The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (17th annual tasting)

The Date and Time:  Monday,  November 19, 2018  3PM to 7PM

The Event: A tasting of Fortified Wines as developed by the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada (17th annual tasting)

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

The Target Audience: WWCC members exclusive. 11 members had signed up.

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

The Quote/Background: This was not a competition or a judging, but a tasting for writing purposes re: Holiday Wines and Gifts. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would like to thank each of the supplying agents for their contributions.

The Wines: My ratings do NOT include a ranking beyond GOOD, BETTER, and BEST. They are listed randomly within each category.

 

Producer    Product Name    Vintage    Price    LCBO #     Country    Region    Grape Varieties    Alc. %     Availability Where     Agent or Winery Info

 

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

 

-Alvear    Fino    N/V    $12.95 112771    Spain        Dry Sherry    15%    LCBO     FWM Canada

-Gonzalez Byass    Tio Pepe    $18.90    231829    Spain    Jerez    Sherry    15%    LCBO General List    Woodman Wines and Spirits

-Vinicola Hidalgo S.A.    Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla D.O.    NV    $16.95    745448    Spain    Jerez    Sherry    15%    Vintages     Noble Estates Wine and Spirits

-Osborne    Bailen Dry Oloroso    NV        Spain    Jerez    Sherry 18%    LCBO    PMA

-Vinicola Hidalgo S.A.    Hidalgo Napoleon Amontillado D.O.    NV    $22.95    471094    Spain    Jerez    Sherry    17.5%    Vintages     Noble Estates Wine and Spirits

-Taylor Fladgate    10 Year Old Tawny    NA    $35.95     121749    Portugal    Duoro    Various    20%    Vintages    Sylvestre Wines & Spirits

-Taylor Fladgate    20 Year Old Tawny    NA    $69.95     149047    Portugal    Duoro    Various    20%    VIntages    Sylvestre Wines & Spirits

-Taylor Fladgate    Late Bottled Vintage    2013    $18.45     46946    Portugal    Duoro    Various    20%    LCBO    Sylvestre Wines & Spirits

-Sandeman    Tawny 20 Year Old    n/a    $64.95     116178    Portugal    Douro    Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao    20%    Vintages    Charton Hobbs

-Sandeman    Vau Vintage 375ml    1999    $12.95     583013    Portugal    Douro    Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca,    20%    Vintages    Charton Hobbs

-Poli Distillerie    Poli vaca Mora        $39.95        Italy    Veneto        32%    Vintages  Majestic   

-Fratelli Branca    Fernet Branca        $23.15         Italy    Emiglia Romagna        40%    Vintage Essential     Majestic

-Fratelli Branca    Punt E Mes        $23.95         Italy    Emiglia Romagna        16%    Consignment    Majestic Wine Cellars

-Fratelli Branca    Antica Formula 1000ml        $50.95         Italy    Emiglia Romagna        16.50%    Consignment    Majestic Wine Cellars

-Sibona Distellerie    Amaro Sibona        $33.95         Italy    Piedmonte        28%    Consignment    Majestic Wine Cellars

 

 

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

-Warre    Otima    10 Year Old    $21.95    566174    Portugal    Douro    Port     20%    LCBO GL    Dionysus

-Distilleria Caffo    Vecchio Amaro Del Capo        $32.95        Italy    Calabria        35%    Vintages    Majestic Wine Cellars

-Fonseca    White Port    N/V    $16.95    276816    Portugal        Port     20%    LCBO     FWM Canada

-Gonzalez Byass    Croft Original Fine Pale Cream Sherry        $15.95    73452    Spain    Jerez    Sherry    17.5%    Vintages    Woodman Wines and Spirits

-Sandeman    LBV    2013    $17.45     195974    Portugal    Douro    Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional    20.50%    LCBO GL    Charton Hobbs

-Bottega    Vermouth Rosso    NV    $24.95        Italy        Merlot    16%    Quebec    Noble Estates Wine and Spirits

-Fratelli Branca    Carpano Classico        $25.95         Italy    Emiglia Romagna        16%    Consignment    Majestic Wine Cellars

-Karlo Estates    Van Alstine White    2017    $39        Canada    Prince Edward County    Frontenac Blanc    18%    Karlo Estates Winery   

-Prince Hubert De Polignac    Reynac Pineau Des Charentes    n/a    $22.55    372169    France    Cognac Ugni Blanc    17%    General List    Signature Wines & Spirits

-Reif Estate Winery    Vinea    N/V    $29.95    732633        Niagara        20%    Vintages March 30/19

 

 

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

-Southbrook Vineyards    Whimsy! The Anniversary    N/A    $29.95    N/A    Canada    VQA Niagara Peninsula    100% Chardonnay    15.7%    winery & online at Southbrook   

-Williams & Humbert    Dry Sack Sherry    NV    $14    13565  Jerez    Sherry    19.5%    GL    Dandurand

-Alvear    Medium Dry Fino    N/V    $12.95 112789 Spain     Sherry Amontillado    17%    LCBO     FWM Canada

-Alvear    Cream    NV    $12.75    515791          Sherry    18%    VIntages    FWM Canada

-Fonseca    Bin 27    N/V    $16.95    325506    Portugal    Douro    Port     20%    LCBO     FWM Canada

-Sandeman    Fine Ruby Port    n/a    $15.95     23366    Portugal    Douro    Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Cao    19.5%    LCBO GL    Charton Hobbs

-Bottega    Vermouth Bianco    NV    $24.95        Italy        Pinot grigio    16%        Noble Estates Wine and Spirits

-Kittling Ridge    Icewine & Brandy    NV    $19.95    558999        Ontario    Vidal    17.18%    LCBO   

-Kittling Ridge    Kingsgate Canadian Apera Reserve        $8.55    90860      Canada    Ontario        20%    LCBO   

-Karlo Estates    Van Alstine Red    2016    $29        Canada    Prince Edward County    Frontenac Noir    18%    winery or online at Karlo

-Vivace Estate Winery    Cavatina    n/a    $19.00    n/a    Canada    Southwestern Ontario    Foch    19.5%    Vivace Estate

                                       

The Food: pita bread, unsalted roasted almonds, Nicoise olives, water

The Contact Person:  deantudor@yahoo.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WHAT MAKES A WINE WORTH DRINKING

WHAT MAKES A WINE WORTH DRINKING (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,  2018, 182 pages, $36 CAD hardbound) is by Terry Theise, a US importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria and Champagne. He's also authored the title  "Reading Between the Wines" and has written wine articles for magazines. Here he concentrates on praising the sublime in wine. It's in a somewhat autobiographical tone, but he does tell us how to find and appreciate exceptional wine and how it can lead to a richer and fuller life. Just the perfect gift for the oenophile in your life. What makes a wine worth drinking is its authenticity: usually small-scaled artisanal wine of subtlety.  Taste matters, so that is first on the table in his book – what does a good wine actually taste like?  Enjoy...and try also https://hosemasterofwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/what-makes-wine-worth-drinking-in.html

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH

SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH –

 

1.Vinha do Cais Ribeira Douro Reserva 2015 +523639 Vintages $13.95: a fine wine from the vineyards of Barao de Vilar in the hills of Douro Superior. The red blend contains tourigas nacional/franca/barroca and tinta roriz (the same grapes as in Port: winemaker Alvaro van Zeller is well-known for his award-winning Ports). The table wine is named after one of the top 31 streets in the world for walking (Conde Nast). It's a little dense right now (as most Douro table wines are) and needs to open up, despite three years in bottle: I did a double decant over four days and – bingo – great fruit, soft aromas, fat/fleshy/fresh/fruity flavours, at a marvelous price. 13% ABV. And as the price has not changed, an even greater value than the 2014. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.The Barry Bros Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Clare Valley +632059 $19.95 Vintages January: a new SCS blend, this one 65% shiraz and 35% cab sauvignon. A combo of cherry-berry red and black fruits served up with typical shiraz dusty spices. French oak is used, and shows in the tannin resolution at the finish. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV +618389 $69.95 Vintages December: this wine has been at this price level for at least the past 5 years. The one at the LCBO is the Disco Ball design bottle. Champagne for the end of dinner with dessert or a savoury, or by itself socially for later in the evening (hence the name). Actually, a social Champagne for party goers. The blend is chardonnay 40%, pinot noir 35%, and pinot meunier 25%, from 30 different vineyards from various vintages, and cellared for 4 years before disgorgement. The end result is smooth and creamy, with a long flavourful off-dry ("Sec" - 17.5 g/L dosage) finish. So it lies somewhere between Extra-Sec and Demi-Sec categories, perhaps closer to the "extra" level. Absolutely delightful for New Year's Eve. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

4.Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche Estate Blanc de Blanc 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +315200 Vintages December, $44.95: there is not much more to say about this wine that I haven't already said over the years – it's simply one of the top performing bottles of Traditional Method or secondary fermentation in the province. The price has not changed over the years, still $44.95 (going back a l-o-n-g time), but the grapevines are older and producing quality material. This is estate grown (Short Hills Bench) 100% chardonnay, the best juice selected for 20% barrel fermentation and then aged for up to 60 months in the bottle before being disgorged. Very close to champagne, with its elegance and smoothness plus citric overtones especially in the finish, and that typical yeasty baked goods aromatics. 12.5% ABV, a personal fave of mine. Needs another six months for the disgorgement addition to come together. The 2012 was a Gold Medal winner at 2017 All Canadian Wine Championships. 308 6-btl cases in a small lot production. Quality/Price rating is 93+ points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

5.Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2015 Mendoza, +128629, $19.95 Vintages March 2019: black fruit dominates this substantial wine. Made from older vines (many are 50 years old). Ageing in French and US oak barrels for 14 months, still needs time to resolve despite 4 years of age. 14.2% ABV, a hefty thick wine that dominates. Best for carnivores? You decide. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

6.Luigi Bosca Malbec Terroir Los Miradores 2014 Single Vineyard Valle de Uco Mendoza, +568899 Vintages, $32.95: Lately, we have seen many high priced Argentine malbec wines from single vineyards and with special handling in the Ontario marketplace, at about the $25 – 39 price range. Here is another one – 30% of this wine was aged in new French oak for 12 months with ML fermentation, rest in stainless steel tanks. Highly structured but with dark red fruit, dried figs, and mocha nuances, not light (14.3% ABV). Oak aging adds some toastiness and cedar tones. Could handle up to 15 years of aging. Needs food such as heavy red meat and game. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

7.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2015 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernet franc (4%) and sauvignon (50%) 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 3 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. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

8.Henry of Pelham Pinot Noir Speck Family Reserve 2017 VQA Short Hills Bench, +657874 Vintages, $34.95: top of the line pinot noir from Ontario, fruit-forward with enough black/dark tones of cherry-berry capable of long cellar aging. The winery says Clones 667 on Block 100 were used for 250 cases. Tank fermentation with 10 months small European oak barrel aging, finishing as blended in an oak tank. Very, very food friendly. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

9.Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres Syrah Mourvedre Grenache 2015 Cotes du Roussillon, +413245, $18.95 Vintages Nov: 14% ABV, GSM style all the way. One third of the wine is matured in barrels for 9 months and then blended with vatted wines. Jammy, upfront black fruit coupled with both mocha and subtle spice cake tones. Sip or with food. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

10.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2016 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages January 2019: aromatic but on the dry side, perfect as a social wine or for first course. Expect peachy and orange character, but of course no oak. Youthful and useful with nuances of orchard fruit and spicy nuts. No malolactic fermentation. Could go either way with or without food, hence versatile. 13.5% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

11.Quinta de Curvos Loureiro Vinho Verde 2017, +471284, $12.95 Vintages January 2019: 12% ABV, with lightly floral tones on the nose and on the palate, ending with aromatic softness. 100% Loureiro as a vinho verde. Best sipped or with Asiatic appetizers. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

12.Baron de Hoen Pinot Gris Reserve 2016 Alsace, +461657, $16.95 Vintages: stainless steel production, 12.5% ABV. Plenty of dried fruit tones, good body with some biscuits. Alsatian pinot gris is among the best of all pinot gris – and this one is at a concentrated, reserve level. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

13.Abeille-Fabre Chateau Mont-Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2015, +959627, $45.95 Vintages December: a bargain wine for its price (up only two bucks since the 2011 vintage), but 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 four to 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.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 24, 2018

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 24, 2018

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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.

These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at  http://www.deantudor.com

 

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS --

 

+745901 Italy    PO' DI POLI MORBIDA SMOOTH MOSCATO GRAPPA Italy    700ml  $67.95  

+471094 Hidalgo Napoleon Amontillado Sherry 500 mL $23.95

Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages Nouveau 2018  LCBO Vintages, $17.95 MVC/QPR: 88

 

20 under $20

=========

 

W+673806    SIMI CHARDONNAY Sonoma County    2017    $19.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

R+360636    SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Barossa, South Australia    2016    $18.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+287979    SMALL GULLY MR. BLACK'S LITTLE BOOK SHIRAZ South Australia    2015    $19.95 15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+287425    COLUMBIA CREST H3 LES CHEVAUX RED BLEND    Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley    2014    $19.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+446971    LONE BIRCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley    2016    $19.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+18721    VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    DO Maipo Valley    2016    $17.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+673913    NEIL ELLIS GROENEKLOOF SAUVIGNON BLANC    WO Groenekloof    2017    $17.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R++610303    POÇAS VALE DE CAVALOS RED    DOC Douro    2015    $19.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+259788    JOSEPH CATTIN RIESLING AC Alsace    2016    $15.95     13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+516765    JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX    2015    $17.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88

R+343509    TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN    IGP Côtes Catalanes    2015    $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+247973    QUINTA DE CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA    DOC Dão    2015    $13.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+166579    MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS RESERVA GARNACHA/TEMPRANILLO/CARIÑENA DOP  Cariñena 2012  $14.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+168716    M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES    AC    2017    $15.95     14%ABV,MVC/QPR: 88

R+438796    DOMAINE DE LA BAUME ELISABETH VIOGNIER    IGP Pays d'Oc    2016    $16.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+599274 LOOSEN BROS. DR. L RIESLING Qualitätswein 2017 $14.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+707158    ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA    DOC    2017    $18.95     13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

 

20 over $20

=========

W+57430    MISSION HILL RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC    BC VQA Okanagan Valley    2017    $22.95    12.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+241182    CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING    VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment    2015    $36.95    11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+643361    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2016    $24.95     12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+581603    SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC RIESLING    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2016    $22.95    11% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+149211    THE FOREIGN AFFAIR CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2015    $26.95    14.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+677450    DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2017    $26.95

12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+324228    STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2017    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+505610    HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ    Unfiltered, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2015    $44.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+392738    QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2015    $29.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+582056    VINELAND ESTATES RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON    VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2015    $49.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+129353    THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK     WO Swartland 2016    $39.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+433060    WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE SHIRAZ    Coonawarra, South Australia    2016    $23.95 13.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+186171    DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON Sonoma County 2016 $37.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+577494    RODNEY STRONG UPSHOT RED BLEND    Sonoma County    2016    $29.95    14.5%ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+961284    DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON PINOT NOIR    Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley    2015    $49.95    14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+458240    SONVIDA RESERVE MALBEC    Paraje Altmira, Mendoza    2015    $29.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+317008 VERSADO MALBEC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2014 $22.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+995910    REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO    DOCG    2015    $42.95  15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+397448    FONTANAFREDDA EBBIO NEBBIOLO    DOC Langhe    2014    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+189761    PIETRANERA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO    DOCG    2013    $45.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+577742    PALATINE HILLS NEUFELD VINEYARD CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Niagara-on-the-Lake    2016    $24.95    14.6% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+727636    TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO    IGT Toscana    2015    $32.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+437673    BALBÁS CRIANZA    DO Ribera del Duero    2013    $21.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+423509    HACIENDA VALVARÉS    DOCa Rioja    2015    $20.95     14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Wines of Chile trade show Nov 7 2018

The Date and Time: Wednesday November 7, 2018 2PM to 5PM

The Event: Wines of Chile trade show

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: spiral bound listing by winery, with full contact info and varietal and price, etc. Seminar wines were listed but not available at a separate table in the main show (unlike previous years).

The Quote/Background: It was a packed show with a variety of sommeliers and wine media. John Szabo led the seminar (5 reasons to love Chile) of 10 wines.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine from the 26 or so wineries today, just as many as I could handle in a two hour time frame. The higher priced wines are generally available through PoW (private orders).

 

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

-Aresti Codigo de Familia 380 Assemblage 2012 Curico, $65  Lexcellent PoW

-Emiliana Organic Vineyards Coyam 2016 Colchagua, $29.95  +63891

-Errazuriz Don Maximiano 2015 Aconcagua, $84  +501247

-Garces Silva Amayna Syrah 2015 Leyda, $28.95   Sylvestre

-Indomita Zardoz Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Maipo, $26.95  Rare Earth PoW

-La Ronciere Quiron Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua 2014, $38   Wine Lovers

-Luis Felipe Edwards Dona Bernarda Colchagua 2014, $35.99   Noble Estates

-Montes Alpha M 2014 Colchagua Valley, $89.95  +914580

-Santa Ema Gran Reserva Chardonnay Leyda, $16.95 +542365

-Santa Rita Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Maipo, $80   EJGallo

-Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru 2013 Maipo, $52.99  Wine Lovers

-Valdivieso Caballo Loco Grand Cru Syrah 2014 Limari, $52.99  Wine Lovers

-Valdivieso Caballo Loco Sparkling Brut Nature Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Bio Bio, $44.99 Wine Lovers

-Valdivieso Sparkling Extra Brut Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Bio Bio-Itata $21.99 Wine Lovers

-Ventisquero Enclave 2013 Pirque, $74.95   Univins

-Ventisquero Tara Chardonnay 2015 Atacama, $39.90 +511337

 

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

-Veramonte Neyen 215 Apalta, $59.95

-Aresti Family Collection Assemblage 2014 Curico, $29.95  Lexcellent

-Aresti Trisquel Assemblage 2016 Curico, $19.95  Lexcellent

-Casa Silva Microterroir Carmenere 2011 Colchagua, $59  Churchill

-Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Maipo, $24.95 +353086 March 2019

-Casas del Bosque Syrah Pequenas Producciones 2017 Casablanca, $44.95 N/A

-La Ranciere Licaten Cabernet Sauvignon Curico Coast 2016, $22.95  Wine Lovers

-Luis Felipe Edwards LFE900 Single Vineyard Colchagua 2014, $29.99   Noble Estates

-Perez Cruz Chaski Petit Verdot 2014 Maipo Andes, $29.85  +386564

-Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Colchagua, $19.95  +322586

-Santa Alicia Millantu 2016 Maipo, $24.95  +469288

-Santa Alicia Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2017 Maipo, $16.95  +406991

-Santa Ema Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Leyda, $15.95 +443507

-Santa Ema Gran Reserva Syrah Leyda, $18.95 +371161

-Santa Ema Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo, $18.95 +485557

-Sutil Acrux 2014 Colchagua, $39.99   Philip Mirabelli

-Ventisquero Vertice 2015 Colchagua-Apalta, $34.95  +386911

-Maquis Viola Colchagua 2013, $50  +578013

 

The Food: pate, cold cuts, international cheeses, breads, pickles, mustards, jams.

The Downside: I arrived later than I wanted to. There was no separate table for the seminar wines, but I did find a few on the agency stands.

The Upside: a good way to catch up with changes in the Chilean wine industry.

The Contact Person: lisa@androscom.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: A Taste of Sonoma: the annual tour through Toronto Oct 16/18

The Date and Time:  Tuesday October 16 2018   2PM  - 4 PM

The Event: A Taste of Sonoma: the annual tour through Toronto

The Venue: The Carlu

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO or as PoW

The Quote/Background: There were 25 wineries pouring about 75 premium wines, ranging from established classics to premieres.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are retail.

 

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

-Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV $34.95  PoW

-Benziger Tribute Bordeaux Blend 2014  $107

-Dry Creek The Mariner Meritage Red Blend 2013 $55

-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014  $40

-Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red Blend Sonoma Coast 2016  $45

-Francis Ford Coppola Archimedes Cabernet Bordeaux Blend Alexander Valley 2014 Vintages

-J Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2016 $41

-La Crema Chardonnay RRV 2016 $39.95

-Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay RRV 2016  $70

-Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2015  $75

-Rodney Strong Rockaway Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100

-Rodney Strong Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100

-Rodney Strong Crown Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2013 $100

-Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2014 Alexander Valley   $55

-Siduri Parsons Pinot Noir 2015 RRV  $70

-Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015  $50

-St. Francis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Alexander Valley  $80

-The Calling Pinot Noir 2016 RRV $61

-The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2016 RRV   $45

 

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

-Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV $33.95 +192898 Vintages

-Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $55

-Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2016 $71

-Failla Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2015 $57

-Chalk Hill Chardonnay Sonoma County 2015/2016 $67

-J Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2016 $52

-Patz & Hall Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2016  $65

-Robert Young Estate Winery Merlot 2013 Alexander Valley  $81

-Robert Young Estate Winery Barrel Select Chardonnay 2015 Alexander Valley  $61

-Robert Young Estate Winery Scion Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Alexander Valley 

 

The Food: a rich range of charcuterie, cheeses, veggies breads, smoked salmon.

The Downside: nothing really

The Upside: with Rogers & Co's Napa collection of cabs and chardonnays, I had a good opportunity to compare vis a vis Sonoma

The Contact Person: calwine@sympatico.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa & Estate Wines annual portfolio tasting Oct 15/18

The Date and Time: Monday October 15 2018   1:30 PM to 4 PM

The Event: Rogers & Company Chateau, Villa & Estate Wines annual portfolio tasting

The Venue: George

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: wines were available by the 3, 6, 12 pack case, but not in every label.

The Quote/Background: Every year Rogers & Co puts on probably the best show of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Plus, of course, cabs from other regions, and pinot noirs, and an equal section of white varietals. The reach is also Spain, Italy, France, plus emerging regions of Argentina and New Zealand.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Wines are not in any order. All prices are licensee.

 

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

-Axial Vinos Lagar de Proventus Tr3amano 2016 Ribera del Duero $76.95

-Marques de Murrieta Rioja Reserva 2014 $31.95

-Marques de Murrieta Rioja Gran Reserva 2011 $69.95

-Marques de Murrieta "Castillo Ygay" Rioja Gran Reserva Especial 2009 $175.95 [my fave red wine of the tasting]

-Domaine de la Bretonniere Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2017  $16.95

-Masson-Blondelet Pouilly Fume Villa Paulus 2017

-Champagne Delamotte Brut NV  $60.95

-Clos Bellane Chateauneuf-du-Pape Urgonien 2015 $60.95

-Olivier Leflaive Meursault 2015 $111.95

-Olivier Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet 2015 $124.95

-Olivier Leflaive Volnay 2014 $86.95

-Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2015  $348.95

-Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2014 $82.95

-Castello di Volpaia Coltassala Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015  $64.95

-Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2013 Montosoli $109.95

-Shafer Vineyards Stags Leap District Napa Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $423.95

-Shafer Vineyards Stags Leap District Napa One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $134.95

-Forman Vineyard Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014  $143.95

-Dominus Estate Dominus 2014  $385.95

-Dominus Estate Napanook 2014  $114.95

-Quintessa Rutherford Napa Red Wine 2015  $212.95

-Paul Hobbs Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2014  $132.95

-O'Shaughnessy Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $205.95

-Share & Splash Wine Co. High Dive Napa 2015  $149.95

-Domaine Serene Dundee hills "Evenstad" Reserve Chardonnay 2016 $98.95

-Crossbarn Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2016 $32.95

-Paul Hobbs RRV Chardonnay 2015  $66.95

-Grgich Hills Napa Valley Chardonnay 2015  $62.95   [my fave white wine of the tasting]

 

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

-Astrolabe Province Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017  $21.45

-Astrolabe Valleys Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2017  $21.45

-Buehler Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2016

-Brack Mountain Wine Company "Bench" Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016  $29.95

-Buil & Gine GineGine Priorat 2016  $27.95

-Terra Costantino deAetne Etna Bianco 2016  $30.95

-Fontodi Chianti Classico 2015  $37.95

-Fontodi  Fiaccianello della Pieve IGT 2015  $131.95

-Agricola Punica Montessu 2015 $29.95

-Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Sec 2017 $64.95

-Domaine des Hates Chablis 2017  $29.95

-Chateau Vieux Lartigue 2011 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru  $37.95

-Graillot Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2016  $39.95

-Pio Cesare Barolo 2014 $79.95

-Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva 2015  $39.95

-Ovid Proprietary Red Wine 2015  $471.95

-O'Shaughnessy Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 $122.95

-Domaine Serene Dundee hills "Evenstad" Reserve Pinot Noir 2015 $116.95

 

The Food: cheeses, breads, crispy battered and fried green beans

The Downside: I had arrived late from another tasting

The Upside: my annual swing through Napa Cabs!

The Contact Person: s.stoddart@rogcowines.com or c.mclean@rogcowines.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 10, 2018

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for November 10,  2018

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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.

These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at  http://www.deantudor.com

 

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS --

 

R+355743    URBINA GRAN RESERVA    DOCa Rioja    1996    $54.95   

If you are celebrating a 22nd birthday, try this on...

 

20 under $20

=========

W+246579    CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY MUSQUÉ    Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2016    $17.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+286278    FLAT ROCK CHARDONNAY    VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2016    $19.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+734798    THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island    2017    $18.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+231282    KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC    WO Stellenbosch        2017    $17.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+542365    SANTA EMA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY    DO Leyda Valley 2016    $16.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+959080    DELHEIM SHIRAZ    WO Stellenbosch    2015    $17.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+578179    SALENTEIN RESERVE PINOT NOIR    Uco Valley, Mendoza        2016    $18.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+574780    DEMUERTE    DO Yecla    Winery On    2015    $18.95 14.5BV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+461657    BARON DE HOEN RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS    AC Alsace        2016    $16.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+557801    WILLY GISSELBRECHT TRADITION PINOT BLANC    AC Alsace        2016    $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+444406    GADAIS VIEILLES VIGNES MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE    Sur lie, AC 2015    $17.95     12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+414011    TENUTE MESSIERI VISIONI PECORINO    DOCG Offida        2015    $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+437707    VETIVER VIURA    DOCa Rioja        2014    $16.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+559898    CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DE CHÉNAS CRU CHÉNAS    AC        2016    $18.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+624973    CHÂTEAU CÔNE-TAILLASSON SABOURIN    AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye        2015    $17.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+119354    CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES    AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages        2016    $16.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+413245    GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE/GRENACHE    AP Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres 2015 $18.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+437079    XAVIER VIGNON 100% CÔTES DU RHÔNE    AP        2015    $17.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  90

R+332114    CASTELLO DI MELETO CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG        2015    $18.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+184986    DOGA DELLE CLAVULE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO    DOCG     Caparzo    2015    $15.95  13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+338939    TOMMASI GRATICCIO APPASSIONATO    Product of Italy        2016    $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+

R+462515    THE LANE VINEYARD BLOCK 5 SHIRAZ    Adelaide Hills, South Australia        2016    $19.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91+

 

20 over $20

=========

W+378570    SPERLING VISION SERIES CHARDONNAY    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2016    $32.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+302083    BACHELDER NIAGARA CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2016    $24.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+183921    KISTLER SONOMA MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY    Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma County        2016    $107.95 14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+629477    ABACELA ALBARIÑO    Umpqua Valley 2017    $29.95  13.2% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+609321    DOMAINE NATURALISTE DISCOVERY CHARDONNAY    Margaret River, Western Australia    Bruce Dukes    2016    $24.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+626325    OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN    BC VQA Okanagan Valley    2014    $47.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+332858    CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES PAUL BOSC ESTATE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR    VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara-on-the-Lake    2016    $38.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+657874    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE PINOT NOIR    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment  2016    $34.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+130997    TAWSE LAUNDRY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC    VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Escarpment        2013    $32.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+629162    FOXEN JOHN SEBASTIANO VINEYARD PINOT NOIR    Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County        2015    $55.95 13.9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+606533    NEWTON UNFILTERED CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Unfiltered, Napa Valley        2014    $88.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+45476    SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Stags Leap District, Napa Valley        2015    $149.95  15.3% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+950295    GORDON COLUMBIA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Columbia Valley        2015    $29.95    13.7% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+203364    ERRAZURIZ ACONCAGUA ALTO CABERNET SAUVIGNON    DO Aconcagua Valley        2016    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+84996    WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Coonawarra, South Australia    2014    $34.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+573451    CAPRAIA EFFE 55 GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG     2013    $39.95      14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+435156    LOUIS LATOUR MARSANNAY BLANC    AC 2014    $32.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+356774    DUFOULEUR RULLY    AC    2016    $26.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+560987    DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE    AC    Pierre Lançon    2015    $41.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+643205    CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG        2013    $23.95  14%ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+725895    ONTAÑÓN RESERVA    DOCa Rioja        2010    $25.95    12.5%ABV, MVC/QPE: 89

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

RE: The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines. Oct 15/18

Ciao Dean,

 

Thank you so very much for the review.

 

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Italian Wine Expo, and the wines poured!

Thank you very much for the overall review

 

It was a delight to have you at the event

 

Best,

 

Renée

 

Renée Sferrazza

416-670-4692
Founder/CEO Heirloom Vine Imports
www.heirloomvineimports.com

 

---

From: Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com>
Sent: Monday, November 5, 2018 10:56:24 AM
To: blog1
Subject: The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines. Oct 15/18

 

The Date and Time: Monday October 15 2018  11:30AM to 4PM

The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines.

The Venue: Lodge on Queen, 251 Queen St West

The Target Audience: wine media and trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue listed some 90 wines, most available through Heirloom Vine Imports, one of the sponsors of the show. Prices, vintages, and a brief description of the company were provided. There were 19 companies attending. More details at www.heirloomvineimports.com

 

The Quote/Background: There was a relaxed seminar for an hour before the walkaround portion; these 15 wines were talked about by Jamie Drummond and I have incorporated my rating into the listings below. There was also a public tasting from 5Pm to 8PM.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are generally licensee.

 

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

-Soc. Agr.F.Lli Biagi Montepulciano d'Abbruzo Colline Teramane DOCG Riserva "Matteo Biagi" 2009     14Euros

-Castello di Roncade Villa Guistinian Cuvee Veneto IGT 2013 $41.90

-Tenuta Montenmagno Monferrato Rosso Violae 2017 $25.90 Lic 

-Dogliotti 1870 Barolo DOCG 2013 n/a. $51 for the 2014. Lic 

-Conte d'Attimis Maniago Sauvignon DOC Colli Orientali 2017 $27.10 Lic 

-Gaspare Buscemi Perle d'Uva 2004   15 Euros; current vintage is 2014 @ 9.5 Euros

-Castello di Roncade Raboso Piave 2014 $21.74

-Tenuta Mantemagno Mysterium Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2015  $45.85  lic

-Terre di Bruca 41 Quarantuno Nero D'Avola Bio 2012 $44.35 Lic  [organic]

-Le Tenute del Garda Sottosopra Vino Turbolento Sparkling NV $34.60 Retail

 

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

-Castello di Roncade Bianco Dell'Arnasia Chardonnay di Venezia DOC 2015 $23.40 

-Dogliotti 1870 Barbaresco DOCG 2015 $49.40 Lic

-Castello di Roncade Raboso dell'Arnasa DOC Piave 2014 $25.50 Lic

-Terre di Bruca Syrano Syrah IGT Sicilia 2016 organic $23  Lic

-Terre di Bruca Quaranta Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia 2015 organic$23.50   Lic

-Le Colyure Prosecco Brut Fagher $22.95 retail

-Kurtin Soc. Agr. Friulano Collio DOP 2017

-Le Tenute del Garda Lucone Garda DOC Groppello 2015  $23.75  Retail

-Conte d'Attimis Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali 2015 $35.52 Lic 

-Tenuta Monte Gorna Etna Rosso 2014

-Tenute Falezza Agr. San Felice Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015

 

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

-Soc Agr Ca dei Faggi Cantina Perabo Ribolla Gialla Brut 2017    5.5Euros

-Podere Roverat Tai da Mar 2016    4 Euros

-Kurtin Soc. Agr. Ribolla Gialla 2017

 

The Food: charcuterie and cheese platters plus breads and veggies

The Downside: I had to leave early for another tasting.

The Upside: a chance to reconnect with some Italian wines since I will not be in town when ICE comes in on Oct 29.

The Contact Person: renee@heirloomvineimports.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines. Oct 15/18

The Date and Time: Monday October 15 2018  11:30AM to 4PM

The Event: Italian Wine Expo 2018; discovering the many regions of Italian wines.

The Venue: Lodge on Queen, 251 Queen St West

The Target Audience: wine media and trade

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue listed some 90 wines, most available through Heirloom Vine Imports, one of the sponsors of the show. Prices, vintages, and a brief description of the company were provided. There were 19 companies attending. More details at www.heirloomvineimports.com

 

The Quote/Background: There was a relaxed seminar for an hour before the walkaround portion; these 15 wines were talked about by Jamie Drummond and I have incorporated my rating into the listings below. There was also a public tasting from 5Pm to 8PM.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine. Prices are generally licensee.

 

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

-Soc. Agr.F.Lli Biagi Montepulciano d'Abbruzo Colline Teramane DOCG Riserva "Matteo Biagi" 2009     14Euros

-Castello di Roncade Villa Guistinian Cuvee Veneto IGT 2013 $41.90

-Tenuta Montenmagno Monferrato Rosso Violae 2017 $25.90 Lic 

-Dogliotti 1870 Barolo DOCG 2013 n/a. $51 for the 2014. Lic 

-Conte d'Attimis Maniago Sauvignon DOC Colli Orientali 2017 $27.10 Lic 

-Gaspare Buscemi Perle d'Uva 2004   15 Euros; current vintage is 2014 @ 9.5 Euros

-Castello di Roncade Raboso Piave 2014 $21.74

-Tenuta Mantemagno Mysterium Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2015  $45.85  lic

-Terre di Bruca 41 Quarantuno Nero D'Avola Bio 2012 $44.35 Lic  [organic]

-Le Tenute del Garda Sottosopra Vino Turbolento Sparkling NV $34.60 Retail

 

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

-Castello di Roncade Bianco Dell'Arnasia Chardonnay di Venezia DOC 2015 $23.40 

-Dogliotti 1870 Barbaresco DOCG 2015 $49.40 Lic

-Castello di Roncade Raboso dell'Arnasa DOC Piave 2014 $25.50 Lic

-Terre di Bruca Syrano Syrah IGT Sicilia 2016 organic $23  Lic

-Terre di Bruca Quaranta Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia 2015 organic$23.50   Lic

-Le Colyure Prosecco Brut Fagher $22.95 retail

-Kurtin Soc. Agr. Friulano Collio DOP 2017

-Le Tenute del Garda Lucone Garda DOC Groppello 2015  $23.75  Retail

-Conte d'Attimis Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali 2015 $35.52 Lic 

-Tenuta Monte Gorna Etna Rosso 2014

-Tenute Falezza Agr. San Felice Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2015

 

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

-Soc Agr Ca dei Faggi Cantina Perabo Ribolla Gialla Brut 2017    5.5Euros

-Podere Roverat Tai da Mar 2016    4 Euros

-Kurtin Soc. Agr. Ribolla Gialla 2017

 

The Food: charcuterie and cheese platters plus breads and veggies

The Downside: I had to leave early for another tasting.

The Upside: a chance to reconnect with some Italian wines since I will not be in town when ICE comes in on Oct 29.

The Contact Person: renee@heirloomvineimports.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Examining and eating the Whole Life Expo media canvas tote bag.

The Date and Time: Saturday October 14 Noon

The Event: Examining and eating the Whole Life Expo media canvas tote bag.

The Venue: My house

The Target Audience: my wife and I

The Availability/Catalogue: everything can be found at the 32nd annual Whole Life Expo (www.wholelifeexpo.ca) at the Metro Convention Centre Nov 9, 10, and 11. As Canada's largest showcase of natural health and green living, this event plays host to over 200 exhibitors and 80 speakers from across North America. Check out the program at the website. One of the speakers is Pat Crocker, author of Healing Cannabis Edibles, a cookbook of safe edibles with reliable doses. [see my review at my blog]

The Quote/Background: the media bag contained two types of goodies, best described as food and facial. Some were not applicable, and were passed on to others. We did have material from Flora, which involved Floradix Formula for iron deficiency (my wife), Women's Care Probiotics with over 25 billion viable cells to aid digestive health and absorption of nutrients, while supporting the immune function (my wife), and Flora Apple Cider Vinegar (yummy if taken by the tablespoon). There was Chai True Cinnamon, added to my Organo instant coffees, the Organic Traditions "turmeric latte" with probiotics and saffron (mostly for me: my wife had her own Flora pro-biotics), a delicious Healthy Crunch Kale Chips bag (with onion flavours), and for dessert: cranberries from Patience Fruit Company, and baru seeds from Brazil via Baru Baron. Should we have done this at night, the media kit also had a beeswax tea light from The Bee Shop (Bloor Street). Healthy organic and Free Trade snacks all round, with serious consideration of wine pairing...see below...

 

The Wines:

 

Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Rose 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 winery and online: this is 100% pinot noir, with a great colour. Cherry-berry complexity (think strawbs, rasps, even cranberries making it tarter on the finish). Perfect with a snack of organic dried cranberries. Totally dry on the palate with enough substance and citric minerality to create a lingering on the finish. We tasted it as a sipper with organic snacks. Do drink it as fresh as you can right now. 12% ABV. Finished under cork. 90 pts.

 

 

Domaine Queylus Pinot Noir Tradition 2015 VQA Niagara Peninsula Vintages +392738 $29.95 November 2018 Vintages: as is typical with well-made pinot noirs in Ontario, there is concentration of immense red fruit flavours here, with some Ontario cranberry tartness on the finish (indeed, it goes well with organic dried cranberries). It does, of course, need bottle time, but this should repay the purchase price. I'm guessing four more years. Otherwise, do a double decant or open for a few days, at least with a one bottle purchase. Aged in French oak (35% new) for 16-20 months. It's a natural wine with little intervention by chief winemaker Thomas Bachelder. 92pts.

 

The Food: see above

The Downside: I was still hungry

The Upside: I could swallow wine at home

The Contact Person: briana@thesirengroup.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Devour! (Eighth edition) Opening Gala Reception (presented by Taste of Nova Scotia) October 24, 2018

The Date and Time: Wednesday, October 24, 2018   5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

The Event: Devour! (Eighth  edition) Opening Gala Reception (presented by Taste of Nova Scotia)

The Venue: Acadia University, Fountain Commons, Wolfville Nova Scotia.

The Target Audience: well-wishers and foodies.

The Availability/Catalogue: In style, the gala was much like similar benefits in Toronto – a walkaround with beverage stations (wine, beer, cider and spirits) and food stations. It was the usual grazing pattern, except in our case, it is in Nova Scotia. So most of the beverages and all of the food were mostly available only locally.

 

The Quote/Background: This Opening Gala used to be part of a package with the Opening Gala Film, but recently the two got split (you could do one or both), which suited our personal timetable better. Twelve of Nova Scotia's finest chefs came together to create sensory explorations that celebrated local cuisine. Participating were:

 

-Amanda Bezanson (The Henly House Pub & Restaurant with a lamb slider – a good fave)

-Virginia Fynes (The Union Street, with a unique Acadian baked apple [Arlett variety] stuffed with Acadian scrapple) – one of my faves of the evening

-Renee Lavallee (The Canteen, with smoked beef brisket [the first table to run out]),

-Matthew Krizan (Mateus Bistro and its trout lox),

-Peter Welton (Chartwells at Acadia University with its minature duck confit and butternut squash tacos),

-Jonathan Joseph (Argyler Lodge and Restaurant, with its famed lobster-scallop-haddock seviche),

-Andy Hay (Andy's East Coast Kitchen with its Nova Scotia lobster on toast)

-Shane Robilliard (Fox Harb'r Resort and its Nova Scotia marlin,

-Martin Ruiz Salvador (The South Shore Fish Shack/Salt Shaker Deli and its tuna with oyster and squid)

-Chris Velden (The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery with its ricotta mousse decorated with beauty berries)

and Brooklyn Warehouse collaborating with the Battery Park Beer Bar to produce rabbit dumplings, plus Nova Scotia pork belly from Canadian Bistro.

 

The Beverages: Drinks came from The Good Cheer Trail featuring Annapolis Cider Company. Domaine de Grand Pre, Planters Ridge Winery, Avondale Sky Winery, Benjamin Bridge, Saint-Famille Wines, L'Acadie Vineyards, Compass Distillers, Garrison Brewing Company, Barrelling Tide Distillery, Halifax Distilling Co., Ironworkd Distillery, Petite Riviere Vineyards, Saltbox Brewing Company, Sober Island Brewing Company, St. Famille Wines, Steinhart Distillery, Still Fired Distilleries,  Tangled Garden (herb liqueurs and fruit cordials), Wayfarers' Ale Society, and Bulwark Cider (best was their Bulwark Original, followed by Bulwark Blush and People's Cider). I sampled most of the wines and some of the beers/ciders (I really enjoyed Sober Island's Oyster Stout, made with 20 kilos of oysters inserted for 10 minutes into a tank), but did not have any distilled spirits or cocktails.

 

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

-Benjamin Bridge Brut NV Methode Traditionnelle $27.99 NS

-Petite Vineyards Italy Cross Lucy Kuhlman 2014 $25  NS

-L'Acadie Vineyards Vintage Cuvee Rose MT 2016  $30  NS

 

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

-Petite Riviere Apple Cranberry New York Muscat    NS

-Petite Riviere Risser's Breeze 2017 $19.99    NS

-Benjamin Bridge Tidal Bay 2017 $21.90 NS

-Domaine de Grand Marquette 2017  $18.50 NS

-Domaine de Grand Pre Tidal Bay 2017 $20  NS

-Sainte-Famille Wines Wild Seyval 2017 $19 NS

-Sainte-Famille Wines Baco Noir Reserva  2016 $22 NS

 

The Downside: are you kidding? Maybe poorly amplified sound. Most had to leave the Gala early in order to get a seat at the film, which was followed by another cocktail party.

The Upside: There was a chance to speak with Chef Sam Kass, formerly chef at the US White House, who also presented his fave food film, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi". He curated it with a discussion.

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

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com