality from a Rioja at this level, 13.5% ABV, one to snap up at this price. Classic. QPR: 90.
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Dauny Les Caillottes Sancerre 2014, +429340, $21.95. QPR: 89.
2.Inniskillin Reserve Series Chardonnay 2013 VQA Niagara, +383562, $18.95: very well put together, balanced. 13% ABV, MVC for Ontario chardonnay. Aged in oak, QPR: 89.
3.Pascual Toso Chardonnay 2014 Mendoza, +162636, $15.95: lean on the palate and on the finish, but good tropicality on the mid-palate, ripe acids, balanced. Twist top. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 89.
4.Demorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc 2015 WO Western Cape, +429522, $14.95: softly floral, more Euro style, 14% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.
5.Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon 2014, +82305, $14.95: this is the go-to region for modestly priced savvy in the zesty kiwi style. 13%. cork closure. QPR: 88.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Cicchitti Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mendoza, +301465, $24.95. QPR: 90.
2.Chateau de Panigon 2011 Medoc, +348250, $22.95. QPR: 89.
3.Borgo Scopeto Borgonero 2011 IGT Toscana, +421396, $19.95: an easy to assimilate North American appeal superTuscan for under $20. Off-dry as a Cal-Ital, dark fruit tones, 13.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.
4.Cafaggio Cortaccio 2008 IGT Toscana, +20966, $24.95. QPR: 89.
5.Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Campo al Sassi Rosso di Montalcino 2013, +429415, $21.95. QPR: 89.
6.Cono Sur Single Vineyard Block No. 21 Viento Mar Pinot Noir 2013 San Antonio Valley, +419010, $18.95: Burgundian berries revealed, delicious, toasty and nicely aged. QPR: 88.
7.Montes Alpha Syrah 2012 Colchagua Valley, +612, $19.95: rich and ripe, plush even. 14.5% ABV, cork closure. Mid-Atlantic tones. QPR: 89.
8.San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, +37911, $19.95: tremendously juicy and ripe but with French oak, 14.5% ABV, cork closure. QPR: 88.
9.Slowine Shiraz 2013 WO Western Cape, +96503, $13.95: good hit of syrah despite the label designation (same grape, different winemaking). Affordable for the Euro style, 14.5% ABV, twist top. QPR: 88.
10.Arnaud Aucoeur Cuvee Le Chagny Vieilles Vignes Morgon 2013, +430652, $18.95: a great deal from the old vines of Morgon, stuffing despite only 12.5% ABV. Great gamay tones. QPR: 88.
11.Umani Ronchi Vigor Sangiovese/Merlot 2013 IGT Marche, +428078, +428078, $16.95: very good blend of grapes at this price level, red and black fruit excel. 13% ABV. QPR: 88.
12.Piazzano Chianti 2013, +393199, $14.95: simple but rustic. It is definitely chianti, very easy to identify. QPR: 88.
13.Quinta do Quetzal Guadalupe Red 2012 VR Alentejano, +336313, $13.95: juicy, North American appeal, 13.5% ABV, affordable quality. QPR: 88.
 
 
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.Domaine Les Vieux Murs Pouilly-Fuisse 2013, +241117, $27.95 retail.
2.Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268391, $24.95.
3.Morande Edicion Limitada Carignan 2011 Maule, +427971, $27.95.
4.Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2012 South Australia, +422782, $34.95.
5.J.L.Chave Selection Offerus Saint-Joseph 2012, +359109, $33.95.
6.Domaine de Meix-Foulot Les Veleys Mercurey 1er Cru 2011, +148874, $35.95.
7.Socre Barbaresco 2011, +305284, $29.95.
8.Il Grigio da Dan Felice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +403477, $46.95.
9.Allegrini La Grola 2011 IGT Veronese, +476598, $29.95.
10.I Castei Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, +739979, $41.95.
 
 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Sunday, October 25, 2015

The Event: Salud Spain walk-around tasting, put on by Vintages.

The Date and Time: Thursday, October 1, 2015 6PM to 9PM
The Event: Salud Spain walk-around tasting, put on by Vintages.
The Venue: Leon's RoundHouse
The Target Audience: initially, wine writers until 6:30 and then the paying
customers.
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available, some as exclusive
orders that night, others are at the LCBO or Vintages. Some wines were just
for tasting, not for ordering.
The Quote/Background: most wines were available for ordering that night,
some as exclusives.
The Wines: I did not try every wine.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ TINTO PESQUERA CRIANZA 2012 DO Ribera del Duero $32
+341461
-BODEGAS ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ TINTO PESQUERA RESERVA 2006 Ribera del Duero
$95 +432773
-CLUB LEALTANZA RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $39 +293852
-LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $30 +927913
-ALCEÑO PREMIUM 50 BARRICAS SYRAH 2012 DO Jumilla $13.95 +398933
VALUE PRICED
-BARON DE LEY 7 VIÑAS RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $46 +91983
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 1986 DOCa Rioja $100 +33332
-CHIVITE COLECCIÓN 125 RESERVA 2010 DO Navarra $38 +702431
-BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $40 +940965
-BERONIA III A.C 2011 DOCa Rioja $80 +433326
-DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2011 DO Bierzo $29.95 Vintages
+379891
-ANAYÓN CARIÑENA 2012 DO Cariñena $32 +432047
-CONDE DE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA 2007 DOCa Rioja $30 +114504
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN PEDRO XIMÉNEZ TRADICIÓN 20-YEAR-OLD VOS SHERRY $120
+431965
-TORRES SALMOS 2012 DOCa Priorat $31 +60772
-TORRES MAS LA PLANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 DO Penédes $59 +129676
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ DON PX RESERVA ESPECIAL 1962 DO Montilla-Moriles $205
+424085
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ DON PX GRAN RESERVA 1986 DO Montilla-Moriles $53
+434068
-BODEGAS OLARRA SUMMA 2009 DOCa Rioja $42 +433656
-LAZTANA RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $19 +433649
-OLARRA CLÁSICO RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $18.95 +423541
-LAN VIÑA LANCIANO RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $34 +955096
-ROMPESEDAS 2006 DO Toro $19.95 +425868
-ROMPESEDAS FINCA LAS PARVAS 2006 DO Toro $101 +433755

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating
terms):
-LAN D-12 CRIANZA 2012 DOCa Rioja $27 +431890
-ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA DE LA GRANJA TINTO 2008 Vino de la Tierra de
Castilla y León $21.95 +192476
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN FINO DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry $54 +431957
-BODEGAS TRADICIÓN VORS AMONTILLADO DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry $105
+596940
-FINCAS VALDEMAR CRIANZA 2012 DO Ribera del Duero $27 +432781
-INSPIRACIÓN VALDEMAR GRACIANO 2005 DOCa Rioja $34.95 +423525
-LA TERCERA RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $26 +432443
-CVNE IMPERIAL GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $60 +598268
-VIÑA REAL GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $36.95 +280545
-ALCEÑO SELECCIÓN CRIANZA 2012 DO Jumilla $21 +433334
-ANAYÓN GARNACHA 2012 DO Cariñena $30.95 +424424
-DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2013 DO Bierzo $25 +675207
-DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS VILLA DE CORULLÓN 2012 DO Bierzo $59
+154435
-DOMINIO DE TARES BEMBIBRE 2009 DO Bierzo $47 +433680
-BARON DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $29.95 Vintages
+642496
-HACIENDA LÓPEZ DE HARO GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $25 +431973
-ROLLAND & GALARRETA 2011 DOCa Rioja $26 +434415
-HIRU 3 RACIMOS 2007 DOCa Rioja $157 +434746 Classics 2016
-ROLLAND & GALARRETA 2011 DO Ribera del Duero $28 +434423
-RIOJA VEGA 9 BARRICAS 2011 DOCa Rioja $37.95 +433706
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $29.95 +976670
-MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES RESERVA 2009 DOCa Rioja $24.95 +702761
-CHIVITE FINCA DE VILLATUERTA SYRAH 2011 DO Navarra $25 +432005
-JULIÁN CHIVITE GRAN FEUDO RESERVA 2009 DO Navarra $16.95 Vint Essential
+479014
-LUSTAU ALMACENISTA VIDES PALO CORTADO DE JEREZ SHERRY 500mL $37 +431940
-LUSTAU EMILÍN SOLERA RESERVA MOSCATEL SHERRY $36 +433052
-VIENTO ALISEO GRACIANO/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 DO La Mancha $17
+432021
-MUGA RESERVA 2011 DOCa Rioja $23.95 +177345 Vint Ess
-MUGA SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $40 +921536
-PALACIOS REMONDO LA MONTESA CRIANZA 2012 DOCa Rioja $21.95 +674572
-ALTO MONCAYO VERATON 2012 DO Campo de Borja $32.95 Vintages +173211
-PHINCAS 2011 DOCa Rioja $31 +431932

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-BHILAR PLOTS TINTO 2012 DOCa Rioja $19 +431908
-ALTO MONCAYO GARNACHA 2012 DO Campo de Borja $49 +396358
-PHINCA ENCANTO RUFETE 2011 DOCa Rioja $32.95 Vintages +424697
-TORRES GRAN CORONAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA 2011 DO Penédes $19.95
Vint Ess +36483
-DOMINIO DE PUNCTUM EL PAULAR TEMPRANILLO/MERLOT 2014 DO La Mancha $16
+432039
-BODEGAS TORO ALBALÁ ELÉCTRICO DEL LAGAR FINO DO Montilla-Moriles 500mL $14
+434076
-RIOJA VEGA RESERVA 2008 DOCa Rioja $21.95 +423517
-HACIENDA VALVARÉS 2011 DOCa Rioja $19.95 Vintages +423509
-BARON DE LEY RESERVA 2010 DOCa Rioja $19.95 +958868
-MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 DO Cariñena $16.95 Vintages
+82024

The Food: catered by Daniel et Daniel who, I understand, do the Vintages
events. In addition to the six pass-around platters (ham croquettes,
samosas, tomatoes, salmon, shrimp) there were four food stations:
pomegranate BBQ grilled quail with farro and bacon (my fave), striploin sous
vide with manchego croquette, house-smoked Arctic char with fennel salad,
and beet ravioli with walnuts and cream.
The Downside: OMG the music was loud! I couldn't talk to anyone without
shouting. Do they need this noise to sell wine?
The Upside: the wines and the food were better than I expected.
The Contact Person: prandolph@mcx.es
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.

Friday, October 23, 2015

The Event: The Profile Wine Group's Portfolio tasting

The Date and Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2015    2PM to 8PM
The Event: The Profile Wine Group's Portfolio tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand
The Target Audience: wine trade and customers
The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available as LCBO, consignment or private order.
The Quote/Background: It is one of the biggest shows in Toronto with many principals coming and pouring their wines.
The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Prices are retail.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bodega Vistalba Corte B 2013 Argentina, $30.95 PO
-Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $199.95  PO
-Wakefield Pioneer 2012 [shiraz], $199.95  PO
-Chateau de Nages Cuvee JT White 2013, $26.95     PO
-Chateau de Nages Vieilles Vignes White 2013, $21.95     Cons
-Domaines Famille Picard Chassagne Montrachet white 2012, $60.95    PO
-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserve NV, [chardonnay] $18.95  LCBO
-Lungarotti Aurente 2010 [chardonnay]    $36.95  PO
-Bodegas LAN Reserva 2009, $26.95   Cons
-Bodegas LAN Edicion Limitada 2011, $69.95   Cons
-Chappellet Sonoma Loeb Chardonnay Reserve Carneros 2013,  $45.95  Cons
-J.Lohr October Night Chardonnay Arroyo Seco 2013, Vintages Dec 12   $30.95
-Miner Oracle Red 2010, $122.95   PO
-Miner Napa Chardonnay 2013,  $42.95  Cons
-Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Reserve 2014    Vintages   $18.95
-Dandelion Lionheart Barossa Shiraz 2013, $21.95  PO
 
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Rosehall Run Cuvee County Chardonnay 2012, $18.36  Con
-Rosehall Run Indigo Sparkling NV, $24.95  Con
-Rosehall Run Solid Ground Riesling 2013, $14.95  Con
-Montes Purple Angel 2012 Chile,  Vintages Dec 12   $59.95
-Chateau Teyssier Le Carre 2007  $94.95  Cons
-Chateau Teyssier St.Emilion Grand Cru 2012  $44.95  Cons
-Domaines Famille Picard Volnay 2011,   $53.95   PO
-Les Grandes Serres Chateauneuf du Pape La Cour des Papes 201, $47.95 PO
-Pierre Sparr Pinot Gris Grand Cru Mambourg 2011 Vintages  $24.95
-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche 2008     $59.95   Cons
-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Riserva 2004     $99.95   PO
-Castello di Querceto Romantic IGT 2009   $199.95   PO
-Cesari Besan Amarone 2006     $99.95   Cons
-Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI 2010 $114.95   Cons
-Cordero di Montezemolo Chardonnay Langhe 2013  $41.95   Cons
-Fantinel Spumante Prosecco Brut One & Only   $23.95  PO
-Farnese Fantini Rose Cuvee Brut NV   $20.95  Cons
-Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Mix 36 2010  Classics April 2016   $79
-Pertimali Sassetti Livio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2006    $99.95 Cons
-Poggio al Tresoro Dedicato A Walter 2010 $104.95  PO
-Rocca delle Macie S. Zingarelli Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2011 $110.95  PO
-Rocca di Castagnoli Capriai Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011 $64.95  PO
-San Polo Brunello 2008   $55.95  Cons
-Bodegas LAN Vina Lanciano Reserva 2010 Rioja  $34.95  PO
-Juve y Camps Reserva de la Familia 2011, $25.95 PO
-Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $94.95 Cons
-J.Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $50.95 Cons
-Long Meadow Ranch Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc 2014, $35.95 PO
-Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay 2012, $37.95 Cons
-Merryvale Napa Cabernet Saivignon 2010, $119.95 Cons
-Miner Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $122.95 PO
-Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2011, $51.95  Cons
-Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $90.95  Cons
-Peter Franus Proprietary Red Wine 2012, $74.95 Cons
-Somerston Priest Ranch Coachgun 2011, $124.95  PO
-Somerston Stornoway 2012, $149.95 PO
-Young Inglewood Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, $147.95  Cons
-Young Inglewood Estate Right Bank Blend 20132, $123.95  Cons
-World's End Crossfire Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $166.95 Cons
-World's End If Six was Nine Cabernet Sauvignon Rserve 2010, $89.95 Cons
-Dominio del Plata Balbo Nosotros Malbec 2009, Vintages $100
-Dandelion Pride of the Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $21.95  PO
 
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Vintages $19.95
-Domaines Famille Picard Chateau de Davenay Montagny 1er cru Clos Chaudron 2012, $37.95 PO
-Bersano Barolo Riserva 2007, $76.95 PO
-Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Arneis 2014, $24.95  Cons
-Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo 2014, $23.95 Cons
-Rocca delle Macie Moonlite IGT Toscana 2014, $17.95 PO
-Tenuta Rocca Chiara Chardonnay 2013, $26.95 PO
-Juve y Camps Cava Rosado NV, $25.95 PO
-Peter Franus Napap Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $35.95 PO
-Somerston Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc 2013, $26.95 Cons
 
The Food: cheeses, breads, espresso, prosciutto and salami, tapenade.
The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com or jturco@profilewinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Event: A tasting of Bartali wines

The Date and Time:  Monday, September 28, 2015  3PM to 8PM
The Event: A tasting of Bartali wines
The Venue: Scratch Kitchen (great name) Yonge and Glen Echo
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, customers and clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: six pack wines by consignment, from a new wine agency: www.w5vino.com (brothers Dan and Nick Lattanzio).
The Quote/Background: Filippo Volpini of Vincola Bartali (grandson of the founder Alberto Bartali who established the estates in 1927) was along for the private showing; he greatly assisted in providing additional information.
The Wines:
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bartali Villa Reale Line Vecchia Corona IGT 2010 [supertuscan], $22.65
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bartali Classic Line Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2010, $55.30
-Bartali Classic Line Bolgheri DOC 2012, $34.35
-Bartali Villa Reale Line Chianti Classico DOCG 2013, $21.75
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bartali Classic Line Chianti DOCG 2014 Ducceto, $16
-Bartali Classic Line Sangiovese di Toscana IGT, $13.50
 
The Food: Spuntini (snacks) from Chef Michael Tucker – salumi platter, cheeses, peppers, mushrooms, bruschetta, and diverse skewers.
The Downside: I had two previous tastings that day.
The Upside: My palate was fine since the stretch was from 11AM through 5PM, and I got a good walk to the Scratch Kitchen.
The Contact Person: nick@w5vino.com or dan@w5vino.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Sunday, October 18, 2015

The Event: A structured tasting of Domaine Pierre Amadieu of Gigondas, led by Henri-Claude Amadieu.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2015   11AM to 2PM
The Event: A structured tasting of Domaine Pierre Amadieu of Gigondas, led by Henri-Claude Amadieu.
The Venue: The Kitchen Event Room, LCBO #10 Scrivener Square.
The Target Audience: wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: 4 of the 6 wines are or will available through the LCBO's distribution channels. Two others were for reference tasting only and are not for sale anywhere.
The Quote/Background: I joined the tail end of the discussion but was able to have a private interview with Henri-Claude about his wines and to taste them on my own. While the ABV was 14.5 – 15%, at no time did any of the wines have a hot finish. Good winemaking here. The wines are also unfiltered, from old vines, and grenache/syrah blends. His wines are available here though Macdonald Wines & Spirits, a division of Trilogy Wine Group.
The Wines:
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pierre Amadieu Domaine Grand Romane Rouge 2013 Gigondas TBD, $35
-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2010 Gigondas Not for sale
-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2009 Gigondas Not for sale
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pierre Amadieu Le Pas de L'Aigle Rouge 2012 Gigondas TBD, $40
-Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Rouge 2012 Gigondas Vintages $28
-Pierre Amadieu Vinsobres Les Piallats Rouge 2012  Consignment  $21
 
The Food: the event was catered with an Italian lunch; we had breaded mushrooms, salumi, olives, cheeses, panini, and more.
The Downside: I had just come from a tasting
The Upside: a good chance to chat with Henri-Claude
The Contact Person: info@trilogywinegroup.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Friday, October 16, 2015

The Event: A tasting and lunch with Marcelo Papa, Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo (Concha y Toro) winemaker.

The Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2015  11AM to 2PM
The Event: A tasting and lunch with Marcelo Papa, Marques de Casa Concha and Casillero del Diablo (Concha y Toro) winemaker.
The Venue: Le Select
The Target Audience: wine writers
The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are here already, others will be here.
The Quote/Background: These units of Concha y Toro are moving towards a French influence and a Euro style, basically by using more French oak for that Euro elegance. We were all quite impressed with the newer style of wines. Marcelo took us through the basics of the Conch y Toro philosophy of viticulture and vinification as he led the tasting.
The Wines:
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2013, LCBO +278416, $13.90 (2013 expected on Jan 23, 2016)
-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, Vintages Essential +337238, $21.90 (2013 expected in Feb 2016)
-Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2013 Limari, +301424 $19.95 Nov. 14 Vintages
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2012 Maipo,  +19042 $19.95 Vintages November 28
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2014, +578641, $11.95 twist top
-Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Reserva 2013, +620666, $13.90
 
The Food: food was off the menu, and as I had to leave for another tasting, I grabbed a pepper steak and fries which went with all the reds.
The Downside: I had to leave early for another tasting.
The Upside: a chance to speak with Marcelo Papa again.
The Contact Person: caterine@catcom.ca or tbrown@escaladews.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Thursday, October 15, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 17, 2015

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 17, 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
 
San Jose de Aguaron Monasterio de Las Vinas Reserva 2006 Carinena, +166579, $14.95: while the components of this wine have moved on since the Wine Advocate's 2011 description, this wine is still a great bargain for a co-op under $15. After a year in barrel, time has made it a bit more woodsy and spicy with the black fruit drying out nicely. Perfect for drinking now through New Year's. QPR: 92+
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Trimbach Riesling 2012 Alsace, +734517, $21.95. QPR: 90.
2.Dirty Laundry Madam's Vines Gewurztraminer 2013 BC VQA Okanagan Valley, +423228, $19.95: excellent Al;saian style right down to the mild bitterness on the finish. More off-dry in style and feel than the (M) in the LCBO listing. Food or sip, 13.7% ABV. QPR: 90.
3.Zolo Torrontes 2014 Mendoza, +355552, $14.95: the wine of Toronto keeps coming and coming. This version is unctuous, bright, zesty, floral, off-dry, peaches and sweet herbs. Twist top, 13.8% ABV. QPR: 89.
4.Salomon Undhof Groovey Gruner Veltliner 2014 Austria, +669606, $14.95: fine value for a GV with basic MVC, twist top, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 89.
5.Henry of Pelham Estate Riesling 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +557165, $17.95: absolutely delicious MVC riesling Rhine style, 11.5% ABV, with an off-dry palate but dry (higher acid) finish. QPR: 89.
6.Tresors de Loire Vouvray 2014, +427427, $17.95: it has been awhile since we've had a straightforward Vouvray at the (M) level. Off-dry, good chenin blanc intensity, serve with cheese or as a sipper, 11.5% ABV. QPR: 88.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $25:
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +275958, $21.95. QPR: 89.
2.Bod. Palacios Remondo La Montessa Crianza 2012 Rioja, +674572, $21.95. QPR: 90.
3.Rioja Vega Reserva 2008 Rioja, +423517, $21.95. QPR: 91.
4.Catena Alamos Seleccion Malbec 2012 Mendoza, +322800, $16.95: fleshy malbec wine, slight bitterness, great for food rather than just sipping. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88.
5.3 Rings Shiraz 2013 Barossa Valley, +15495, $18.95: a sweet herb fruity wine, screw-capped, emphasis on the front palate, 15.2% ABV but not a hot finish. QPR: 88.
6.Georges Duboeuf Morgon Cote de Py 2011, +424887, $17.95: great price for an ageable (and well-aged) Morgon, 13% ABV. QPR: 89.
7.Chateau Lamartine 2011 Cahors, +973271, $18.95: off-dry nose and palate, but finishes food friendly. 90% malbec, 10% merlot, 13.5% ABV. A good deal at this price. QPR: 89.
8.Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2013, +354191, $18.95: juicy North American appeal, with some barrel aging and unfiltered bottling. 15% ABV but not really detectable. QPR: 89.
9.Fontanafredda Ebbio Nebbiolo 2013 Langhe, +397448, $19.55: a soft basic nebbiolo with all of the character, sort of a poor man's Barolo. So well-priced. 13.5% ABV. QPR: 88.
10.Sassoregale Sangiovese 2013 Maremma Toscana, +251785, $15.95: a good value Tuscan wine in the chianti style, all sangiovese, 13.5% ABV, ready now, cork finish. QPR: 88.
11.Pilheiros Red 2011 Douro, +427856, $19.95: Euro-styled wine, has aged nicely, made from the three major port grapes (franca, roriz, touriga nacional). 14.5% ABV, Ready soon, maybe next spring. QPR: 88.
 
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.Creekside Reserve Viognier 2013 Queenston Road Vineyard VQA St.David's Bench Niagara, +264168, $26.95 retail.
2.Domaine Jaeger-Defaix Rabource Rully 1er Cru 2012, +200139, $35.95.
3.Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 VQA Short Hills Bench Niagara, +657874, $34.95.
4.Couvent des Jacobins 2002 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, +429423, $45.95
5.Domaines Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel Cotes du Rhone 2013, +48884, $29.95.
6.Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba Barolo 2010, +943290, $44.95.
7.Adanti Sagrantino di Montefalco 2007, +424762, $35.95
8.CVNE Imperial Reserva 2009 Rioja, +424390, $38.95.
9.Piccini Villa al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +164855, $36.95.
 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Re: The Event: The Beer Experience: sixth year, September 17

Hi Dean!

Thanks so much for this, it's an awesome review and breakdown.
I'm going to show the group at our meeting today.
I hope you had a great time at the event!

Cheers!

Katie

 

On Mon, 12 Oct 2015 21:24:01 -0400, "Dean Tudor" <dtudor@pathcom.com> wrote:

The Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2015  6PM to 9PM
The Event: The Beer Experience: sixth year
The Venue: Berkeley Church and Fieldhouse
The Target Audience: beer drinkers, media
The Availability/Catalogue: there was no real listing of beers, just a listing of the participating breweries.
The Quote/Background: The Ontario Craft Brewers were one of the sponsors, and certain beers were available in limited quantities just for the show. Toronto Beer Week was the backdrop as serious beer drinkers came to sample. The wine/beer press was delighted to sample as many beers as they could with one ounce pours. The two tasting pavilions were divided by a short walkway which contained a delightful surprise: Small Talk Vineyards and their Shiny Apple Cider (7% ABV, lots of apple peel character) for the non-beer drinker or as a change of pace. Of course, we had to rinse out our glasses. In the larger room, there was also Double Trouble Brewing featuring their excellent Pear Cider, a delightful surprise, and a lot better than the imports at the LCBO.
The Beers: I decided to taste from breweries that were not local. It broke my heart not to taste Junction Craft Brewery, but it's just around the corner from me (extremely local) and I've tasted them already. There were over 50 other beers to taste, from about 17 or more breweries. We had plenty of opportunity to talk with the brewer/owners who were doing their own pours.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Big Rig Ottawa Bock Me Gently (copperback)
-Big Rig Ottawa Release the Hounds 6.2% Black IPA
-Highlander Wee Heavy 8%
-Collective Arts Porter Stranger Than Fiction (mocha)
-Cameron's Rye Pale Ale
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Beau's 33 1/3 Barrel Aged (rum and bourbon)
-Wellington Kicking Back IPA
-Wellington Country Dark
-Wellington Fresh Off the Wire
-Highlander Scottish Ale 5.4%, +334375 LCBO
-Collective Arts Stash Blond Ale 5%
-Cameron's Auburn
-Cameron's Dry Hopped
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-The Collingwood Vintage 2015 6.9%
-The Collingwood ESB Ale 5.8%
-Side Launch Brewing Dunkelbach 5.8% (Flemish)
-Sawdust City Brewing Co 1606 Oatmeal Stout (oak barrels)
-Sawdust City Brewing Co Saison
-Double Trouble Brewing Fire in the Rye 6.5%
-Double Trouble Brewing Hops & Robber
-Double Trouble Brewing Coffin Stout
-Black Oak Red Eye Coffee IPA 7.5%
-Black Oak Nut Brown 6%
 
The Food: there were good varieties and portions, sold at $5 each. I had a fried red snapper taco that was mildly spiced (they had to play to the masses). Other meats were available, such as sliders, steaks, chicken, guacamole, and the like.
The Downside: few places to rinse and even fewer to spit. I ended up carrying a spittoon.
The Upside: a good chance to taste a wide variety of craft beers.
The Contact Person: katie@drinkinc.ca and www.beerexperience.ca
The Event’s Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

--   Katie Barbisan  Drink Inc. Events  Social Media / Events Coordinator   katie@drinkinc.ca  P: 416.406.1226    Upcoming Events:    Ontario Cider Awards  The Royal Winter Fair  Nov 12th, 2015    Hoppy Holidays  Berkeley Church  Dec 8th, 2015

Monday, October 12, 2015

The Event: The Beer Experience: sixth year, September 17

The Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2015  6PM to 9PM
The Event: The Beer Experience: sixth year
The Venue: Berkeley Church and Fieldhouse
The Target Audience: beer drinkers, media
The Availability/Catalogue: there was no real listing of beers, just a listing of the participating breweries.
The Quote/Background: The Ontario Craft Brewers were one of the sponsors, and certain beers were available in limited quantities just for the show. Toronto Beer Week was the backdrop as serious beer drinkers came to sample. The wine/beer press was delighted to sample as many beers as they could with one ounce pours. The two tasting pavilions were divided by a short walkway which contained a delightful surprise: Small Talk Vineyards and their Shiny Apple Cider (7% ABV, lots of apple peel character) for the non-beer drinker or as a change of pace. Of course, we had to rinse out our glasses. In the larger room, there was also Double Trouble Brewing featuring their excellent Pear Cider, a delightful surprise, and a lot better than the imports at the LCBO.
The Beers: I decided to taste from breweries that were not local. It broke my heart not to taste Junction Craft Brewery, but it's just around the corner from me (extremely local) and I've tasted them already. There were over 50 other beers to taste, from about 17 or more breweries. We had plenty of opportunity to talk with the brewer/owners who were doing their own pours.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Big Rig Ottawa Bock Me Gently (copperback)
-Big Rig Ottawa Release the Hounds 6.2% Black IPA
-Highlander Wee Heavy 8%
-Collective Arts Porter Stranger Than Fiction (mocha)
-Cameron's Rye Pale Ale
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Beau's 33 1/3 Barrel Aged (rum and bourbon)
-Wellington Kicking Back IPA
-Wellington Country Dark
-Wellington Fresh Off the Wire
-Highlander Scottish Ale 5.4%, +334375 LCBO
-Collective Arts Stash Blond Ale 5%
-Cameron's Auburn
-Cameron's Dry Hopped
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-The Collingwood Vintage 2015 6.9%
-The Collingwood ESB Ale 5.8%
-Side Launch Brewing Dunkelbach 5.8% (Flemish)
-Sawdust City Brewing Co 1606 Oatmeal Stout (oak barrels)
-Sawdust City Brewing Co Saison
-Double Trouble Brewing Fire in the Rye 6.5%
-Double Trouble Brewing Hops & Robber
-Double Trouble Brewing Coffin Stout
-Black Oak Red Eye Coffee IPA 7.5%
-Black Oak Nut Brown 6%
 
The Food: there were good varieties and portions, sold at $5 each. I had a fried red snapper taco that was mildly spiced (they had to play to the masses). Other meats were available, such as sliders, steaks, chicken, guacamole, and the like.
The Downside: few places to rinse and even fewer to spit. I ended up carrying a spittoon.
The Upside: a good chance to taste a wide variety of craft beers.
The Contact Person: katie@drinkinc.ca and www.beerexperience.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Friday, October 9, 2015

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 
 
1.Don Sebastiani Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 California, +55517, $14.95: dark in the glass, aroma of mocha and cherries which follow through on the palate with more black fruit and black currants, ending in that ripe soft California style. 13.5% ABV, twist-off top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
2.Don Sebastiani Smoking Loon Old Vines Zinfandel 2012 California, +272393, $14.95: again, dark and dense in the glass, aromas of dried fruit and plums, follow through on palate with dark mocha tones and dried berries. Some oak is noticeable. 14% ABV, twist-off top. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
 
3.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir "Droit" 2012 St. David's Bench Vineyard VQA St. David's Bench, +582263 Vintages, $16.95: medium-bodied, suggestive of Beaujolais grand cru wines such as Morgon or Moulin a Vent in its capacity for ageing. Dark cherry-berry flavours dominate, but there is added spicing and even some nuances of smokey earth and eucalyptus, although the wine is unoaked. Cork finish. Good with BBQ, cheese, or something substantial, but some tannic structure is present to carry through a whole meal. 13% ABV. National Wine Award Platinum 2015 winner. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
 
4.Chateau des Charmes Vidal Icewine 2014 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, +565861, $25.95 for 200 mL: a compact icewine with apricot as the defining aroma and flavour, followed by honeyed tones. Ready now, but should be aged – but then it will taste different and, in my opinion, taste better with some marmalade tones. 9% ABV. Perfect for gifting (comes in a handsome box) at that sweet point. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
 
5.DiProfio Wines Hard Fought Pinot Noir 2012 Hughes Vineyards VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.95, LCBO TBD: from a sustainable vineyard with low yielding vines, with BF and BA in French oak (20 months). Typical Ontario cranberry tartness, a bit on the lighter high acid style, evolving with some complexity on the mid-palate to show cherry-berry fruit with underbrush overtones (great phrase). Long finish, good for food. Euro style, of course.12.5% ABV, fresh all round, needs another year. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
6. Iroquois Shore Estates Ambria Riesling Dessert Wine Vin de Cure 2010 Hughes Vineyard VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, $24.95 for 200 mL, LCBO TBD: Vin de Cure is made from partially dried grapes, and in this case, made from grape bunches cut BEFORE freezing and then allowed to freeze in the netting. The result is wine made from dessicated grapes that have been  preserved by the freezing process. The alcohol here is a bruising but natural 15.1% ABV, but the sweetness doesn't make you realize it. Fermented in 60 litre French oak casks and then aged over 5 years, and sold as a veritable bargain – considering the time and investment in production of these 960 bottles. Very intense bitter almond tones for the peach and apricot fruit expressed by the riesling grape, with marmalade and butterscotch notes from the aging process. A delight. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
7.Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2011 Umbria, $20.95, +372458 Vintages: still youthful and fresh, a sangiovese blend (60% sangiovese, 25% merlot, 15% sagrantino) from Umbria's Montefalco region. Exhibits pepper with a cherry finish, long length for food (something hearty and saucy: a stew). Some aging on the mid-palate showing tones of underbrush and prunes. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Thursday, October 8, 2015

The Event: Taste Canada 2015 Food Writing Awards Gala Fundraiser September 21

The Date and Time: Monday, September 21, 2015   5:30 PM to 10PM
The Event: Taste Canada 2015 Food Writing Awards Gala Fundraiser
The Venue: Arcadian Court
The Target Audience: publishers and authors, food writers
The Availability/Catalogue: There are four categories for both English and French language books, with 67 submissions this year. The English language winners were:
 
-Culinary Narratives Award went to "Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen: unveiling the rituals, traditions, and food of the Hutterite culture" (Penguin Canada Books), by Mary-Ann Kirkby.
 
-General Cookbooks Award went to "Family Meals"  (Penguin Canada Books), by Michael Smith.
 
-Regional & Cultural Cookbooks Award went to "The SoBo Cookbook: recipes from the Tofino Restaurant at the end of the Canadian road" (Appetite by Random House), by Lisa Ahier.
 
-Single-Subject Cookbooks Award went to "Duchess Bake Shop" (Duchess Bake Shop), by Giselle Courteau.
 
The Quote/Background: Ricardo and Vikram Vij announced which of the shortlisted cookbook authors captured gold as they both played hosts. In addition to honouring cookbooks both past and present, Taste Canada also awarded the winners of their student cooking competition, Taste Canada Cooks the Books (won by Pius Culinary Institute in Montreal), and 2015 Blog Posts, and honoured inductee Rose Murray to the Hall of Fame (as well as Nellie Lyle Pattinson who wrote the "Canadian Cook Book" in 1923). After the ceremony, we sampled delicious dishes at a reception hosted by Toronto chefs and restaurants. This was a unique opportunity to meet authors, mingle with industry leaders, and with fellow food writers.
 
The Wines (Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc) were donated by Niagara College Teaching Winery.  At the reception, breads were donated by Fred's Bread and cheese by Cheese Boutique. Healthy Cruch Company also provided samples of kale snacks.
 
The Gala Reception had great food prepared by the following chefs –
 
-Chef Martin Kouprie (Pangaea) did a tea-smoked partridge breast and sausage, swiss chard, brussel sprout leaf, barley risotto, pickled wild blueberry dish (my FAVE of the evening).
-Chef Joshua Dyer (EPIC, Fairmont Royal York Hotel) did a chicken-fried sweetbread with Ontario blue cheese.
-Chef Matt Dean Pettit (Rock Lobster) did a lobster bisque and PEI oysters.
-Chef Michael Robertson (Oliver & Bonacini) did a smoked Ontario lamb and preserved peach slider.
-Chef Vanessa Yeung (Aphrodite Cooks) did a steamed pork dumpling with broth.
-Chef Tawfik Shehata (Toronto International Centre) did a lentil and pumpkin tart.
-Chef Dufflet Rosenberg (Dufflet Pastries) did lemon buttercream squares and tiramisu squares.
-Chef Matt Basile (Fidel Gastro's) did a BLT lettuce wrap with smoked pork belly, hoisin tomato sauce, and pickled pig skin.
-Chef Ted Reader did pork belly, pork tenderloin pastrami, barley feta, and smoked cheddar.
-Chef Sergio Shidomi (Master Chocolatier) did five chocolate bonbons (passion fruit and lavender, mandarin and campari, peach and vanilla, blueberry and yogurt, cherry and pistachio)
 
The Contact Person: saskia@cravepr.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89.
 
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

The Event: Annual Tasting of Imported Sparkling Wines by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. Sept 21

The Date and Time:  Monday, September 21, 2015   10:30AM to 1:30 PM
The Event: Annual Tasting of Imported Sparkling Wines by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
The Venue: Quebec Avenue Meeting Place
The Target Audience: members of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO, some are by consignment, others by private order only. Our thanks to the many suppliers who contributed samples for our tasting.
The Quote/Background: This year there were far too many sparkling wines to taste in one go, so we divided them up into Imports and Domestics. We just tasted the imports this time; the domestics will be tasted in two weeks.
The Wines: All wines were chilled and corks popped at the same time. Members went through at their own pace, filing notes individually (this was not a competition nor a judging). What follows are my own scores from tasting the wines, and reflect my own opinions. [J. de Telmont,O.R. 1735 - Brut,2004,$186,+107069,100% Chardonnay – was badly corked]
 
My personal FAVE, best overall score of 96: Domaine Legras et Haas,Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut,NV,$79.95, 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru Selection Parcellaire. cyndi@melleceywinegroup.com
My FAVE for the price was Trapiche,2014,Trapiche Extra Brut,$11.95,+262261.
 
Wines are rated generally within a range but NOT ranked within.
 
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-NINO FRANCO,Grave di Stecca,2011,$39.95,+422758,100% Gerla
-Louis Roederer,Roederer Estate Rose,NV,$42.95,+479758,Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
-J. de Telmont,Cuveé Sans Soufré - Brut,NV,$123.86,+107036,100% Chardonnay [from www.espritduvin.ca]
-Fowles Wines,Stone Dwellers Sparkling,NV,$19.95,+43074,Chard/Pinot Noir
-Champagne Tarlant,Reserve Brut,NV,$42.40,+325167,"1/3 Chardonnay, 1/3 Pinot Meunier, 1/3 Pinot Noir"
-Champagne Henriot,NV,Champagne Brut Souverain, $69.95,+944206
-Louis Roederer,Brut Premier,NV,$69.95,+268771,Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay
-Champagne Taittinger,Brut Reserve ,NV $59.95,+365312,"Pinot Noir, Chardonnay"
-Laurent-Perrier,Cuvée Rosé Brut,NV,$99.95,+158550,Pinot Noir
-Perrier Jouet,NV Grand Brut,$67.95,+155341
-LOIRE VINS DOMAINE Chateau D'Eternes, Saumur Brut $14.95,+429696,Chardonnay
-Domaine Legras et Haas,Champagne Tradition,NV,$64.95 50% Chardonnay 25% Pinot Meunier 25% Pinot Noir
-Domaine Legras et Haas,Grand Cru Blanc de Blanc,NV,$74.95 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru
-Domaine Legras et Haas,Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru Millesime 2008 $91.95 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru Selection Parcellaire
-Domaine Legras et Haas,Champagne Rosé,NV,$70.95 50% Chardonnay 25% Pinot Meunier 25% Pinot Noir
-NINO FRANCO,Vigneto della Riva di San Floriano DOCG,2014,$27.95 100% Gerla
-NINO FRANCO,BRUT Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG,NV,$21.95,+349662,100% Gerla
 
 
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Jansz Premium Rose,NV,$32.95,+142421,
-Villa Maria,2014,Villa Maria Lightly Sparkling,$17.95,+429969
-Soc.Agr.D'Aione s.r.l.,,TUBOLLE Brut,$29.95,+688118
-Ruffino Prosecco,NV 100% Glera
-Barone Pizzini,n/v,Franciacorta,$29.95,+422691
-J. de Telmont,Grand Couronnement - Brut,2002,$136.87,+107051,100% Chardonnay
-Henkell Trocken Rose,NV,$14.95,+203125,Select Classic Varietals
-J. de Telmont,Grand Rosé,NV,$62.63,+107077,85% Chardonnay
-Antech Limoux,Antech Expression Brut Cremant de Limoux,2012,$19.95,+68239,"Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac"
-Louis Roederer,Roederer Estate Brut,NV,$29.95,+294181,Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
-Trapiche,n/v Extravaganza $17.95,+424838
-Freixenet Sonoma Caves,n/v,Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut,$33.95,+192898
-Freixenet Sonoma Caves,n/v,Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs,$33.95,+925735
-Freixenet Sonoma Caves,n/v,Goria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs,$33.95,+223792
-Aimery Sieur d'Arques,n/v,Grande Cuvee 1531 Cremant Blanc,$17.95,+428086
-J. de Telmont,Grand Réserve Champagne - Brut,NV,$53,+107028,33% Chardonnay
-Delegat Limited,NV,Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut,$21.95,+163634
-J. de Telmont,Grand Vintage - Brut,2005,$67.44,+107044,40% Chardonnay
-Domaine René Meyer,Crémant D'Alsace - Brut,2013,$24.67,+935733,60% Chardonnay
-Domaine Deliance,Cremant Brut Reserve,NV,$29.95 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir/Prunes
-J. de Telmont,Grand Blanc de Blancs - Brut,2007,$67.44,+107093,100% Chardonnay
-Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte,Brut ,NV,$49.95,+537605,"20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier"
-G.H Mumm ,Non Vintage,Mumm Cordon Rouge $64.95,+308056
-Lanson Black Label Brut,NV,$54.95,+215962,"50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier "
-Codorniu Raventos,NV,Seleccion Raventos Rosé Cava,$15.95,+370080
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-KWV Cathedral Cellar Brut 2010,$16.95,+296426
-Wolf Blass Gold Label Chardonnay Pinot Noir,2012,$21.95,+606285, Chardonnay,Pinot Noir
-Jacob's Creek Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvee,$14.95,+210633
-Kim Crawford Fizz,2009,$29.95,+381236,60% Pinot Noir and 40%  Chardonnay
-Delegat Limited,NV,Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Rosé,$21.95,+280172
-Yellow Tail NV Bubbles,$13.95,+229047
-Yellow Tail Bubbles Rose,$13.95,+229039
-Bottega,Il Vino dei Poeti Rosé Brut,NV,$13.45,+277202,"60% Raboso, 40% Pinot Noir"
-Henkell Trocken,NV,$14.95,+122689,Select Classic Varietals
-Sichel Sohne, Blue Nun 22K Gold Sparkling,$14.95,+425199,
-Codorniu Raventos,NV,Clasico,$13.95,+215814
-Henkell (Spain),Cavas Hill,NV,$13.20,+370866,50% Xarel-lo, 35% Macabeo, 15% Parellada
-Segura Viudas Reserva,$14.95,+216960
-Gonzalez Byass,NV,Vilarnau Brut Reserva,$17.95,+134683
-Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut Cava,N/V,$12.95,+216887,33% Parellada 33% Macabeo 33% Xarel.lo
-Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava,N/V,$13.95,+216945,40% Parellada 35% Macabeo 25% Xarel.lo
-Ca'del Bosco,Cuvee Prestige,NV,$39.95,+105353,"75% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco, 15% Pinot Nero"
-Villa Sandi,Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Treviso Spumante,NV,$13.95,+394387,100% Glera
-Domaine de Mouscaillo,AOP Crémant de Limoux,NV,$25.14,+938703,70% Chardonnay
-Santa Margherita Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC Brut,NV,$18.95,+687582,100% Glera
-Domaine Deliance,Cremant Rosé,NV,$32.95 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir/Red Wine
-Cono Sur,Sparkling Pinot Noir Rose,NV,$13.95,+365205,Pinot Noir 100%
-LaCheteau,Chateau de Montgueret Cremant de Loire,NV,$19.95,+217760,"Chenin, Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc"
-La Gioiosa Prosecco DOC Treviso ,NV,$14.95,+789263
-La Marca Prosecco,NV,$17.95,+298987,Glera
-Riolite Vini,David Rocco's Dolce vita Prosecco,N/V,$14.95,+385906,100% Glera
-Luce Della Vite,Danzante Prosecco,NV,$14.95,+288910,Prosecco 100%
-Bottega,Il Vino dei Poeti Prosecco D.O.C.,NV,$13.95,+897702,Glera/Prosecco
-Colli Vicentini,Prosecco DOC Vescovi $13.95,,Glera
-PIERA MARTELLOZZO S.P.A.,Blu Giovello Prosecco,$13.95,+85316,Glera
-BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE $19.95,+53215,Glera
-Henkell,Mionetto Il Prosecco,NV,$13.95,+588053,100% Glera
-Henkell,Mionetto Treviso DOC,NV,$17.95,+266023,100% Glera
 
The Food: bread and water
The Contact Person:  deantudor@yahoo.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com