The Event: Spring Portfolio Tasting for Galleon Wines Ontario May 2017

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 24, 2017  11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The Event: Spring Portfolio Tasting for Galleon Wines Ontario

The Venue: The 48th, One King Street West

The Target Audience: licensees and clients, wine media.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through Vintages, consignment, or by private order.

The Quote/Background: These wines come from premium, family-owned wineries in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Italy, and the New World.

The Wines:

 

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

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Prologue $58

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Rose Anthologie  $65

-Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere Brut NV Page Blanche Blanc de Blancs $79 [all 2012]

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2014 Blanc  $124.95

-Domaine Queylus Signature Pinot Noir 2014 $23.95 Exclusive licensee

-Domaine Queylus Reserve Cabernet Franc Merlot 2012  $29.34 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Tradition Cabernet Franc 2013  $20.90 licensee

-Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Rouge 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2014  $49.95

-Maison Joseph Drouhin Nuits-St-Georges 2015  $78.95

-Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015   $74.95

-Chateau Clarke Listrac-Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2010    $42.95   Vintages +503904

 

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

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Corton Grand Cru Les Hautes Mourottes 2013 Rouge $109.95

-Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Ladoix Premier Cru Les Basses Mourottes 2013 Rouge $59.95

-Domaine Queylus Tradition Pinot Noir 2014  $29.95 Vintages June 10 +392738

-Domaine Queylus Reserve Pinot Noir 2012  $37.82 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Pinot Noir 2012  $50.49 licensee

-Domaine Queylus Grande Reserve Merlot Cabernet Franc 2012  $42 licensee

-Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre Blanc 2016  $27.95

-Domaine Nathalie & Gilles Fevre Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Coillot Marsannay Les Boivins 2014  $49.95

-Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2014   $79.95

-Domaine Virginie Thunevin Bordeaux Lalande de Fronsac 2015  $24.95

-Chateau Rahoul Graves 2013   $29.95 Vintages +226043

-Chateau Le Boscq Saint-Estephe 2010   $54.95

-Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Bianco 2016  $36.95

-Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Rosso 2014  $36.95

-Poggio al Tesoro Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2012   $52.95

-Col Solare Red Mountain Washington 2013   $81.75  Vintages +20387

-Ca' del Bosco Maurizio Zanella IGT Sebrino Rosso 2012  $100

 

The Food: bread, water

The Downside: the great view east from the 48th floor left me wondering for how much longer the green visage would be there.

The Upside: A chance to converse with some principals such as Edouard Labruyere of Champagne Grand Cru JM Labruyere and Vincent Ravaut of Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut.

The Contact Person: dshing@galleonwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour Toronto May 2017

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 10, 2017  1PM - 5PM

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour Toronto

The Venue:ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was loaded with data about grape varieties and sustainability, plus of course the distribution and prices for the wines.

The Quote/Background: From the American Association of Wine Economists came some interesting figures for export by leading variety in 2016: Sauvignon Blanc 181.94 million litres, followed by Pinot Noir at 12.17 million litres, Chardonnay (6.06 million litres), and Pinot Gris (4.71).

The Wines: I attended the Pinot Noir Masterclass led by Sara d'Amato, and folded in my scores with the show itself. I did not taste every wine.

 

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

-Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noir Martinborough 2015  $35 Select

-John Forrest Collection Pinot Noir Waitaki Valley 2015  $49.95   Abcon

-Saint Clair Pioneer Block 15 Strip Block Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Lower Waihopai Valley  $34.95  PMA Canada

-Tohu Atwatere Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  $34.95  Connexion Oenophilia

-Giesen Fuder Clayvin Chardonnay Marlborough 2014  $60 Charton-Hobbs

-Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 $39.95  Connexion Oenophilia

-Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011 $49.95 +402651 Vintages Connexion Oenophilia

-Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2016  +619475 Vintages

-Nautilus Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Southern Valleys +606913  $35.95

-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $24.95  Constellation

-Saint Clair Dawn Methode Traditionnelle Marlborough 2012  $49.95  PMA Canada

-te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Wairau Valley  $29.95  Univins

-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Southern Clays Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 Wairau Valley  $59.99

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2014 Waihopai Valley +143644 Vintages $29.95

 

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

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Waihopai Valley +429308 Vintages $29.95

-Te Mania Pinot Noir Nelson 2015 $27.99  Small Winemakers

-Esk Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $24.99 Hobbs & Co

-te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Benmorven  $24.95   Univins

-Greystone Pinot Noir Waipara Valley 2015  $45  Noble Estates

-Mount Riley Limited Release Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Gibbston  $27   Kirkwood Diamond

-Akarua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Banockburn  $39.95 Vintages Pending

-Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir Wairarapa 2015  $32  Nicholas Pearce

-Sacred Hill Special Selections Helmsman Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay 2014  +175646 Vintages $59.95

-Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Chardonnay Marlborough 2014  +495010 Vintages $31.95

-Astrolabe Valleys Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley  $22.95  Rogers & Co

-Babich Black Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  +465963 Vintages $27.95

-Elephant Hill Reserve Merlot Cabernet Hawke's Bay 2013 $49.95  HHD Imports

-Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough $18.95 +734798 Vintages

-Thornbury Chardonnay 2015 Gisborne $18.95 +135322 Vintages

-Blind River Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $27.95  Wine Guru

-Blind River Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015  $32.95  Wine Guru

-Lion Huntaway Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015  $29.95  Profile

-Marisco The King's Legacy Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 +393694 Vintages $19.95

-Matua Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015  $19.25  Mark Anthony

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut Hawke's Bay NV  +163634  $21.95

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

-Sacred Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 +490326 Vintages $21.95

-Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016 Awatere Valley  $24.95 Vintages Pending

 

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

-Clos Henri Petit Clos Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 Upper Wairau Valleys  $23.99  Charton-Hobbs

-Mudhouse Single Vineyard Claom 431 Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Bendigo  $28  Mondia Alliance

-Maude Pinot Noir Central Otago 2015 Cromwell, Lowbrun and Pisa Valleys  $38  Agent?

-Elephant Hill Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014   $34.95 HHD Imports

-Forrest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2016  $22.50  Abcon

-Spy Valley Chardonnay Marlborough 2015 Southern Valleys  $22.95  Noble Estates

 

The Food: Daniel & Daniel supplied cheeses, charcuterie, breads, crackers, veggies and dips.

The Downside: we had 14 Riedel Pinot Noir glasses for the seminar; these large vessels were so close together on my tasting mat that I was nervous every time I tasted a sample.

The Upside: a good chance to see where the industry was today in its campaign for sustainability: 98% certification for all NZ wineries.

The Contact Person: info@ketchin.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Burger's Priest Confederation Burger, new on July 1, 2017, at all 15 locations!!

So – on June 22, I was welcome to partake in the media preview launch of Burger's Priest salute to the Canada 150 celebration on July 1 (they had not done this for two years).

 

On Canada Day, Burger's Priest will celebrate Canada 150 by offering a Confederation Burger dedicated to the local foods of Canada: all 15 outlets (13 in the GTA, 2 in Edmonton) starting at noon will offer the new burger until supplies run out. It's a huge creation comprised of their beef burger from locally sourced animals, a full lobster tail from Nova Scotia, maple syrup from Quebec, and bacon ham from Ontario. Talk about surf and turf! And it sells as a loss-leader for $18.67...Fries, drinks, shakes, dessert will be extra. To top it off, there's a draw for a free combo Burger's Priest once a week for a year. There are 150 draws, and they are not site-specific, so it is possible that any one location could end up with all 150 prizes.

 

I found the burger very appetizing, if a bit overwhelming in volume: you may need a doggy bag. The flavours of maple/salty bacon/lobster tail/beef really do work well together. But use both hands, and I found it best to invert the burger to better capture the juices and flavours. A high IBU Pilsner would be my suggested accompaniment, if available. For more details, try jocelynblack@live.ca

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 24, 2017.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  June 24, 2017.

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

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 --

 

+360248 FRATELLI BRANCA CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH $16.95 375 mL  16.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 94

W+302059    CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED GEWÜRZTRAMINER    Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment 2013    $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

 

 

20 under $20

=========

W+99309    LEYDA GARUMA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC    Leyda Valley        2015    $17.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+147975    GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER    IGP Pays d'Oc        2015    $14.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+246579    CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ    VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2015    $16.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+251785    SASSOREGALE SANGIOVESE    DOC Maremma Toscana        2014    $16.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+295618    CAVINO GRANDE RESERVE PDO Nemea 2009    $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+377481    LÓPEZ DE HARO CRIANZA    DOCa Rioja        2010    $14.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+382879    VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY    AC        2014    $19.95

12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+441394    KONO SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2015    $18.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+445122    SÃO MIGUEL ESCOLHA DOS ENOLOGOS    Vinho Regional Alentejano    Nuno Franco & Alexandre Relvas    2014    $15.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+487553    CHÂTEAU TERRE BLANQUE    AC    2015    $12.95  14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+489963    DOMAINE DE LA RENNE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC        2015    $14.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2015 $13.95 8.5% AB,MVC/QPR: 90

R+724674 COPPI PEUCETICO  PRIMITIVO IGP Puglia 2012 $14.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+983395 PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS Alsace 2015 $18.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+984997    TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALO    IGT Rosso delle Venezie    2015    $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+195107 SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Côtes de Roussillon 2014    $15.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+396481    ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ McLaren Vale, South Australia    2015    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

 

20 over $20

=========

W+149302    FEATHERSTONE CANADIAN OAK CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2015    $21.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+58683    LA CREMA MONTEREY CHARDONNAY    Monterey        2015    $26.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+232439    CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY    Columbia Valley        2015    $21.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+244087    CHÂTEAU TOUR BALADOZ    AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru        2009    $42.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+275958    SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2015    $21.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+316984    VERSADO RESERVA ANCIENT MALBEC    Mendoza    Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble    2012    $59.95    14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+367896    LA CREMA MONTEREY PINOT NOIR    Monterey        2014    $26.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+389254    MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Maipo Valley        2013    $21.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+445536    DOMAINE BESSON CHABLIS    AC    Adrien Besson    2014    $26.95

12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+493403    DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE    AC        2014    $39.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+585760    QUAILS' GATE PINOT NOIR    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2015    $30.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+626325    OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2013    $48.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+655381 STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY Napa  2015 $34.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+661330    BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN    AC        2014    $59.95

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+63941    MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2015    $23.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+142778    DOMAINE SERVIN VAILLONS CHABLIS PREMIER CRU    AC        2015    $34.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+262956    DONNACHIARA IRPINIA AGLIANICO    DOC        2013    $21.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+322628    HENRI BOURGEOIS LA CHAPELLE DES AUGUSTINS SANCERRE     2014    $37.95   

13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+434787    RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE    WO Western Cape    2012    $22.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+486746    CHÂTEAU MAUCAMPS    Cru Bourgeois, AC Haut-Médoc    2010    $34.95

14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

RE: The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

Bonjour Dean,

 

Many thanks for sending me your evaluation of the wines and the event. I appreciate the feedback.

We are working on an event for all French wines next year. All suggestions are welcome !

 

Kind regards,

Charline

 

Charline Primat Trade Advisor – Food, Wine, Beer & Spirits T : +1 416 977 1257 ext. 205    French Trade Commission Business France North America 154 University Avenue, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M5H 3Y9, Canada http://www.businessfrance.fr Follow us on Twitter @BF_WineSpirits

 

 

De : Dean Tudor [mailto:dtudor@pathcom.com]
Envoyé : samedi 17 juin 2017 15:28
À : blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Objet : The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

 

The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017  Noon - 5PM

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Venue: Arta Gallery, Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: about a third of the producers were looking for agents. Each producer had about 6 or so wines, so there were about 100 wines in the show, mostly modestly priced.

The Quote/Background: it was very crowded and noisy with lots of hustle and bustle.

The Wines: There were 11 wineries with agents, 7 without. I did not try every wine.

 

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

-Domaine du Bicheron Macon Peronne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2015  Agent?

-Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc NV  Agent?

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Veilles Vignes 2015  Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Les Petites Bruyeres 2016  Wine Online

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Champeaux 2015 $132 J. Cipelli

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014   Agent?

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Les champs chenys 2014   Agent?

-Maison Ambroise Nuits Saint Georges 2014   Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly-Fuisse 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV Moingeon Listed Agent?

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Rose  $30 Agent?

-Maison Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noir En Chazot 2013 $29 Agent?

 

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

-Maison Ambroise Saint Romain 2014   Agent?

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2015 $39.95 Nicolas Pearce

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs  $27 Agent?

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Macon Les Morizottes 2015 $29.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc NV  $24.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Macon Verze 2015  $42.55  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Saint-Veran Les Champs Ronds 2015  $44.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015  $50.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corvees 2015 $84 J. Cipelli

-Herve Kerlann Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvee H 2015 $30  Has agent but not listed as such.

 

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

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis Amphore 2015  $69.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015  Wine Online

 

The Food: basic nibbles of nuts and dried fruit, breads, water.

The Downside: some of the wines disappeared rather quickly. I came to the show late, just after 2PM. But still I missed Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, some of Domaine de Mauperthuis, and some of Domaine Tortochot.

The Upside: a chance to profile new affordable wines from burgundy.

The Contact Person: charline.primat@businessfrance.fr

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Dinner with Pierre Jhean, winemaker at Domaine Henri de Villamont.

The Date and Time:  Tuesday May 9, 2017  5:30PM to 9PM

The Event: Dinner with Pierre Jhean, winemaker at Domaine Henri de Villamont.

The Venue: Cluny, Distillery District.

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: two wines are coming in October; one is already here, see below.

The Quote/Background: M. Jhean spoke about the terroir conditions and the vintages and production techniques as we sampled wines before and during dinner. De Villamont ownns 10 hectares on the Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits, with the winery in Savigny-les-Beaune. They specialize in Savigny-les-Beaune 1er cru, Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru, and Grands-Echezeaux.

The Wines:

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

 

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

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

 

The Food: we ordered off the menu. I had some cod followed by some Moroccan lamb steaks.

The Downside: nothing

The Upside: we also sampled the company's Chateau d'Aigueville Rouge Cote du Rhone Villages 2015 (+479683 LCBO $14.95) a medium bodied wine (but 14.5% ABV) very suitable with lamb.

The Contact Person: vintages@eurovintage.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Date and Time: Tuesday May 9, 2017  Noon - 5PM

The Event: Bourgogne Wine Tour – Toronto 2017

The Venue: Arta Gallery, Distillery District

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: about a third of the producers were looking for agents. Each producer had about 6 or so wines, so there were about 100 wines in the show, mostly modestly priced.

The Quote/Background: it was very crowded and noisy with lots of hustle and bustle.

The Wines: There were 11 wineries with agents, 7 without. I did not try every wine.

 

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

-Domaine du Bicheron Macon Peronne Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2015  Agent?

-Domaine du Bicheron Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc NV  Agent?

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2014  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Auxey-Duresses La Canee 2014  $42.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chambolle-Musigny 1er cru Les Chatelots 2011  $62.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Veilles Vignes 2015  Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Pouilly-Fuisse Les Petites Bruyeres 2016  Wine Online

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin 1er cru Champeaux 2015 $132 J. Cipelli

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2014   Agent?

-Domaine Trapet-Rochelandet Gevrey Chambertin Les champs chenys 2014   Agent?

-Maison Ambroise Nuits Saint Georges 2014   Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Pouilly-Fuisse 2015 Listed Agent?

-Maison Francois Martenot Chartron & Trebuchet Cremant de Bourgogne NV Moingeon Listed Agent?

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Rose  $30 Agent?

-Maison Louis Picamelot Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noir En Chazot 2013 $29 Agent?

 

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

-Maison Ambroise Saint Romain 2014   Agent?

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 1er cru Montmains 2015 $39.95 Nicolas Pearce

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis 2015  $27.95

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaulignot 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2015  Artisanal

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Chardonnay Prestige 2015  13.5% ABV  $19.95 Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Embazees 2011 Blanc $79.95 

October Vintages

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Les Damoisseaux 2014 $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Savigny Les Beaune Le Village 2015 Rouge $44.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Montagny 1er cru 2014 Blanc  October Vintages $36.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Cremant de Bourgogne NV  $22.95 Eurovintage

-Vitteaut Alberti Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs  $27 Agent?

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Macon Les Morizottes 2015 $29.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Blanc NV  $24.95 Wine Online

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Macon Verze 2015  $42.55  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Saint-Veran Les Champs Ronds 2015  $44.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Thibert Pere & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2015  $50.95  J. Cipelli

-Domaine Tortochot Gevrey Chambertin Les Corvees 2015 $84 J. Cipelli

-Herve Kerlann Bourgogne Chardonnay Cuvee H 2015 $30  Has agent but not listed as such.

 

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

-Domaine de Mauperthuis Chablis Amphore 2015  $69.95

-Domaine Henri de Villamont Bourgogne Pinot Noir Prestige 2014  $19.95  Eurovintage

-Domaine Marie-Pierre Manciat Bourgogne Chardonnay 2015  Wine Online

 

The Food: basic nibbles of nuts and dried fruit, breads, water.

The Downside: some of the wines disappeared rather quickly. I came to the show late, just after 2PM. But still I missed Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, some of Domaine de Mauperthuis, and some of Domaine Tortochot.

The Upside: a chance to profile new affordable wines from burgundy.

The Contact Person: charline.primat@businessfrance.fr

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

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Port & Douro Wine Tasting Toronto 2017, May

The Date and Time:  Monday, May 8, 2017  3PM to 8PM

The Event: Port & Douro Wine Tasting Toronto 2017

The Venue: Park Hyatt

The Target Audience: wine trade and others for about 12 Ontario agencies

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were currently available

The Quote/Background: there was a seminar (24 people) at 3PM, and I had a chance to savour seven wines; these have been folded into the ranges below.

The Wines: There was no listed catalogue of wines, just pages for tasting notes and names of agents. This slowed me down considerably as I was busy sipping and writing. Please excuse any typos below...

 

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

-Quinta Nova Grainha Reserve Red $31.95 Le Sommelier

-Taylor's Very Old Single Harvest Vintage Port 1967 $300  Sylvestre

-Quinta Dona Matilde Colheita 2008 $47  Small Winemakers

-Ramos Pintos Tawny 20 Years $82 Mondia Alliance

-Quinta do Portal Grand Reserva Red 2009  Lifford

-Martha's Porto Extra Dry White Port $25

-Senhora do Convento Tawny 10 Year Old

-Taylor Tawny 40 Year Old

 

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

-Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas White 2015, +285410

-Quinta Nova Grainha Reserve White $31.95 Le Sommelier

-Alves de Sousa Gairosa Quinta 2011 $50 Davenport & Vista

-Alves de Sousa Abondonado 2013 $80 Davenport & Vista

-Niepoort Vertente 2014  FWP

-Convento Proprietor's Red Blend 2012

-Lavradores de Feitoria Meruge 2014 Red $39.95  FWP

-Lavradores de Feitoria Meruge 2015 White $39.95  FWP

-Jorges Rosas Vinhos Puro Quinta da Touriga 2014  FWP

-Ramos Pintos Tawny 10 Years $49 Mondia Alliance

-Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Red 2015 $11.30 Madhu Wines

-Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Red 2015 $11.30 Madhu Wines

-Quinta do Silval Dornha Velha Reserva Red 2013 $18  Madhu Wines

-Quinta do Portal Peceatore 2014 $11 Lifford

-Quinta do Portal Fontana 2014 $14.95 Lifford

-Sandeman Tawny 20 Years Old

-Niepoort LBV 2012

 

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

-Quinta Nova Pomares $19.95 Le Sommelier

-Ramos Pinto Duas Quintas Red 2014, +285428

-Porto Magalhaes Ruby Special Reserve

-Alves de Sousa Caldas Reserva 2013 $25 Davenport & Vista

-Alves de Sousa Caldas 2015 $15 Davenport & Vista

 

The Food: none until after 5, and then it disappeared quickly. Compensation: I took some leftover bread from the seminar.

The Downside: there was only one porto colheita.

The Upside: despite a remarkable lack of food, the event went well with crowds moving through the tables.

The Contact Person: portodouro@wolffpublicrelations.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 84

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Joint tasting of wines from Il Botolo (Gradwell Wines) and Colle Manora (Cottonwood Agency)

The Date and Time: Monday June 5, 2017  6:30 – 9:30 PM

The Event: Joint tasting of wines from Il Botolo (Gradwell Wines) and Colle Manora (Cottonwood Agency)

The Venue: HotBlack Coffee, Queen Street West

The Target Audience: wine writers, clients

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines were available as landed for sale online, usually by the 6- or 12-pack.

The Quote/Background: It was nice to not only see two agencies co-operating but also having their wines from the same region: Piedmont. They told me that wines are available only by the case until the end of August, after which they can be bought by the bottle online and shipped freely to a store for pickup, so long as a $50 minimum is spent.

The Wines:

 

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

-Colle Manora Mila Collezione Chardonnay/Viognier 2014 Piemonte, 13.5%, 6 for $160 retail

-Il Botolo Moscato d'Asti 2015, $21.95 each  Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs)

-Il Botolo Chardonnay 2015 Piemonte 40% Barrel Fermented, $25.95 each Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs)

 

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

-Colle Manora Ray Albarossa 2013 Piemonte DOC, 13.5%, 6 for $186 retail

-Colle Manora Rosso Barchetta DOC 2012 Piemonte [cab sauv/merlot] 14%, 6 for $198 retail

-Colle Manora Piangalardo Barolo DOCG 2011 Monferrato, 15%, 6 for $382 retail

-Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti 2015 [stainless], $19.95 Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs)

-Il Botolo Chardonnay 2014 [stainless], $21.95 Woodbridge LCBO store or online (6 packs)

-Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti 2013 Barrel Aged, $24.95 Consignment 6 pack

-Il Botolo Barbera d'Asti Nizza [18 mos. Oak, limited] 2013, $43.95 Consignment 6 pack

 

The Food: appetizer/bite sizes of prosciutto and melon, veal meatballs, prosciutto and asparagus, truffled risotto, seafood mix (calamari, scallop, shrimp), tomato and mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese – a great looking spread.

The Downside: it was not as well-attended as it should have been, many people canceled because of the impending rain which never came.

The Upside: an opportunity to spend time with the agents and their principals.

The Contact Person: sean@gradwellwines.com and elizabeth@cottonwoodagency.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Wines of Greece Grand Tasting in Toronto May 4, 2017

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 4, 2017   11 AM to 4:30 PM

The Event: Wines of Greece Grand Tasting in Toronto

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through the agent

The Quote/Background: there was a seminar which I could not attend as I had a prior lunch and a piano recital to attend. Also, that meant that I could only taste from 3:30 to 4:30 PM

The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. Many prices were vague or vaguely stated. All prices should be licensee,

 

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

-Domaine Costa Lazardi Amethystos Cava 2012 [cab franc] $49.95 Dionysus

-Domaine Vassilou Fume 2015 $19.95  Intra-Vino

-Domaine Vassilou Nemeion 2008 $18.95  Intra-Vino

-Papaioannou Estate Microclima 2005 $64.95 Lic Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2016  $42.90  Maitre de Chai

-Biblia Chora Areti Red 2010  $35.70  Maitre de Chai

-Domaine Papagiannakos Savatiano Old Vines 2016 $17.55 Majestic

-Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Limniona 2013 $26 Majestic

 

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

-Domaine Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $19.20 LCBO

-Pavidis Estate Emphasis Agiorgitiko 2013  $25 Licensee Intra-Vino

-Domaine Vassilou Nemea 2010 $17.95  Intra-Vino

-Kir Yianni Akakies 2015 Brut  $18 lic Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Estate 2010 $19.95 Lic Kolonaki

-Papaioannou Estate Old Vines 2010 $31.95 Lic Kolonaki

-Biblia Chora White 2016  $26.90  Maitre de Chai

-Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima White 2016  $27.50  Maitre de Chai

-Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima Malagousia 2016  $29.90  Maitre de Chai

-Domaine Gerovassiliou Ktima Red 2015  $33.90  Maitre de Chai

-Lyrarakis Plyto Psarades 2016 $22 Majestic

-Lyrarakis Assyrtiko Voila 2016 $18 Majestic

-Domaine Papagiannakos Kalogeri Malagouzia 2016 $20.95 Majestic

-Domaine Papagiannakos Erythros 2014 $20.95 Majestic

-Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah-Limniona 2013 $26 Majestic

-Tsililis-Theopetra Estate Malagouzia-Assyrtiko 2016 $26 Majestic

-Cavino Domain Mega Spileo Cabernet Sauvignon 2009  $27.95 Retail  United Stars

 

The Food: with no food left (it appeared to be cheeses and charcuterie and veggies and dips), I had a clear shot at the wines.

The Downside: I could only attend after 3:30

The Upside: no food to tempt me!

The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tutored tasting with Valentina Argiolas – Argiolas wines from Sardinia., May 3

The Date and Time: Wednesday May 3, 2017  2:30 – 4:30 PM

The Event: Tutored tasting with Valentina Argiolas – Argiolas wines from Sardinia.

The Venue: George Brown Chef's House Wine Tasting Lab

The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: wines are available through Stem Wines, although the 2013 Argiolas Costera Cannonau di Sardegna DOC is coming out at Vintages on May 27 (+99028, $22.95)

The Quote/Background: Sardinia is home to 20 grape varieties. Many are made into different styles of wines. Argiolas is sustainable with biodiversity and pest management; most of its vineyards are located at the southern tip of Sardinia.

The Wines: All prices are licensee.

 

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

-Argiolas Vermentino Costamolino 2016 $16.99

-Argiolas Is Solias Estate 2013 [95% carignano, 5% bovale sardo] $28.00  ---> MY FAVE

-Argiolas Turriga 2012 [85% cannonau, 5% each bovale sardo, malvasia nera, carignano] $89.99

 

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

-Argiolas Turriga 2011 [85% cannonau, 5% each bovale sardo, malvasia nera, carignano] $89.99

-Argiolas Korem [55% bovale sardo, 35% carignano, 10% cannonau] $49.99

-Argiolas Costera 2014 Cannonau di Sardegna $18.99

 

The Food: just water

The Downside: It was a busy week for me and I was rushing around.

The Upside: a chance to speak with Valentina Argiolas.

The Contact Person: robert@stemwinegroup.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 10, 2017.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  June 10, 2017.

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

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 --

 

W+224626    JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER    AC Alsace    2015    $19.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  92

W+333211    MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY     High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia 2015    $24.95     MVC/QPR: 92

W+496497    SCHLOSS SCHOENBURN HATTENHEIMER NUSBRUNNEN RIESLING KABINETT    QmP    2008    $19.95     8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 93

 

20 under $20

=========

R+168716    M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DE ROUSSILLON    AC        2015    $15.95  14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+360636    SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Gomersal, Barossa, South Australia    2014    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+366245    Klein Constantia KC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT    WO Western Cape        2013    $17.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+487868    CHÂTEAU L'ESPÉRANCE    AC Côtes de Bordeaux – Blaye 2010    $19.95

14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+488395    CHÂTEAU DE LIONNE    AC Graves    2015    $16.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+489252    LES BOIS DE VAUX SEC VOUVRAYAC 2015 $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:89

R+489757    OVIDIO GARCÍA ESENCIA CRIANZA    DO Cigales    2009    $18.95   

14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+489773    MONTE HINIESTA    DO Toro Allegro Con Spirito    2011    $15.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90

R+489914    BYRON & HAROLD SECRET VINEYARD CABERNET/MERLOT    Western Australia    2015    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+493635    GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR GRÈS DE MONTPELLIER SYRAH/GRENACHE AP Languedoc Grès de Montpellier 2014    $18.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+734798    THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2016    $18.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+224188    TOMMASI ARELE PARZIALE APPASSIMENTO    IGT Verona    2015    $19.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+247544    LIONEL OSMIN & CIE CAHORS MALBEC    AP Cahors    2012    $16.95

12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+313346    CHÂTEAU ROQUEFORT BLANC    AC Bordeaux    2016    $16.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+368134    STÉPHANE AVIRON VIEILLES VIGNES MOULIN-À-VENT    AC    2013    $19.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+424176    ROCKWAY VINEYARDS SMALL LOT BLOCK 150-183 RIESLING    VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2014    $19.95    10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+484956    MARKUS HUBER TERRASSEN GRÜNER VELTLINER DAC Traisent 2015    $19.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+489948    FRANKLIN TATE ESTATES SHIRAZ Margaret River, Western Australia 2015    $19.95    13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 99

W+268342    HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula 2015 $19.95  13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

 

20 over $20

=========

R+57901    INTRIGA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Maipo Valley    Viña Montgras 2013    $22.95      14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88

R+209148    MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA    DOCa Rioja    2012    $29.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+353201    RUFFINO DUCALE ORO RISERVA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG 2011    $44.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90.

R+392449    MEYER PINOT NOIR BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2015    $24.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+466003    ERADUS PINOT NOIR Single vineyard, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island        2014    $24.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+483750    GHOST CORNER SAUVIGNON BLANC    Elim, Cape Agulhas    David Nieuwoudt    2015    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+487777    STELLA BELLA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Margaret River, Western Australia        2012    $29.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+392738    DOMAINE QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR VQA Niagara Peninsula    2013    $29.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+264168    CREEKSIDE RESERVE VIOGNIER Queenston Road Vineyard, VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake     2014    $29.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+334300    LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA    DOC        2011    $46.95    16.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+337642    JOURNEY'S END SHIRAZ    Barrel Selection, WO Stellenbosch    Gabb Family Winery    2012    $20.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88

R+354217    PIERRE AMADIEU LE PAS DE L'AIGLE GIGONDAS    AC        2013    $36.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+365288    CASAJÚS ANTIGUOS VIÑEDOS    DO Ribera del Duero     2012 $38.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+432211    NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2014    $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+487017    UNDERWOOD PINOT GRIS Oregon 2015    $22.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+488536    HMC  MCWATTERS COLLECTION CHARDONNAY TIME Estate Winery 2014 BC Okanagan    $30.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+489906    DOMAINE NATURALISTE DISCOVERY CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Margaret River, Western Australia    By Bruce Dukes    2014    $24.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+493536    DOMAINE LES BUGADELLES    IGP Pays d'Oc     2014    $25.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+959999    CHÂTEAU FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE Propriété du Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié    2013    $44.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS MONTH --

 

1.KENDALL-JACKSON Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Sonoma County, +331603 Vintages June 10, $22.95: a timed release to enjoy for the summer (2013 came to Vintages last October) and the BBQ season. It's sourced from Sonoma County (99%) and retails in the US at $24 USD, which makes it a veritable bargain in Ontario – no price increase since the 2013 came aboard. Black fruit all the way (black cherry, blackberry, black currant), 90% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cabernet franc, rest is petit verdot, merlot, and malbec – which makes it a Bordeaux-styled wine. 13.5% ABV, aged 10 months in French and US oak (86% of total production) plus balance in stainless for freshness. And there's some mocha nuances for the millennials to pick out and go wild over. K-J makes a dozen different "Vintner's Reserve" red, white and rose wines. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

2.KACABA Rebecca Rose VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 +227025 July 8 Vintages, $17.95: a nicely pale-coloured blend of both cabernet sauvignon (80%) and cabernet franc (20%), coming in at 12.8% ABV. Dry style red fruits: strawbs, red currant, cranberry (hey, it's Ontario]. Goes with just about everything. A nicely balanced rose which got high scores at the Wine Writer's Circle of Canada rose tasting in April. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.KACABA Jennifer's Pinot Gris VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 winery only, $17.95: one of the "summer series" and also more Alsatian in its complexity with orchard fruit (pear, peach, apple) and no oaking. Medium weight and finishes dry, but can be used either a social drink or with first-course food. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.KACABA Susan's Sauvignon Blanc VQA Niagara Peninsula 2016 winery only, $17.95: another summer series wine, quaffable in its tropicality and lowered zestiness. Good mouthfeel, nice dry finish. It has Memories of Sauvignon Blanc, making it another social wine for the patio or with first-course food. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

5.KACABA Meritage VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $24.95: the blend changes every year; here, it is cab franc 85%, cab sauvignon 8% and merlot 7%. Everything was vinified separately in older French and US oak for 9 months, and the final blend was determined, put into stainless, and then bottled. This is a value wine driven by both red and black fruit, still tannic. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in five years. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.KACABA Cabernet/Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $29.95: this is a blend of cabernet franc (66%) and syrah (34%). At one time it was a blend of cabernet/merlot/syrah, but this changes every year depending on the grapes available and the harvest conditions. You'll get a whiff of anise and red fruit, and with the franc it is a bit savoury. Definitely a red meat wine. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in four years. 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

7.KACABA Reserve Cabernet Franc VQA Niagara Escarpment 2015 winery only, $44.95: this is one of Kacaba's new Signature Series – its ultra-premium  black label wine-line. Very reminiscent of Right Bank (St Emilion) cabs but without the stuffing of, say, Cheval Blanc. It is just as hard but durable at this young age. Currently it is mute until tasted later after aeration. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in sealed bottle for a week or so, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then the wine will be ready in six to ten years. Complex aromas begin to ascend and descend as the week rolls on. First some cherries. Mostly red, but later also black. Some vanilla smoke, spiciness, even coffee and chocolate (that'll please the millennials). Again, strong (aged or gamey) red meat is called for food pairing. 13.8% ABV (one degree higher than the other reds above). Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

8.Sacred Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough, +489112, $18.95 LCBO General List: a dry summer led to a fruity harvest. The tropical fruit intensity leads to a citric lemony finish for food, typically white fish or seafood. It should be even better next year! 12.5% ABV, twist top. The Reserve version appeared in Vintages at three dollars more. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

9.Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses Rose 2016 Languedoc, +373985, $18.95 Vintages: out just in time for summer or graduation. 12.5% ABV, and fresh and fruity with an excellent pale rose colour. The bottle has a bottom shaped like a rose in bloom (to view it, turn the bottle onto its side). It is a blend of grenache, cinsault and syrah, emphasizing both red and black currants with some candy floss on the finish. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

10.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Gres de Montpellier Syrah Grenache 2014 Coteaux du Langurdoc, +493635, $18.95 Vintages June 10: 13.5% ABV, south Rhone style all the way. 80% of the wine is matured in French oak barrels for about a year, after a short post-fermentation maceration to enhance fruitness. Jammy, upfront black fruit and garrigue coupled with mocha nuances and the papery grenache quality. Sip or with food. One of the many Bertrand "Grand Terroir" series. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

11.Bottega PINOT GRIGIO ROSÉ IGT DELLE VENEZIE 2016, $14.95 +490938 Vintages [Veneto Pinot Grigio]: made from grapes that have been hanging on the vine longer than regular pinot grigio grapes, in order to increase the "grey" pigmentation, tannins and fruitiness. Because of this, the PG rose (a natural colour from the grapeskin) is much better than just about any PG from Italy. 12% ABV.  Quality/Price rating is 87.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

12.Gusto Apricot Palinka "Mezes" with Honey and Dried Fruits (Johanna Kft, Hungary), +485466, $28.95 500 mL: showing 31% ABV. A nifty off-dry apricot eaux-de-vie with enhanced flavours. You don't see these too often at the LCBO. Made from orchard fruit grown in Kecskemet, Hungary, and put through a highly regulated and certified distillation system. The off-dry character comes from both the dried apricots (three of them floating in the bottle) and the local acacia honey. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

13.Chateau des Charmes Rose Cuvee d'Andree 2015 Estate Grown VQA NOTL, $15.95 Vintages +333260: this fresh and vibrant rose (named after Madame Andree Bosc) continues to please year over year as I have said before. It is still 100% pinot noir, dry "old style" as in Europe, but loaded with Ontario cranberry, red fruit strawberry, and some discreet black cherry tones from the hot summer, coming in at 12.6% ABV. Stainless steel fermentation of course, and twist top. Refreshing. Ontario Wine Awards Gold Winner for 2016. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

14.Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling Traditional Method 2014 NOTL VQA, +78055 Vintages, $32.95: half chardonnay and half pinot noir (blanc des noirs) from vines planted as early as 1991, very pretty colour (from PN dosage), reminiscent of strawberry blush, almost 2 years lees contact and fermented in the bottle. Full, rich, ripe yeasty biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with food and appetizers. Recently disgorged. 12.5% ABV. Stunning. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

15.Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery Almanac White Field Blend 2016 VQA Prince Edward County, +516575 LCBO, $19.30: this is the latest entry in the White Blend category at the LCBO, with its combo of chardonnay (60%), riesling (30%), and pinot gris (10%). The emphasis is on strong aromatics and freshness via stainless steel fermentation with no oaking. All the elements come from the Grange estate: the chardonnay was first planted in 2001, the riesling in 2007. It's a competitive blend, emphasizing orchard fruit and basic minerality in the finish. Can be sipped and/or with a first course. I found the cork closure unnecessary; a twist top should suffice for easy patio drinking. But I can see the production problems since the Red Blend has a cork also. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

 

16.Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery Almanac Red Field Blend 2014 VQA Prince Edward County, +516567 LCBO, $19.30: this is the latest entry in the Red Blend category at the LCBO, with its combo of cabernet franc (60%), gamay noir (30%), and pinot noir (10%). It was macerated a month during primary, and then aged 18 months in neutral French barriques. The freshness comes through since none of the grapes create a "fruit bomb". Indeed, the style is distinctly Euro with cherries and berries and a sense of garrigue. Some tannins may still need to be tamed, so I'd be interested in re-tasting this wine a year from now. A long length also suggests that this might be a good food wine, beyond the patio apps. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com