Maynard's Port Encyclopedia, vol. II, $54.95, +464917 LCBO Gift Purchase:

Maynard's Port Encyclopedia, vol. II, $54.95, +464917 LCBO Gift Purchase: this is a great introduction for tasting port, a sort-of tutorial. And very useful for a Christmas gift at that price range. Here are six of the Barão de Vilar's fine Ports for this sampling set. They have been in the business of port for 16 generations; the LBV concept was originated by them in 1954. The six tubes are 60 mL each: 12 ounces in total. Just perfect for 2 – 3 persons, say about $18 each. There are notes on the inside of the box (which looks like a book), and if you want more, there is always Wikipedia. The first three may not seem much like a bargain (white, ruby, LBV 2012) but the latter three are bargains in this context (10-, 20, 30-year old tawnies). There are tasting notes provided (the tawnies regularly get over 90 points just about everywhere) as well as suggested pairings with food. Unfortunately, the food pairings are difficult since the quantity of wine is so small: by the time a couple have tasted and enjoyed the ports, there is little left but the aromas. But it is worth a shot if you go at it alone. One suggestion: the package will cost a bit more, but it may be appropriate to just keep the ports on the dark side by dropping the white port and adding a colheita after the LBV, a sort-of comparison with the tawnies. White ports are about $17 a full bottle, colheitas are twice that. My fave, of course, was the 20-year old tawny, with its complicated nose. nuttiness, and dried fruit tones on the palate. Quality/Price rating of the package is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Client Celebration of Presidential Gourmet Catering with the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, November 23, 2016  6PM to 9 PM

The Event: Client Celebration of Presidential Gourmet Catering with the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Venue: ROM, Age of Dinosaurs Gallery

The Target Audience: food and wine event planners and media.

The Availability/Catalogue:

The Quote/Background: PG Catering does corporate events, weddings, home and office parties, with about 30 venues that they are associates (including the Ontario Science Centre, the ROM, Roy Thomson Hall, et al). They have a wide-range of sustainable menus for all their events. Some of what they can do were on display tonight. Their new Exec Chef Jay Suppiah provided a new menu, which began with hors d'oeuvre in motion followed by food stations and a dessert display table. This food preview showcase was complemented by a good upscale range of Canadian wines. For more details see www.presidentialgourmet.ca

The Wines: These were pretty impressive wines for a media/preview gathering.

 

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

-Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut Rose NV  VQA

-Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 2013 VQA

 

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

-Thirty Bench Riesling Winemakers Blend 2015 VQA

-Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 BCVQA

 

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

-G. Marquis The Silver Line Pinot Noir 2015 VQA

 

The Food: this is what we were here for...THE MENU !!

 

"Hors d'oeuvre in Motion"

 

-Pork Belly Mini Sliders (braised pork belly and pineapple slaw sandwiched between Polynesian style pineapple buns: a meal in themselves!)

-Portobello Poke (Portobello mushroom on top of a taro chip with togarashi cream)

-Huili Huili Chicken (chicken, ginger, soy, garlic, mustard and sherry

served in a crispy spice wonton taco: my absolutely fave dishes of the night)

-Shrimp 'n' Grits (Creole spice, coffee and micro cilantro served on a spoon: grits were more like polenta)

 

Food Stations

 

-Japanese Sujuki Market (chicken katsu, sushi rice, scallions, sesame seeds, nori

Vegetarian option: braised Japanese eggplant) – took some time to build, so there was a line-up.

-Maple-Candied Muskoka Trout (smoked cucumber, citrus segments, fennel slaw, cocoa-vanilla vinaigrette: great flavours_

-Deconstructed Beef Wellington (truffle jus, King Oyster mushroom, roasted Brussels sprouts: I'm not a fan of beef or of Brussels sprouts, but this won me over)

 

Dessert Display (I try to stay away from sugar, but could not resist the red velvet and the verrine. My wife Ann helped me out on this one.)

 

-Petit Gateau

-Vanilla Yogurt Mousse with Maple Fudge and Strawberry Gelee Center

-Dark Chocolate Mousse with Cherry Ganache Center

-Matcha Tea Mousse with Yuzu Mousse Center

-Carrot-Walnut Cake with Buttermilk Glaze

-Red Velvet Cake Pops with Cream Cheese Icing

-Orange Chocolate Layer Cake

-Verrine (buttermilk panna cotta, plum gelee, almond tuile)

-Tartelettes (citrus pate sucree, orange pastry cream, fresh fruit)

-Mendiant (chocolate pate sucree, gianduja ganache, toasted pecan, candied lemon peel)

-Eclaire (butterscotch pastry cream with glazed marzipan)

-Macarons, Chocolate and Spekuloos

-Chocolate Mint Truffle

-Guava Pate de Fruit

-Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bon Bon

-Passion Fruit Marshmallow

-Montelimar Square

The Downside: I wished I had a larger appetite and could eat some of the desserts.

The Upside: a chance to also see the famed Dale Chihuly glass exhibit of 11 installations.

The Contact Person: ruth@thesirengroup.com; rick@presidentialgourmet.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy: 21ST Anniversary

The Date and Time: Monday, October 31, 2016  9:30AM – 4PM  [WRITTEN NOVEMBER 10]

The Event: A Tasting of Wines from Italy: 21 years.

The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall Lobbies

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: The catalogue was for all of Canada, so Vancouver and Calgary along with Montreal were also included. Not all wines were offered for tasting in all locations, so we had to pay attention to the small print as to which wine was where. We had to stay sober as well...Otherwise, there was detail on grape varieties and names of agents and others. Prices were lacking, but we just had to ask. Of course, not everybody knew their own prices – which was a marketing shame...Most wines were seemingly private orders, or perhaps consignment and a few in Vintages. Some wines would be available next year (2017) at the LCBO.

The Quote/Background: Nobody had a firm grip on the numbers of different wines. Some wines never showed up, others were substituted, some were completely new, and vintages varied. Once again, many tables could not pin down even an estimated price. There were many tables of wines with wineries looking for an agent. I could not in all good conscience taste and review these when there were so many other wines in the room that are already here in Ontario and needed to be tasted.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine – WHO COULD IN FOUR HOURS ??? I concentrated only on the oldest reds I could find.

 

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

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2011, $75 Profile

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2010 n/a Profile

-Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell'annunziata 2008 $175 Profile

-Bersano Barolo Riserva 2007, $74  Profile

-Camperchi Toscana IGT Sangiovese 2008, $30  United Stars Corp

-Casetta Flli Barolo Riserva La Serra 2010, $60   Signature

-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2011, $75   Colio Estate

-Gerardo Cesari Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Il Bosco 2010, $73.95  Profile

-Gussalli Beretta Franciacorta Cuvee 7 Lo Sparviere, $29.95  Eurovintage

-Cantine Petrosino Terre Siciliane IGP Saluq Shiraz 2012, 7.50E  AMV-Whiz Trading

-Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Fizzano 2013, $35.95  Profile

-San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2013, $38  Groupe Soleil

-Statti Mantonico IGT Calabria Bianco 2014, $20 Majestic

-Tenute Piccini Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Fattoria di Valiano 2010, $29  Wine Lovers

-Togni Rocca dei Forti Cuvee Asti, $12.95   Dionysus

-Torraccia di Presura Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010, $69  The Vine Agency

 

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

-Barone Mantalto Viognier Collezione di Familiglia 2015 Terre Siciliane, +435479, $15.95 Feb 4/17 Vintages

-Cusumano Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2015, $22.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Marchesi Mazzei ChiantiClassico GranSelezione Castello Fonterutoli 2011,$54.95 Profile

-Monte del Fra Bianco di Custoza Ca del Magro 2014, $25  Signature

-Cantine Petrosino Terre Siciliane IGP Brezza Mediterranea 2015, 4.90E AMV-Whiz Trading

-Statti Greco IGT Calabria Bianco 2015, $17 Majestic

-Togni Gran Casale Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2013, $21  Dionysus

-Togni Casalfarneto Anfora Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2015, $14.95 Dionysus

-Torrevento Matervitae Fiano Puglia 2015, $14.95  Majestic

-Ca'Tullio Friuli Aquileia Viola Traminer Aromatico 2015, $18  Signature

-Fazio Erice Pietrasacra 2010 Nero d'Avola, $55.95   Profile

 

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

-Amastuola Salento IGP Bianco 2015, $16  Majestic

-Cusumano Sicilia Shamaris 2015, $14.95   Family Wine Merchants

-Cantine Ermes Sicilia IGT Tenute Orestiadi Ludovico 2009, $19.95  Charton Hobbs

-Feudo Disisa IGT Terre Siciliane Tornamira 2012, $35   Vintage Trade

-Monteci Lugana 2015, $24.95  The Case for Wine

-Statti Lamezia Bianco 2015, $16 Majestic

 

The Food: Cibo Wine Bar did the food very well: some cheeses, meat platters, dried fruit, breads, pasta, olives, arancini, creamy gorgonzola, pickles.

The Downside: for the first time ever I missed the seminar, with John Szabo and some great wines from Puglia.

The Upside: I had a chance to taste some fine wines in the walkabout.

The Contact Person: p.titone@ice.it

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tasting hosted by Rodolfo Opi Sadler, winemaker at Mascota Vineyards (Mendoza, Argentina)

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 26, 2016   Noon to 2PM

The Event: Tasting hosted by Rodolfo Opi Sadler, winemaker at Mascota Vineyards (Mendoza, Argentina)

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill Kitchen, Scrivener Square

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: three wines are at the LCBO, as noted below.

The Quote/Background: "Opi" spoke to the wines as we tasted them. Most of the wines are aged in all French barrels, with a few in US and French oak. The winery was proclaimed "Argentine Wine Producer of the Year 2014" by the IWSC. Not tasted were the La Mascota Cabernet Franc and Shiraz (lined price at $13.95).

The Wines:

 

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

-La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, +292110 LCBO   14%ABV

-Mascota Big Bat Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $70   14%  TBD

 

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

-La Mascota Extra Brut Trad. Meth. 2013, $19.95 [100% pinot noir]   TBD

-Mascota Opi Chardonnay 2015, $10.95  13.5%ABV TBD

-Gran Mascota Malbec 2012, $23.95  +443333  15%ABV

-Mascota Unanime 2011, $29.95 +466938  60%CabSauv/25Malbec/15CabFr

 

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

-La Mascota Malbec 2014, $13.95   TBD  14%ABV

 

The Food: appetizer platters of parilla (beef ribs, steak, sausage, mango salsa), white sandwiches, empanadas de carne.

The Downside: the winemaker was tied up in traffic, so we had a red and a white wine and the food first, followed by his arrival and discussion.

The Upside: a chance to pair Argentine food with Argentine wine.

The Contact Person: catherine@catchcom.ca; joyce.phillips-nitsos@mondiaalliance.ca; marika.synnett@mondiaalliance.ca.

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 26, 2016.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  November 26, 2016.

=======================================================================

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.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 http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.

 

So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines.

 

This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at    http://www.deantudor.com

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS --

 

UNDER $20 --

Chateau Roc de Levraut 2014 Bordeaux Superieur, +468280, $13.95,  13.% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

Cathedral Cellars Chardonnay 2014 WO Western Cape, +328559, $16.95,13.5 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.

 

OVER $20 --

Weinert Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Mendoza, +656363, $25.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 94

Balbas Reserva 2005 Ribera del Duero, +85183, $22.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

 

20 under $20

=========

R-Montebuena Cuvee KPF 2014 Rioja, +211029, $15.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Koyle Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Colchagua Valley, +256073, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Rotllan Torra 2011 Priorat, +267989, $19.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Castano Solanera Vinas Viejas 2013 Yecla, +276162, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90+

R-Robert Oatley Signature Series Shiraz 2014, +327387, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Colle Vecchio Offida Pecorino 2013, +414011, $16.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Xavier 100% Cotes du Rhone 2012, +437079, $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Famille Ternynck Sur Calcaire Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2015, +470930,  $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Quinta de Curvos Afectus Alvarinho 2015 Vinho Verde,+471276, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Borsao Bole 2013 Campo de Borja, +471565, $15.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Pinot Gris 2014 Alsace, $17.95, +641597, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+

R-Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir La Clape Syrah/Carignan/Mourvedre 2013, +370262, $18.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +256552, $18.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Peninsula Ridge Beal Vineyard reserve Merlot 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +257311, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Columbia CrestH3 Les Chevaux Red Blend 2012, +287425, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Santa Julia Magna 2014 Mendoza, +93799, $15.95, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+

R-Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2011, +234997, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

 

20 over $20

=========

R-Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2013, +24190, $84.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Shafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Stag's Leap District Napa, +45476, $139.95, 15.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Domaines Schlumberger Kessler Riesling Alsace, +61176, $27.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 BCVQA Okanagan, +73098, $44.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau Griviere 2011 Medoc, +469783, $23.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Bodegas LAN Crianza 2012 Rioja, +424531, $29.95 MAGNUM, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Shiraz  2012, +433060, $22.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.

W-Rodney Strong Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2014, +465724, $29.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Cotes de Lechet Chablis 1er Cru 2003, +470435,  $51.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90.

R-M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Occultum Lapidem 2014 MAGNUM, +474957, $55.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Baron de Ley Reserva 2010 Rioja, +958868, $21.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89+

R-Ruffino Modus 2013 IGT Toscana, +412379, $69.95 MAGNUM, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Michele Castellani CinqueStelle Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +75127, $56.95, 15.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R-Donna Olimpia 1898 2013 Bolgheri, +163857, $32.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012, +356220,  $49.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Ceppaiano Violetta 2010 IGT Toscana, +474627, $22.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino 2009, +474734, $49.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Muriel Gran Reserva 2007 Rioja, +984187, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot 2010 VQA Short hills Bench, +616433m 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W-Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Riesling 2013 VQA Short Hills Bench, +643361, $24.95, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Stratus Petit Verdot 2012 VAQ Niagara-On-The-Lake, +142638, $38.20, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R-Versado Reserva Ancient Malbec 2012 Mendoza, $59.95, 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-2027 Cellars Aberdeen Road Vineyard Chardonnay 2013, +472241, $30, % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Tawse Estate Chardonnay 2012 VQA Twenty Mile Bench, +344804, $38.40, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

The Event: Discover the Somewhereness Wines of Ontario

The Date and Time: Monday, October 24, 2016  1:30PM – 5 PM

The Event: Discover the Somewhereness Wines of Ontario

The Venue: St. James Cathedral Centre

The Target Audience: wine media and trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the LCBO or at the winery.

The Quote/Background: There are now 12 members of Somewhereness, mostly in Niagara, and they subscribe to a sense of place (the Lake Ontario effect), the ancient soils, the quality of the premium wines, and a sens of stewardship towards the conditioning of the earth. They grow site-specific wines in small lots. All the wineries are family owned. It began in 2007 with five wineries. John Szabo led a seminar of some 12 Niagara wines, a mix of contemporary and older vintages for Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. These have been folded in below.

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. All prices are retail; all wines are VQA.

 

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

-Bachelder Niagara Wismer Wingfield #1 Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2013, $44.95

-Bachelder Niagara Wismer Foxcroft #2 Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2013, $44.95

-Cave Spring Cellars Blanc de Blancs CSV 2008 Beamsville Bench, $39.95

-Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2014 Beamsville Bench, $29.95

-Cave Spring Cellars Riesling CSV 2010 Beamsville Bench [Winery Library]

-Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 Vinemount Ridge, $35

-Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula, $45

-Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir La Grande Reserve 2013 Niagara Peninsula, $60

-Flat Rock Nadja's Vineyard Riesling Twenty Mile Bench 2009 [Winery library]

-Flat Rock Riddled Traditional Method Sparkling Twenty Mile Bench 2010, $29.95

-Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay Twenty Mile Bench 2012, $24.95

-Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay Beamsville Bench 2013, $29.75

-Hidden Bench Estate Nuit Blanche Beamsville Bench 2014, $40

-Malivoire Bisous NV Brut Beamsville Bench, $29.95

-Norman Hardie Cuvee de Roche 2014 VQA Ontario [blend of Niagara and PEC]  Winery

-Norman Hardie Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2009  [winery library]

-Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Wild Ferment Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2012, $34.95

-Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2013, $49.95

-Southbrook Poetica Chardonnay Four Mile Creek 2009, [winery library]

-Southbrook Estate Grown Small Lot Witness Block Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc Four Mile Creek 2013, $39.95

-Stratus White NOTL 2013, $38

-Stratus Red NOTL 2012, $44

-Tawse Quarry Road Vineyard Riesling Vinemount Ridge 2014, $23.95

-Tawse Limestone Ridge Sparkling Riesling 2014 Twenty Mile Bench, $19.95

 

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

-13th Street Winery Cuvee Rose NV Niagara, $27.95

-13th Street Winery Viognier 2015 Niagara, $19.95

-Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay Mineralite 2013, $44.95

-Bachelder Niagara Lowrey Pinot Noir St. David's Bench 2013, $44.95 

-Bachelder Niagara Wismer Parke Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2014, $34.95 

-Bachelder Niagara Parfum Pinot Noir 2014, $26.10 

-Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV 2013 Beamsville Bench, $29.95

-Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Estate 2014 Beamsville Bench, $39.95

-Charles Baker Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2015 Twenty Mile Bench, $27

-Domaine Queylus Merlot Cabernet Franc La Grande Reserve 2012 Niagara Peninsula, $49.95

-Flat Rock Gravity Pinot Noir Twenty Mile Bench 2012, $29.95

-Malivoire Mottiar Pinot Noir Beamsville Bench 2013, $34.95

-Malivoire Small Lot Pinot Noir Beamsville Bench 2014, $29.95

-Norman Hardie Chardonnay Niagara Peninsula 2014, $39

 

The Food: three dense cheeses from Monforte (cow and goat), a variety of local cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, terrific sliced salmon from the Fat Chance Cold Smoked Salmon Company, sliced bread from de le terrs bakery, and wonderful salumi from Paganelli (boar sausage, local prosciutto, etc.)

The Downside: the seminar went on too long (it ran over by an hour) and I had to leave early to catch the trade show.

The Upside: great to keep in touch with some of the leading wines of Ontario.

The Contact Person: trisha@dorianandassociates.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Istituto Grandi Marchi tasting of fine Italian wines., in Toronto

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 18, 2016  2PM to 5PM

The Event: Istituto Grandi Marchi tasting of fine Italian wines.

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: media, sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: many of the wines are available by consignment, others are in the LCBO distribution, others are private order – the usual mixed bag! All wineries have Ontario agents.

The Quote/Background: The Grandi Marchi is made up of 19 Italian wine families concentrating on fine wines for 25 years or more. They have their own estates and are industry leaders.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine, and prices may not be exact, if at all.

 

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

-Alois Lageder Gewurztraminer Alto Adige 2015, $26.95

-Alois Lageder Cor Romigberg Cabernet Sauvignon Alto Adige 2011, $65 [Demeter]

-Donnafugata Mille e una Notte Rosso Sicilia IGT 2011, $89

-Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria DOC 2014, $45 half-bottle.

-Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2011, $85

-Gaja Barbaresco 2013, $279

-Masi Mazzano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011

-Michele Chiarlo Nivole Moscato d'Asti 2015, $19

-Pio Cesare Chardonnay L'Altro Piemonte 2015, $29.95

-Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2013

-Umani Ronchi Cumaro Conero Riserva 2011, $30

 

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

-Tenuta San Guido Guialberto Toscana IGT 2014

-Alois Lageder Lowengang Chardonnay Alto Adige 2011, $49.95 [Demeter]

-Folonari Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana IGT 2013, $45

-Folonari Campo al Mare Bolgheri DOC 2014, $30

-Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2015, $18

-Carpene Malvolti 1868 Extra Dry Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore NV

-Donnafugata Tancredi Rosso Sicilia IGT 2011, $44.95

-Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe 2014, $65

-Jermann Chardonnay Venezia Giulia IGT 2015, $36

-Lungarotti Montefalco Sagrantino 2010, $44.95

-Lungarotti Vigna Monticchio Torgiano Rosso Riserva 2009, $45.95

-Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Riserva 2009, $52.95

 

The Food: Daniel & Daniel caterers provided cheeses, salumi platters, breads, fresh and dried fruits.

The Contact Person: igmtoronto@gmail.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Gourmet Food and Wine Expo 2016

The Date and Time:  Thursday November 17, 2016  6PM to 8PM

The Event: Gourmet Food and Wine Expo 2016

The Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

The Target Audience: wine trade and VIP night

The Availability/Catalogue: the distributed handbook was very informative.

The Quote/Background: I just strolled around from booth to booth. I sampled wines here and there, I sampled draught beer. I did not do any food or any seminars.

The Wines:

 

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

-Champagne Baron-Fuente Grand Cepage Chardonnay NV Brut, +471045  $75

-Zenato Veneto Rosso Appassimento 2013 IGT, +208579, $13.20

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Crianza 2012, +233733, $27 online lcbo.com

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Reserva 2010, +233741, $37 online lcbo.com

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero MB 2011, +233709, $52 online lcbo.com

-Delhommeau Harmonie Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2013, +164264 $16.45 Vint

-Clarence-Dillon Claredelle Bordeaux 2014, +28845, $24.95 Vint

-San Esteban In Situ Reserva Syrah Aconcagua Valley 2014, +662817, $15.95 Vint

-La Madone Le Perreon Beaujolais-Villages 2014, +98115 $16.95 Vint

-Atamisque Catalpa Malbec Tupungato Mendoza 2013, +194126 $19.95 Vint

 

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

-Domaine Amirault Cremant de Loire Blanc NV Brut Biodynamic, +462606 $23

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Verdejo White 2015, +476374 $17  online lcbo.com (or the Royal York LCBO "Destination Spain" for all the Bergugo wines)

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Joven 2015, +233758, $15  online lcbo.com

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Barrica 2014, +233717, $19  online lcbo.com

-Delaunay Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2015, +391847, $14.95 Vintages

-5 Stones Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon KPM Margaret River 2015, +108001, $19.60 Vint

-Atamisque Serbal Malbec Tupungato Mendoza 2014, +444737 $16.95 Vint

-5 Stones Cabernet-Merlot 2014 KPM Margaret River, +127761, $23.95 Vint

-Domaine Courbis Rouge St Joseph 2013, +7914, $30.95 Vint

 

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

-Martin Berdugo Ribera del Duero Rosado 2014, +233691 $17  online lcbo.com

 

The Beers: I sampled Goose Beer, Railway City, Mill Street, Granville Island, and Nickle Brook. Because Mill Street and Brickworks Cider share the same ownership (and hence, booth at the show), I did their two ciders on display: Brickworks Batch 1904 (dry) and Batch 501 (less dry times two) – both excellent "Four Stars" and my house cider at home.

 

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

-Goose Beer Company IPA, 5.9% ABV,  55 IBU

-Railway City Double Dead Elephant IPA, 7.5%  90 IBU    – my FAVE of the show

-Railway City Express India Session Lager 4.8% ABV

-Mill Street West Coast IPA, 6.6% ABV   87 IBU

-Granville Island Brewing Winter Ale 5.5% ABV  more than 30 IBU

-Nickel Brook Equilibrium ESB 5.5% ABV  43 IBU

-Nickel Brook Head Stock IPA  7% ABV  80 IBU

 

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

-Goose Beer Company Honkers Ale, 4.3% ABV,  30 IBU

-Goose Beer Company Rambler, 6.7% ABV,  65 IBU

-Railway City Sweet Stout Black Coal 6% ABV

-Mill Street 100th Meridian 5% ABV  23 IBU

-Granville Island Brewing English Bay Pale Ale  5% ABV  23 IBU

-Nickel Brook Naughty Neighbour APA  4.9% ABV   38 IBU

 

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

-Railway City Cranberry Festive Lager 5.5% ABV

-Nickel Brook Cause and Effect Blonde 4.7% ABV  19 IBU

 

The Downside: there was no on-site LCBO store

The Upside: the show seemed to have better vibes this year.

The Contact Person: christopher.waters@sunmedia.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting of Charles Heidsieck Champagnes with Cyril Brun, Chef de Cave.

The Date and Time: Monday, October 17, 2016  3PM to 4:30PM

The Event: A tasting of Charles Heidsieck Champagnes with Cyril Brun, Chef de Cave.

The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: both wines are at Vintages.

The Quote/Background: M. Brun spent a great deal of time on the elaboration of the two wines plus some historical cultural materials. We were just tasting the two wines.

The Wines: Both wines would score in the low 90s, say 92-94. My own preference was for the Rose Reserve because I felt it offered more complexity than did the Brut Reserve.  The major difference is that the Brut Reserve has 40% reserve wines, while the Rose Reserve only has 20%, and thereby appears more fresh (it gets its colour from 5% red wine addition).

 

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

-Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Reserve, +36962 Vintages $69.95.

-Charles Heidsieck Champagne Rose Reserve, +409342 Vintages $74.95.

 

The Contact Person: catherine@catchcom.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (15th annual tasting)

The Date and Time:  Saturday, November 12, 2016   Noon to 4PM

The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (15th annual tasting)

The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse.

The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. Nine members had signed up.

The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages.

The Quote/Background: This was not a competition, but a tasting.

The Wines: My ratings do not include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST.

 

The Date and Time:  Saturday, November 12, 2016   Noon to 4PM

The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (15th annual tasting)

The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's clubhouse.

The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. Nine members had signed up.

The Availability/Catalogue: All these fortified wines are at the LCBO or by consignment. They include ports, sherries, vermouths, and other beverages.

The Quote/Background: This was not a competition, but a tasting.

The Wines: My ratings do not include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST.

 

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

-Gonzalez Byass    Sherry Solera 1847        $15.75     446476

-Fonseca    White Port    NV    $17.15    276816

-SYMINGTON FAMILY    Warre's OTIMA     N/V     $22.90     566174  500 mL

-Emilio Lustau    Oloroso Pata de Gallina    N/V    $39.00    471110 500 mL Hanna

-Emilio Lustau     Oloroso Don Nuno    N/V    $15.65    375105   Hanna

-Emilio Lustau    Amontillado Los Arcos    N/V    $15.35    375097  Hanna

-Gonzalez Byass    Alfonso Oloroso Seco        $20.00     954776 

-Taylor Fladgate    20-Year Old        $69.95    149047

-Graham's    20 Year Old – 500 mL         $38.50    620641

-POLI DISTILLERIE S.R.L.    Poli Amaro Vaca Moro     $37.95     662726

-FRATELLI BRANCA    Antica Formula Vermouth 1 litre $48.95 Consignment Majestic

-Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery    Ratafia    2006    Ontario $29.95

-Alvear    Fino Montilla-Morilles    NV    $12.95    112771

-Pernod SA    Byrrh Grand Quinquina     $14.90     440909

 

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

-Croft Port Late Bottled Vintage 2010

-Alvear    Medium Dry Montilla-Moriles    NV    $12.95    112789

-Sogevinus    Calem 10 Yr Old Port        $29.95     248542

-Reynac    Pineau des Charentes        $22.95    372164

-FRATELLI BRANCA DISTILLERIE    Carpano Classico    1 litre $24.80     Consignment  Majestic

-FRATELLI BRANCA DISTILLERIE    Punt E Mes    1 litre $22.55     Consignment  Majestic

-MANOEL D. POCAS JUNIOR VINHOS    LBV Port     2009     $25.95     642058

-Graham's    10 Year Old        $29.95    404012

-Gonzalez Byass    Nutty Solera, Medium Oloroso    $15.95     35204

-Taylor Fladgate    LBV 2011    2011    $18.10    46946

-Taylor Fladgate    Fine White        $15.95    69856

-Taylor Fladgate    10-Year Old        $34.95    121749

-Gonzalez Byass    Tio Pepe         $17.95     231829

-Gonzalez Byass    Cristina Medium        $20.00     196808

-Emilio Lustau    East India Solera    N/V    $24.95    342931  500 mL

 

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

-Graham's    Late Bottled Vintage    2011    $17.25    191239

-Fonseca    Port Bin 27    NV    $16.95    325506

-Gonzalez Byass    Croft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry    $15.95     73452

-Southbrook Vineyards    Whimsy! The Anniverary    ON    $29.95    

-De Sousa Seasons Reserve Port NV  Ontario

-Lakeview Cellars Orion's Belt 2006 VQA Niagara  500 mL

-Karlo Van Alstine Red 2012 PEC 500mL

 

The Food: bread, pretzels, kohlrabi, daikon radishes, unsalted almonds, water

The Contact Person:  deantudor@yahoo.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

 

The Food: bread, pretzels, kohlrabi, daikon radishes, unsalted almonds, water

The Contact Person:  deantudor@yahoo.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH [OCTOBER 2016] --

 

1.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959627, $45.95 Vintages Nov 12: a bargain wine for its price (up two bucks since the last vintage 2011), and still too young to consume unless you double-decant and drink it over a few days. Half of the wine was made in barrels, the other half in vats. A selection of the better barrels is made into a single blend after 18 months, and stored for six months before release. It will be well-aged after another 10 years. Of the 13 permitted varieties, grenache, syrah, and mourvedre are dominant, with cinsault, counoise, muscardin, and vaccarese added. Still tight but plenty of black fruits and spices. 14.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2010 Speck Family Reserve Tier VQA Short Hills Bench, +616433 Vintages, $39.95 Nov 26: made from Pelham's oldest Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot vineyards in the style of Bordeaux, from specially selected barrels for this top level. Aged in French oak for 20 months (60% new and 40% 1 year old barrels). I did enjoy this wine over a week after opening with daily tasting and decanting. Needs more aging to appreciate some nuances of the black fruit, otherwise the wine is useful now. Best with wine-braised meats such as lamb, venison or other game. 13.5% ABV, vinified by cropping and selection. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2012 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 December Vintages, $24.95: both cabernet franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (40% new) for 18 months. Currently, you could match it with heavy meats. 14% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Quinta de Curvos Afectus Alvarinho 2015 Vinho Regional Minho, +471276 Vintages Nov 26, $17.95: not a Vinho Verde with its 13% powerful ABV, but made from just one of the VV grapes – Alvarhino.  The winery uses sustainability and organic principles. Delicate flowers with under-notetones of ripe fruit, medium body but full-flavours on the finish with enough structure for food. Don't overchill. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

5.Sartori di Verona Montegradella Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2012, $17.95, +473157 Vintages December 10: this wine has aged nicely – it is 4 years old at this point. The colour is changing to brown tints but the fruit notes of black currants and black plums are now augmented by more underbrush, with a resolved fullish finish that goes extremely well with food (we had it with Persian lamb shoulder). 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Sartori di Verona Corte Bra Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009, $49.95, +225540 Vintages December 10: this wine has aged nicely (7 years now) and becomes more of a bargain at this price level. 15.5% ABV puts it in the bigger leagues. Black fruit dominates the nose and palate, lots of body, lush and luscious in a Juicy Lucy style, and a long finish. We had it with aged cheeses from Monforte (Toscano Secco). Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

7.Gerard Bertrand Cap Insula 2013 Languedoc, +474973, $17 Vintages Nov 12: another very useful and very youthful G-S-M from south of France. It is much like a baby Chateauneuf-du-Pape with the three dominant grape varieties, but it also seems more geared to the NA market with its ripe concentration of black fruit and chocolate-coffee flavours. Good value at this price. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

8.Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2014 VQA Ontario, +247882, $18.95 April 2017 Vintages: This red blend for 2014 (it can change with each release) comprises syrah (33%), cabernet franc (19%), cabernet sauvignon (14%), merlot (29%), and baco noir (5%). The latter may have resulted in a VQA Ontario designation rather than a VQA Niagara. It's all barrel aged, 65% French oak and 35% US oak for 17 months. It is substantial, reflecting the aromatics and flavour profiles of the grapes used. Cherry-berry tones, fresh spices on the finish, some spine to stand up to hearty food. Cork closure, 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

9.White Cliff Sauvignon Blanc Winemaker's selection Marlborough NZ, +610972, $14.95 General List: a very pleasant wine, with its diminished grassiness and beefed up fruit. The orchard tones are light enough for an all-purpose food/quaff wine. 12.5% ABV. Very fresh in this 2016 antipodean vintage. Quality/Price rating is 87.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

10.Henry of Pelham Estate Cuvee Catherine Blanc de Blanc Carte Blanche Brut 2011 VQA, +315200, $44.95 Nov 12 Vintages: hand-picked chardonnay from the VQA Short Hills Bench, 20% BF, fermentation in bottle followed by about 5 years lees aging. Tastes much like the leading French regional competitor. The 2011 already has 3 gold medals (2016 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships, 2016 All Canadian Wine Championships, 2016 National Wine Awards of Canada) – what more can I say? Oh, yeah this is my fave Ontario sparkler (hey, I have actually bought this wine in previous vintages). 12.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

11.Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay Organic 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +172338 Vintages $22.95: fruit is from two contracted growers (63& Saunders and 37% Laundry), all barrel fermented in French oak (2d and 3rd year barrels), lees aging one year, all vegan friendly. 12.5% ABV. Very soft and engaging, much like the 2012 in its youth, mild toast but a longish length. Showing some orchard fruit on the mid-palate. Very Burgundian in style. Best tasted in contemplation, underpriced. Do not overchill. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 4th annual 2016

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 2PM to 7PM

The Event: Mark Anthony's Portfolio Tasting, 4th annual 2016

The Venue: Arcadian Lofts

The Target Audience: wine trade, writers, sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue had been redesigned over the previous two years – it looked spectacular with all needed details such as name, year, size, price for licensees, availability, and room for notes.

The Quote/Background: 52 producers or labels were featured, some with principals.

The Wines: I did not try any beers or spirits. Overall I was most impressed with the quality of the sparkling wines. I did not sample all the table wines. Prices are licensee.

 

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

-Gunderloch Riesling Nackenheim Rothenberg Auslese 2014, $57.25

-Jean Baptiste Riesling Kabinett 2016, $19.75

-Graham's 20 Year Tawny Port 500 mL, 38.40

-Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Red Meritage 2012 VQA, $38.20

-Achaval Ferrer Finca Mirador 2013, $125.60

-Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2013, $125.60

-Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2013 $34.95

-Mission Hill Quatrain 2012, $49.95

-Santa Rita Floresta Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $20.30

-Treana Blanc 2014, $29.95

-Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95

-Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, $99.95

-Davis Bynum River West Chardonnay 2014, $32.95

-Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $99.95

-Checkmate Fool's Mate 2013 BC, $80

-Checkmate Attack Chardonnay 2013 BC, $115

-Checkmate Capture Chardonnay 2013 BC, $90

-Checkmate Queen Taken Chardonnay 2013 BC, $125

-Checkmate Little Pawn Chardonnay 2010 BC, $110

-Brumont La Tyre 2006, $129.95

-Chateau Lamarque Haut Medoc 2010, $35.50

-Lanson Gold Label Champagne Brut Millesime 2015  $90

-Lanson Rose Label Champagne Rose, $72.95

-Alois Lageder Gewurztraminer 2013, $23.95

-Cuvee Tsarine by Adriana Champagne Brut NV  $86.95

-Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2013, $199.95

-Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri 2014 $55

-Luce Della Vite 2013, $114.95

-Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone Le Poggere 2015, $10.85

 

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

-Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014, $223.95

-Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay 2014 $19.95

-Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2014 $26.95

-Nederburg Heritage Heroes Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc 2016 South Africa. $19.95

-Santa Rita Casa Real 2012, $62.95

-Santa Rita Triple C 2011, $47.95

-Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, $28.85

-Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2013, $57

-Mission Hill Oculus 2012, $89.95

-Mission Hill Compendium 2011, $56.95

-Hidden Bench Estate Chardonnay 2013 VQA, $28.95

-Tyrrell's Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 2011, $55.95

-Tyrrell's Vat 47 Hunter Valley Chardonnay 2012, $53.14

-Michael Mondavi Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2013  $59.95

-Michael Mondavi Animo Cabernet Sauvignon 2012  $129.95

-Davis Bynum Jane's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014, $39.95

-Adelsheim Elizabeth's Reserve Pinot Noir Oregon 2013, $88.95

-Simmonet Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2012 $99.95

-Simmonet Febvre Chablis 2014 $23.65

-Brotte Domaine de Barville Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2014, $47.45

-Chateau Montus Cuvee Prestige 2009 Madiran, $74.95

-Chateau Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2010 $68.95

-Alois Lageder Krafuss Pinot Nero 2014  $56.95

-Alois Lageder Porer Pinot Grigio 2014  $30.95

-Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2010 $122.05

 

The Food: delicious platters of charcuterie, smoked whitefish & salmon & octopus, international cheese, salumi, veggies and dips, olives, dried fruit, nuts, from O & B.

The Contact Person: lcatchpole@markanthony.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 12, 2016.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 12, 2016.

=======================================================================

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.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 http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.

 

So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines.

 

This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market (with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at    http://www.deantudor.com

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL SPARKLERS  --

 

-Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Blanc de Blanc 2011 Meth Trad VQA Short Hills Bench, +315200, $44.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  94.

-Cathedral Cellar Brut Sparkling 2010 Meth Trad WO Western Cape, +296426, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91.

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay 2014 VQA Short Hills Bench, +268342, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Megalomaniac Narcissist Riesling 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Stratus Wildass Sauvignon Blanc 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376814, $18.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

W-Middle Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Nelson NZ, +391987, $17.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Deetlefs Chenin Blanc 2014 WO Breedekloof, +465443, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Stratus Wildass Merlot 2014 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +376822, $18.95. 13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2013 Uco Valley Mendoza, +79798, $19.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Bisquertt La Joya Gran Reserva Syrah 2014 Colchagua Valley, +325407, $17.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Maycas de Limari Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2014 Limari, +469213, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Vina Canepa Finisimo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Marchigue Colchagua, +211920, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Parker Coonawarra Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, +467571, $19.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Gerard Bertrand Cap Insula 2013 Languedoc, +474973, $17, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  91.

W-Pillitteri Gewurztraminer 2013 VQA NOTL, +471771, $17.95, 12.4% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Chateau Vignol Blanc 2015 Entre-Deux-Mers, +108522, $14.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Thierry Delaunay Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2015, +391847, $14.95,12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Chateau Macquin 2012 Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion, +468371, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Tedeschi Capitel dei Nicalo 2014 IGT Rosso delle Venezie, +984997, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Conde de Valdemar Reserva 2009 Rioja m +947309, $19.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Otazu Premium Cuvee 2012 Navarra, +313809, $17.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Small Gully Mr. Black's Little Book Shiraz 2014 Barossa Valley, +287979, $18.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

 

20 over $20

=========

R-Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage 2012 VQA Beamsville Bench, +505610, $38, 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

W-Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, +241182, $35.20, 10.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, +959627, $45.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Marlborough, +677450, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Uco Valley Mendoza, +980334, $24.95, 15% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2008, +731620, $89.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Le Domaine Saget Pouilly-Fume 2013, +471540, $27.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Foxen Block 43 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 Santa Maria Valley California, +462770, $54.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  89.

R-Laura Catena Luca Malbec 2014 Uco Valley Mendoza, +167312, $33.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet/Shiraz 2013 South Australia, +309625, $69.95, 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Chateau Larose Perganson 2009 Haut0Medoc, +365783, $36.95, 14.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+

R-Fontanafredda Serralunga D'Alba Barolo 2011, +943290, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Rivera Il Falcone Riserva Castel del Monte 2009 Puglia, +177295, $23.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R-Antinori Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, +384552, $44.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90+

R-Le Volte Dell'Ornellaia 2014 IGT Toscana, +964221, $29.95, 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto 2014 IGT Toscana, +72439, $51.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Cave Spring CSV Riesling 2014 VQA Beamsville Bench, +566026, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Evans & Tate Metricup Road Chardonnay 2014 Margaret River, +311449, $22.95, 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Louis Moreau Vaulignot Chablis 1er Cru 2014, +525386, $36.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

R-Quintarelli Primofiore 2012 IGT Veneto, +20867, $66.95, 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com