The Event: A carryover of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario. Today we tasted SPARKLING roses as a separate category.

The Date and Time:  Wednesday June 24, 2020   3PM to 7PM

The Event: A carryover of the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario. Today we tasted SPARKLING roses as a separate category.

The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices.

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2020.

The Quote/Background: We had decided to taste the sparklers against each other in a separate tasting of the fizzes, apart from the still wines. This was all dictated by Ontario's response to COVID-19 and social distancing with crowd limits at 5 persons. The tasting was originally scheduled for April 13, but actually happened two months later when the lockdown eased up a bit. In fairness to the trade, the wines had to be tasted and described before the season ended.

The Wines: As always, this was NOT a competition, and the tasting notes I made were MY OWN, for ratings and rankings. Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery.

Wines are arranged randomly within each grade category.

 

**DEAN'S "best sparkling wine" was Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose Champagne NV $99.95 +158550 (personal rating of 93-94).

 

**DEAN'S "best sparkling wine value" was once again Colio Estate Wines Lily Sparkling Rosé NV $17.95 +536565 VQA Ontario (92)

 

I did not rate Leitz Eins-Zwei-Zero    NV Rheingau    Pinot Noir Sparkling $12.95 LCBO  +12549 as it has no alcohol, but it certainly tastes magnificent for 0% ABV, and of course it is in a category by itself.

 

Producer    Product Name    Vintage    Price    LCBO #     Country    Region    Grape Varieties    Alc. %

 

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

-Laurent-Perrier    Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Brut Rose    NV    $99.95 +158550    Champagne    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier    12%    LCBO Vintage Essentials

-Huff Estates Winery    Cuvee Janine Rose    2017    $30    +405035    Canada    PEC (VQA PEC)    Pinot Noir     12.5%    Winery/Online   

-Chateau des Charmes    Rose Sparkling    2014    $34.95        Canada    Niagara    Pinot Noir & Chardonnay    12%    Online, Winery

-Colio Estate Wines    Lily Sparkling Rosé    N/A    $17.95     +536565    Canada    VQA Ontario    90% Riesling 10% Cabernet Franc    12%    LCBO    Year Round   

-Gruet Sparkling Brut Rose NV Method Champenoise New Mexico $26.95 +15686 pinot noir 12%  Vintages

-Flat Rock Cellars    Crowned Sparkling Brut    2015    $45.00    Niagara Peninsula    Pinot Noir    12%    Winery Only    New Release   

 

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

-Bottega Spa    Bottega Vino Dei Poeti Brut Rose    NV    $14.95     +277202    Italy    Veneto    Pinot Nero    11.5%    LCBO

-Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits    Lakeview Wine Co. FRESH Sparkling Rose    NV    $16.95 +341347 VQA Niagara Peninsula Riesling & Gamay Noir    12%    LCBO + Grocery

 

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

-Speck Bros.    Aria Sparkling Rose    2019     $14.95     +14981 VQA Niagara Peninsula    93% Gewürztraminer 5% Muscat Blanc 1% Zweigelt 0.5% Lemberger 0.5% Pinot Noir    11.5*%    LCBO    Seasonal    

 

The Food: bread and water, olives, almonds.

The Contact Person:  deantudor@deantudor.com

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

May we all have 2020 vision.
Chimo! www.deantudor.com
AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
AND https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://winewriterscircle.ca
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.

The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario!

The Date and Time:  Monday June 21, 2020   2PM to 7PM

The Event: The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's SEVENTH annual Rose tasting of imported and domestic rose wines for sale in Ontario – the only tasting of its kind in Ontario!

The Venue: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada's Toronto Head Offices.

The Target Audience: Wine Writers' Circle of Canada members.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are (or will be) available either year round or for the seasonal offering Spring/Summer 2020.

The Quote/Background: All wines sent to us were tasted. What follows below are my OWN tasting scores from my OWN notes. My BEST wines scored 91 or more; my BETTER wines were in that narrow 88 – 90 range. My individual scores are given; those from other writers will vary in their writings. In fact, write-ups by other writers will also vary, as well as photos. This was NOT a competition since all wines were tasted with exposed labels and prices, plus tech/sales sheets and an overall spreadsheet. This was all dictated by Ontario's response to COVID-19 and social distancing with crowd limits at 5 persons. The tasting was originally scheduled for April 13, but actually happened two months later when the lockdown eased up a bit. In fairness to the trade, the wines had to be tasted and described before the season ended.

 

The Wines: It is important to realize that Ontario roses are surely world-class, holding their own against those of France, Portugal and Spain. Prices here are generally RETAIL unless otherwise specified. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada would very much like to thank both Drinks Ontario and Wine Marketing Association of Ontario for encouraging their members to participate. There were some 62 submissions, both still and sparkling.  Thanks guys! Wines are either at the LCBO (CSPC given) or the winery or consignment/private order. The roses are listed randomly within their score categories. Here are my personal faves; wines that I will buy:

 

**DEAN'S CHOICE BEST VALUE - Bodega Argento    Argento Rose 2019    $10.95 +13245  Mendoza    85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio 12.5% LCBO Seasonal Rose (92+)

 

**DEAN'S CHOICE BEST DOMESTIC – a tie! WITH The Foreign Affair Winery Amarosé 2019    $19.95 Vintages +388702  Niagara Peninsula inot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir    12.2%  July 25 (91)

      and Flat Rock Cellars Pink Twisted     2019    $17.95 +39974 Niagara Peninsula    Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer    11%    LCBO (91)

 

**DEAN'S CHOICE BEST IMPORT - Caves d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose     2019    $62.95 +491019     AOC COTES DE PROVENCE  13% LCBO Vintages 11-Jul-20  (93)

 

Again, wines are arranged RANDOMLY within each GOOD, BETTER, and BEST grade category.

 

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

Producer    Product Name    Vintage    Price    LCBO #     Country    Region    Grape Varieties    Alc. %

 

-Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose    2019    $24.95     +319368    France    Rhone Valley    Grenache    13.5%    LCBO Vintages

-Caves d'Esclans    Whispering Angel Rose     2019    $62.95     +491019    France     AOC COTES DE PROVENCE     13%    LCBO Vintages    11-Jul-20

-Caves d'Esclans    ROCK ANGEL     2019    $49.95    +491027    France     AOC COTES DE PROVENCE    14%    LCBO Vintages

-When Pigs Fly    Rose    2018    $19.95 Ontario VQA Vinemount Ridge    pinot noir Vieni Vineyard    13%

-Caves d'Esclans    THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL    2019    $24.95    +562595    France     AOC COTEAUX D'AIX EN PROVENCE    13%    LCBO Vintages

-AIX Rosé    2019     $24.95     +451906    France    Provence    Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault    13%    LCBO Vintages

-Bieler Pere & Fils     Sabine Rose    2018    $18.95    +867358    France    Provence    Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cab Sauv, Rolle    13%    Consignment, always available    P. Dandurand

-Faulkner Wines  Jules Rose    2018    $19.99     NA    France    Provence    Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauv, 12.5% Consignment Always available     Noble Estates Wines & Spirits

-Vignerons de Chusclan    MAESTRAL ROSE    2019     $16.45     +15135    France    IGP GARD    Grenache,Syrah,Merlot    13.50%    LCBO Vintages

-Frescobaldi    Alie     2018    $22.95    +865147 Tuscany    Syrah with a touch of Vermentino    12.5%    Consignment, Always available     Dandurand

-Sacred Hill     Whitecliff Hawkes Bay Rose    2019     $14.95  +13297    New Zealand    Hawkes Bay     12.5%    LCBO

-Kim Crawford    Rose    2019    $18.95    +650325    New Zealand    Hawke's Bay    67% Merlot, 29.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 1.3% Pinot Gris, 1.2% Malbec, 0.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 0.3% Cabernet Franc    13%    LCBO

-Bodega Argento    Argento Rose    2019    $10.95    +13245     Mendoza    85% syrah/malbec/cabernet franc, 14% pinot grigio    12.5%    LCBO    Seasonal Rose

-Charles Smith Wines    Band of Roses    2018    $11 USD        Washington State            12.5%           

-Saintly    The Good Rose    2019    $17.95        Niagara    12.5%    Wine Rack        

-Huff Estates Winery    County Roads Rose    2019    $25    PEC (VQA PEC)    Pinot Noir     12%    Winery/Online

-The Foreign Affair Winery    Amarosé    2019    $18.95    Vintages +388702     Niagara Peninsula    Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir    12.2%  LCBO by July 25

-Flat Rock Cellars    Pink Twisted    2019    $17.95    +39974     Niagara Peninsula    Pinot Noir, Gamay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer    11%    LCBO

-Gerard Bertrand    Hampton Water    2019    $29.95    +667337    Languedoc    syrah, cinsault, mourvedre,grenache    14%    LCBO Vintages     2020-07-11       

-UP Ultimate Provence    Rose    2019    $27.95    +14833    Provence    grenache, cinsault, syrah, rolle    12.5%    Vintages            

 

 

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

Producer    Product Name    Vintage    Price    LCBO #     Country    Region    Grape Varieties    Alc. %

 

-Domaine Bassac    MARGALH ROSE    2019     $14.95     +155515    France    LOIRE VDF    Cinsault, Grenache,Syrah    12%    Vintages    22-Aug

-Boutinot    Les Oliviers Rose    2017    $13.99     NA    France    Languedoc    Grenache, Cinsault    12%    Consignment, Always available

-Gérard Bertrand    Côte des Roses Rosé    2019     $18.95     +373985    France    AOP Languedoc    Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah    13%    LCBO

-Francis Ford Coppola    Sofia Rosé    2018    $24.95     +284943 California    Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir    12.5%    LCBO Vintage Essentials   

+Stel + Mar Rose     2019    $8.95 500 mL California     12.5%    Private Import        Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits   

-Torres    Sangre de Toro Rose    2018    $13.95    +848119    Spain    Catalunya    Garnacha, Carinena    12.5%    Consignment, Always available     P. Dandurand

-Cupio    Pinot Noir Rose    2018    South Australia    Pinot Noir     12.5*%    Currently, BC only Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits       

-Trapiche    Astica Rose    2019 $8.95    +445833    Argentina Cuyo    Malbec, Cab Sauv    12.5% LCBO

-Henry of Pelham    Classic Rosé    2019     $14.95     +613471 VQA Niagara Peninsula    54.1% Pinot Noir 31.7% Gamay Noir 5.1% Riesling 9.1% Pinot Gris      11% LCBO

-Westcott Vineyards    Pinot Noir Rose    2019    $23.99     VQA Vinemount Ridge     13.00%    Winery, Online           

-Westcott Vineyards    Delphine Rose    2019    $18.99    +498527     VQA Twenty Mile Bench     12.9%    LCBO Vintages           

-Pillitteri Estates Winery    Racina Pinot Squared    2018    $23     NA    Canada    Niagara-on-the-Lake    85% Pinot Grigio, 15% Pinot Noir    13%    Winery and Online

-Huff Estates Winery    Getaway Rose    2019    $19    +63982 PEC (VQA ONT)    Cabernet Franc     12.8%    LCBO

-Featherstone Estate Winery    Rose    2019    $15.95    +117861 Niagara    Cab Sauvignon 42%/Franc39%    13.6%  LCBO Vintages    May and Sep 2020

-Chateau des Charmes    Rose Cuvee d'Andree    2018    $16.95    +333260    Niagara    Pinot Noir    12.5%    Online, winery       

-Troupis Fteri    Agiorgitiko-Moschfilero Rose     2018    $15.95    +15139    Greece        12.5% LCBO    Vintages     2020-07-11       

-Quails' Gate    Rose    2019    $19.95    +275842    Okanagan Valley    gamay noir, pinot noir, pinot gris    12%    LCBO Vintages

                                   

 

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

Producer    Product Name    Vintage    Price    LCBO #     Country    Region    Grape Varieties    Alc. %

 

-Gérard Bertrand    Gris Blanc    2019     $15.95 +14673 France  IGP Pays D'Oc Grenache Gris, Grenache        LCBO

-M. Chapoutier    Belleruche Rose    2018    $16.95    +219840    Rhone    Grenache, Cinsault & Syrah    13.5%    Consignment, Always available    P.Dandurand

-Folonari    Pinot Grigio Pink    2018    $11.95    +43588    Italy    Valle Versa in Oltrepo' Pavese    Pinot Grigio    11.5%    LCBO

-St Hallett    Rose    2019    $19.95    +15273 Barossa    Grenache    12% July LCBO       

-Woodbridge    Rose        $11.95    California    Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Muscat, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah    12%    LCBO

-Woodbridge    White Zinfandel        $11.45    +249656    California    White Zinfandel, French Colombard, Muscat Alexandria, Mixed Reds (Saignee)    9.5%    LCBO

-Speck Bros.     House Wine Co. Rose Can    2019     $4.95 250mL +15499 VQA Niagara Peninsula 68% Vidal Blanc 25% Riesling 5% Zweigelt 2% Muscat 2% Gewürztraminer 11%    LCBO

-Speck Bros.    Three of Hearts Rosé    2019     $19.95     +552562 VQA Niagara Peninsula    60% Pinot Noir 40% Pinot Gris     11.5%    LCBO

-Pillitteri Estates Winery    Market Collection Lucia's Rose    2018    $16     VQA Niagara Peninsula      Cabernet Franc    12.5% Winery and Online

-Jackson-Triggs Proprietors Selection    Light Rose    NV    $10.95    Ontario    75% Dry White, 12% White Hybrid, 10% Gewerztraminer, 3% Baco Noir    8%    Wine Rack

-Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits    EastDell Summer Rose    2018    $14.95    +560243    VQA Niagara Peninsula    Riesling & Gamay Noir    12.5%    LCBO + Grocery

-Open    Rose    2018    $12.95 +175349    Ontario 100% Gamay Noir    11.7%    Wine Rack and LCBO

-Huff Estates Winery    All Day Rose    2019    $5  250mL can    PEC (VQA ONT)    Cabernet Franc     12.5%    Winery/Online

 

The Food: baguettes, biscuits, waters, California oven-roasted almonds, salted peanuts, arbequina and nicoise olives.

The Downside: it was a lot of wines with many monochromatic notes in a similar price range, but we took breaks for food, water, etc. Rince bouche with soda water helped.

The Upside: a chance to taste a lot of wines, many of which were top notch. And there were many 2019s – really, really fresh.

The Contact Person: organizer – deantudor@deantudor.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 27, 2020

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for JUNE 27, 2020

 

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 good wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at  http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.

 

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

 

Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.

 

Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight ---

 

1.Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Viognier 2018 IGP Pays d'Oc, +147975, $14.95 Vintages July: [This a re-order]....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 89.5 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

2.Henry of Pelham Pinot Grigio Classic 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +250217 LCBO, $14.95: a wine made in the pinot gris style (Oregon, Alsace) but labeled pinot GRIGIO should sell well for those looking at a pinot grigio with some kick. Grigio has a reputation of being the vodka of wine, but here it is done up as a fairly complicated off-dry wine with layers being revealed as the wine chills down or warms up. One time it has tropicality then it becomes more citrus with more chilling. That makes it a sipper and a food wine, suitable for pre-prandial in the winter or spring. Of note is its slight tinge of orange colour (aha, another "orange" wine!!) from the grape – it is "gris" after all. Some part of the juice was from warmer regions in Niagara, other parts came from a cooler regions. There is some Ontario cranberry tartness and some melon sweetness, with some pear notes. Stainless steel all the way. 12% ABV, twist top. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

3.Henry of Pelham Classic Sauvignon Blanc 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +430546 LCBO.

$14.95: good balanced fruit, citric tones, zest, MVC typicity of savvy zestiness. Fresh, 12.2% ABV. Very aromatic with nuances of grassiness both in the nose and on the palate. Medium finish accents of lemon character, melon tones. Best with a lightly aromatic first course of seafood or dairy. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

4.Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot Estate 2016 VQA Short Hills Bench, +395855 Vintages, $24.95: both cabernets franc and sauvignon are used in this Bordeaux-styled blend with merlot, which comes across as a mid-Atlantic version of Cali/Bordeaux New World and Old World. It is still in its youth at 4 years of age, and it would be a shame to consume it this young. You could do what I did: open it and drink it over a couple of weeks, exposing it to air gently or speeding up the process by double-triple decanting. You will get several different wines out of one bottle over the course of time. Extended maceration in stainless, followed by French and US oak (30% new) for 10 months. Match it with grilled meats. 13.5% ABV on label. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.Lazzara Bianco Secco Charmat Method NV VQA Ontario, +16789, LCBO $17.95: this is the latest entry in the domestic "prosecco" sweepstakes in Ontario. The wine is named after Julia Lazzara, the Speck brothers' great grandmother. It comes in at a respectable 11.5% ABV. With RS 20.4/gL. Off-dry but with aromatic grape varieties in the mix (and they could change from harvest to harvest). Tried with smoked BBQ ribs. Bubbles really play around via Charmat method. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Ivory &  Burt Old Vine Zinfandel 2017 Lodi, +479303, Vintages August $19.95: very plush style with plum jam, oak lashings, and some herbs on the long engaging finish. Concentrated dark berry fruit tones (black cherry, blackberry), propped up by new US oak for 15% of the production. Sustainable certificate. Best with grilled meats.

15% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.Sartori Valpolicella Superiore DOC 120th 2016, +14584, Vintages August $24.95: this is a limited release for the company's 120th anniversary. The mix includes corvina veronese (50%), corvinone (35%), plus croatina and rondinells. About 20% of the must was drawn off to concentrate flavours and tannins; the rest was done up in stainless steel fermentation to which malolactic fermentation was employed. It was all aged in small oak casks for 18 months, and then blended with a cuvee selection. Red fruit dominates, especially ripe cherries and a twist of savouriness near the finish. Great with red meats and older cheese. 13% ABV. If you're going to spend $25 on a better valpolicella, then this is the one to get. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

8.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Goat Lady Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, +16792 LCBO $16.95: in the highly competitive market of chardonnays between $14.95 and $19.95, this one – at a mid-point in that price range – works well. It is part of a new "Family Tree" addition, beyond the current Red and the White. The whole series is under cork, and not screw-cap. Here the Chardonnay has been in US oak for 7 months, and some of it underwent malolactic fermentation. Very much a creamy mouthfeel, almost Californian in style with some coconut tones. 8.79 g/L residual sugar. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

9.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Padre Cabernet-Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula, available only at the HOP winery or online, $21.95: a classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot, done up in French style with barrel aging for 16 months in both new and older oak (60% French oak, 40% US oak). 13% ABV. Gobs of fruit and vanillin tones, good entry level. But needs more time – do a double decant or taste over several days.  Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

10.Henry of Pelham Family Tree The Bootlegger Baco Noir 2019 VQA Ontario, +16791, LCBO $17.95: all baco noir, which is the deft signature wine of Henry of Pelham. Twenty percent of it has been barrel aged in all US oak, and 80% done up in stainless steel. This one definitely needs time, and exposure is recommended beyond a double decant. It gets more plummy as it opens up. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FINDS --

 

+224766    CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BRUT SPARKLING     Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake     $25.95 MVC/QPR: 90

+179275    DRAPPIER BRUT NATURE PINOT NOIR CHAMPAGNE    AC, France    André et Michel Drappier        $62.95    MVC/QPR: 91

+423111    CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES BLANC DE BLANCS SPARKLING    Traditional method, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario    2015    $34.95     MVC/QPR:  92

+264721    SÁNCHEZ ROMATE AMONTILLADO SHERRY    DO, Spain    $16.95     MVC/QPR: 91

 

Roses I have tasted recently -

+275842    QUAILS' GATE ROSÉ  BC VQA Okanagan Valley 2019    $20.95      MVC/QPR: 90

+491027    CAVES D'ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ    AC Côtes de Provence    Sacha Lichine    2018    $51.95     MVC/QPR: 91

 

Under $20

=========

W+231282    KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC    WO Stellenbosch        2019    $17.95    MVC/QPR: 92

W+527630    LA FORTEZZA TABURNO FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO    DOC    Enzo Rillo    2018    MVC/QPR: 89

W+734798    THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2019    $18.95     MVC/QPR: 89

W+82305    DOMAINE BELLEVUE TOURAINE SAUVIGNON    AC    Vauvy, vitic.    2018    $16.95    MVC/QPR: 89

 

Over $20

=========

W+11948    THE FOREIGN AFFAIR VIOGNIER    VQA Niagara Peninsula 2018    $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90

W+616466    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2018    $29.95    MVC/QPR: 92

R+213132    LA PIEVE BAROLO    DOCG        2016    $41.95    MVC/QPR: 89

R+995910    REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO    DOCG        2016    $42.95    MVC/QPR: 90

RE: WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020

HI Dean,

Thanks very much for including us in this emailing. We always read your comments and assessments with interest - its valuable feedback for us. Together, Riesling and cab franc form almost half  of our annual production and they are consistently the grapes that Niagara has become known for. As the vineyards have aged and as we have come to understand these grapes more thoroughly, we feel like we’re making some of the best wines we’ve ever offered. Many thanks for your interest.

 

I hope you are well, and taking good care during these difficult times.

 

Cheers,

Louise

 

 

 

From: Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com>
Sent: June 10, 2020 9:32 AM
To: blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Subject: WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020

 

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020

 

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 good wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at  http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.

 

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

 

Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.

 

Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight:

 

16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines have matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend  of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (I tasted it daily) or do a double-decant. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Some interesting rose wines and fortified wine from the June 13 release include --

Sherry+15390    HIDALGO PASTRANA PASADA MANZANILLA SHERRY    DO Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain    $21.95    MVC/QPR: 92

 

Rose+451906    SAINT AIX ROSÉ    AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence    2019    $25.95    MVC/QPR: 89

Rose+319368    CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL    AC    2019    $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90

Rose+14833    UP ULTIMATE PROVENCE ROSÉ    AP Côtes de Provence    2019    $27.95 MVC/QPR: 89

 

Under $20

===========

W+398966    REDSTONE CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2016    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+928580    SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY    Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley    2017    $18.95  MVC/QPR: 89

R+370262    GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE    AP    2016    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91

R+63537    CHÂTEAU HYOT    AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux    2016    $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91

R+161398    LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON    California    2018    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 92

 

Over $20

=========

W+341792    CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC    VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula    2019    $22 MVC/QPR: 89

R+643361    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING    Certified sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2018    $27.95     MVC/QPR:  92

W+13315    WATERBROOK RESERVE CHARDONNAY    Columbia Valley    2017    $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+974527    VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC    Certified sustainable,

Marlborough, South Island    2019    $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+127290    THE FOREIGN AFFAIR RIESLING    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2013    $23.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+261784    PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA    DOP    2016    $24.95  MVC/QPR: 89

R+353201    RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG    2015    $47.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+395855    HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2015    $24.95     MVC/QPR:  91

R+426833    COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW MERITAGE    VQA Lake Erie North Shore    2016    $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+14739    CHÂTEAU DE LA BOTTIÈRE JULIÉNAS    AC    2017    $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89

May we all have 2020 vision.
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for JUNE 13, 2020

 

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 good wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at  http://www.deantudor.com No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.

 

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

 

Currently, the wine media have no access to the 50 or so tasting samples usually provided to us in the LCBO lab on a fortnightly basis. This will go on or some time. HOWEVER,  the wine media will still have access to the advance spreadsheet of the wines to be released. So I know what is to be released and when. SOME (but not many) of these wines I have recently tasted since January 2020 or so, and I can comfortably recommend them based on this prior sampling.

 

Some New Wines Tasted Over the Past Fortnight:

 

16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines have matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that "petrol" character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend  of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (I tasted it daily) or do a double-decant. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie "Sideways". But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Some interesting rose wines and fortified wine from the June 13 release include --

Sherry+15390    HIDALGO PASTRANA PASADA MANZANILLA SHERRY    DO Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain    $21.95    MVC/QPR: 92

 

Rose+451906    SAINT AIX ROSÉ    AP Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence    2019    $25.95    MVC/QPR: 89

Rose+319368    CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL    AC    2019    $24.95 MVC/QPR: 90

Rose+14833    UP ULTIMATE PROVENCE ROSÉ    AP Côtes de Provence    2019    $27.95 MVC/QPR: 89

 

Under $20

===========

W+398966    REDSTONE CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2016    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+928580    SANTA CAROLINA GRAN RESERVA CHARDONNAY    Certified carbon neutral, DO Itata Valley    2017    $18.95  MVC/QPR: 89

R+370262    GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE SYRAH/CARIGNAN/MOURVÈDRE    AP    2016    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 91

R+63537    CHÂTEAU HYOT    AC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux    2016    $16.95 MVC/QPR: 91

R+161398    LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON    California    2018    $19.95 MVC/QPR: 92

 

Over $20

=========

W+341792    CREEKSIDE BACKYARD BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC    VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula    2019    $22 MVC/QPR: 89

R+643361    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING    Certified sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2018    $27.95     MVC/QPR:  92

W+13315    WATERBROOK RESERVE CHARDONNAY    Columbia Valley    2017    $26.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+974527    VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC    Certified sustainable,

Marlborough, South Island    2019    $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89

W+127290    THE FOREIGN AFFAIR RIESLING    VQA Niagara Peninsula    2013    $23.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+261784    PAPALE LINEA ORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA    DOP    2016    $24.95  MVC/QPR: 89

R+353201    RUFFINO RISERVA DUCALE ORO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG    2015    $47.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+395855    HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment    2015    $24.95     MVC/QPR:  91

R+426833    COLCHESTER RIDGE CREW MERITAGE    VQA Lake Erie North Shore    2016    $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89

R+14739    CHÂTEAU DE LA BOTTIÈRE JULIÉNAS    AC    2017    $20.95 MVC/QPR: 89

May we all have 2020 vision.
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

RE: SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS WEEK --

Dean,

Thanks for taking the time to review these wines and include them in your reviews and blog. We always value the insights that wine critics offer, and we appreciate the time and effort that goes into your detailed tasting notes.

I hope you’re well and riding out these tumultuous times safely.

 

With kind regards,

Louise  

 

From: Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com>
Sent: June 2, 2020 9:48 PM
To: blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Subject: SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS WEEK --
Importance: High

 

 

16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines have matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that “petrol” character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend  of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (I tasted it daily) or do a double-decant. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie “Sideways”. But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

May we all have 2020 vision.
Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINES TASTED THIS WEEK --

 

16.Featherstone Estate Winery Canadian Oak Chardonnay 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $21.95 +149302 Vintages May: one of my faves, and occasionally an LTO at under $20. Over the years it has simply gotten better as the grapevines have matured. Wild indigenous yeast is used. Good mid-tone oaky component (it is very easy to say it is mid-way between French and US oak) from the use of nearby Canadian oak trees. 10% new oak, 90% 1 to 5 year old. Terrific ripe orchard fruit aromas and palate. Plus vanillin and cream after the mid-palate leading to citric food-friendly finish. Needs more time for balancing, but then at that time it will be awesome. 13.2% ABV. Only 0.26 g/L residual sugar. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

17.Featherstone Estate Winery Four Feathers 2019 VQA Niagara Peninsula $14.95 +341586 August 22 and Dec 12: a summer social sipper or quaffer, combining 50% riesling and 40% chardonnay with 8% sauvignon blanc and 2% gewurztraminer – all highly aromatic grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Typical fruit flavours to be found include pineapple, melon, lemon, some mango, and some sweet parts of citric tones near the finish. 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

18.Featherstone Estate Winery Black Sheep Riesling 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $18.95 +80234 Vintages Essential: more in the Mosel mode than Rhine wine, this delicious sipper is loaded with a nose of citrus highlights (lemon, lime, grapefruit) evolving to orchard fruit on the mid-palate with some minerality and a long lean-ish finish which also makes it nifty food wine for Asiatic dishes of all sorts. Medium body but not dry. Suitable for aging, to get that "petrol" character. 10.1% ABV. RS 20 g/L. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

19.Featherstone Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +64618 Vintages Essential: a blend  of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot. 100% US oak was used – 25% new, balance in 1 to 4 year old barrels. Full malolactic fermentation. Medium-bodied with an assortment of berries, plums and cherries. Long, long finish showing tart-ish food-loving acid balances. Should go well with BBQ or other fatty meats. Keep for another few years (I tasted it daily) or do a double-decant. 12.7% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

20.Featherstone Estate Winery Red Tail Merlot 2018 VQA Niagara Peninsula $19.95 +131540 Vintages May: Merlot is still recovering from its dissing by Pinot Noir in the movie "Sideways". But a lot of wineries are still making it. David Johnson the winemaker has here produced a delightfully fruity but dryish (RS 1.4 g/L) drop that is also affordable. Aged 10 months in French oak, 100% malolactic fermentation. Expect black fruit cherry-berry complexity, headed by black currant. Both a patio sipper and a food wine, and ready now for current drinking and accompanying any kind of comfort food. 12.4% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

May we all have 2020 vision.
Chimo! www.deantudor.com