WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for the MARCH 16 release.
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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor 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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor 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).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for scores. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced, so I am quitting any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will probably relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with BRONZE being "GOOD". Significantly, this also fits into my scheme for trade tastings (as noted below).
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
MAJOR THEME: Food and Wine Pairing
Recommended Wines Under $20
======================
W+19379 TRIUS DISTINCTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 VQA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+347740 MATETIC CORRALILLO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 CHILE $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+24610 BOUGRIER MUSCADET-SÈVRE ET MAINE 2022 LOIRE $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+350124 LE JADE PICPOUL DE PINET 2022 MIDI $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+698324 DEMORGENZON DMZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+640854 SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+77824 13TH STREET GAMAY 2017 VQA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2021 VQA NIAGARA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+35966 MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC MOULIN DE GASSAC GUILHEM 2022 LANGUEDOC $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+421024 LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+278150 NIRO DI CITRA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+396382 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+35933 12 E MEZZO PRIMITIVO DEL SALENTO 2020 PUGLIA $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
Recommended Wines Over $20
======================
FIZZ+401018 LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE $22.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+47621 SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2022 AUSTRALIA $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+15054 ELDERTON EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2022 AUSTRALIA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+573147 MALIVOIRE ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+983395 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS 2021 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+946848 PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2022 VENETO $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+483933 LOLO ALBARIÑO 2022 SPAIN $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+12331 PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 AUSTRALIA $22.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+523001 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CABERNET FRANC 2021 VQA $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+17239 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES GAMAY NOIR 2021 VQA $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+516765 JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+637835 CHÂTEAU DES TOURS BROUILLY 2021 BEAUJOLAIS $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+573493 CLEMENTE VII GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 TUSCANY $36.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2020 $41.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+446484 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2021 SPAIN $28.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2018 RIOJA $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through Sunday March 31:
W+35386 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NZ, now $17.95, save $3
W+33298 Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay WO Elgin South Africa, now $20.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling VQA Beamsville Bench, now $19.95, save $3
R+650432 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, now $49.95, save $5
R+337238 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, now $21.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Chile, now $29.95, save $5
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, now $23.95, save $3
R+168716 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon-Villages Midi France, now $14.95, save $3
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna Sardinia, now $16.95, save $3
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, now $16.95, save $3
R+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara, now $24.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON PROFILE WINE GROUP PORTFOLIO TASTING...Fall 2023
The Event: Profile Wine Group Portfolio Trade Tasting 2023
The Venue: Liberty Grand (Exhibition Place)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: Everything was available via QR code
The Quote/Background: Having the food samples from Don Alfonso was a nice touch.
The Wines: All prices are retail.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Miner Chardonnay Napa $63
-Corezza Spumante Method Traditionale $35.99
-Argyle Vintage Brut Oregon 2018 $43
-Textbook Sonoma Chardonnay 2022 $41
-J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2021 $43
-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserva NV $27
-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose Reserva NV $28
-Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2021 $60
-Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays 2021 $70
-Deux Roches St Veran Rives de Longsault 2021 $45
-Palmaz Chardonnay Amalia 2019 $139
-Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $123
-Palmaz NAPA 2018 $277
-Chateau Mailliard Gregory NV $62
-Chateau Mailliard Prestige Blanc de Blanc 2016 $85
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Phermento Lambrusco di Sorbana 2021 $34.99
-Borgo Conventi Ribolla Gialla 2022 $30.99
-Borgo Conventi Isonzo Pinto Grigio 2021 $26.99
-Villa Sandi La Rivetta 120 Valdobbiadonme Prosecco NV $35
-Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 $69
-Solid Ground Chardonnay California 2022 $20
-Dough Chardonnay California 2020 $25
-Markham Chardonnay 2021 $40
-Casale del Giglio Bianco Lazio $24
-Madame Veuve Point Chablis 2022 $44
-Madame Veuve Point Beaune 1er Cru Pimants 2020 $94
-Madame Veuve Point Gevrey Chambertin Rouge 2019 $113
-Chateau Mailliard Alexia Rose NV $75
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2021 $25
-Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2021 $25
-Morambo Creek Chardonnay 2021 Australia $35
-Satrco Bianco Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $26
The Food: platters of sundried tomatoes, a mix of artichoke hearts, pepperettes, capicola, mortadella, ham, parmesan chunks, pickled beets, eggplant, grilled zucchini, marinated mushrooms, mixed olives, whipped gorgonzola, fig syrup, foccacia. As a special treat, Don Alfonso restaurant provided both La Rissiola (cured amberjack, chives, yogurt, fava bean) and Il Raviolo (pheasant, oyster mushrooms, parmesan cheese, black truffle).
The Downside: it got crowded really fast.
The Upside: a chance to experience some really great wines.
The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87
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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor 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 https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor 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).
I was one of the first to jump on the Robert Parker bandwagon, using numerical indications for scores. Why? Because with a database I could rate, rank and order wines in any fashion. It was just so convenient using databases. Unfortunately, the numerical system has been shown to be disgraced, so I am quitting any ranking by number. From now on, it will just be GOOD, BETTER and BEST, which will give me some wiggle room (e.g. is this wine an 87, 88, 89, or 90? Or all of them...depends on my mood and time of day). With the rigorous standards and lab testing by the LCBO, I can safely say that every single wine at the LCBO is at least GOOD, which I would numerically rank at 75-85 points. For reasons of time and space, I will NOT be listing GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will probably relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with BRONZE being "GOOD". Significantly, this also fits into my scheme for trade tastings (as noted below).
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
MAJOR THEME: Food and Wine Pairing
Recommended Wines Under $20
======================
W+19379 TRIUS DISTINCTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 VQA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+347740 MATETIC CORRALILLO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 CHILE $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+24610 BOUGRIER MUSCADET-SÈVRE ET MAINE 2022 LOIRE $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+350124 LE JADE PICPOUL DE PINET 2022 MIDI $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+698324 DEMORGENZON DMZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $18.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+640854 SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2021 ARGENTINA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+166298 LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+77824 13TH STREET GAMAY 2017 VQA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+131540 FEATHERSTONE RED TAIL MERLOT 2021 VQA NIAGARA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+35966 MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC MOULIN DE GASSAC GUILHEM 2022 LANGUEDOC $15.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+421024 LAVAU CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2019 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+278150 NIRO DI CITRA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+396382 ZACCAGNINI TRALCETTO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2021 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+35933 12 E MEZZO PRIMITIVO DEL SALENTO 2020 PUGLIA $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
Recommended Wines Over $20
======================
FIZZ+401018 LABOURÉ-GONTARD BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE $22.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+47621 SKUTTLEBUTT SAUVIGNON BLANC/SEMILLON 2022 AUSTRALIA $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+15054 ELDERTON EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2022 AUSTRALIA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+573147 MALIVOIRE ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2022 VQA $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+983395 PIERRE SPARR GRANDE RÉSERVE PINOT GRIS 2021 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+946848 PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2022 VENETO $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
W+483933 LOLO ALBARIÑO 2022 SPAIN $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+12331 PETER LEHMANN THE BAROSSAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 AUSTRALIA $22.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+523001 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CABERNET FRANC 2021 VQA $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+17239 BACHELDER LES VILLAGES GAMAY NOIR 2021 VQA $26.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+516765 JEAN-PIERRE MOUEIX BORDEAUX 2019 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+637835 CHÂTEAU DES TOURS BROUILLY 2021 BEAUJOLAIS $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+573493 CLEMENTE VII GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 TUSCANY $36.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
R+171587 FARINA LE PEZZE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2020 $41.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+446484 DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2021 SPAIN $28.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+209148 MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA FINCA YGAY RESERVA 2018 RIOJA $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale through Sunday March 31:
W+35386 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough NZ, now $17.95, save $3
W+33298 Paul Cluver Village Chardonnay WO Elgin South Africa, now $20.95, save $3
W+24133 Thirty Bench Winemaker's Blend Riesling VQA Beamsville Bench, now $19.95, save $3
R+650432 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, now $49.95, save $5
R+337238 Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, now $21.95, save $3
R+63891 Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend Chile, now $29.95, save $5
R+394718 Erath Pinot Noir Oregon, now $23.95, save $3
R+168716 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Cotes du Roussillon-Villages Midi France, now $14.95, save $3
R+425488 Sella & Mosca Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna Sardinia, now $16.95, save $3
R+149237 The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy VQA Niagara, now $16.95, save $3
R+303800 Trius Red VQA Niagara, now $24.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON PROFILE WINE GROUP PORTFOLIO TASTING...Fall 2023
The Event: Profile Wine Group Portfolio Trade Tasting 2023
The Venue: Liberty Grand (Exhibition Place)
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers.
The Availability/Catalogue: Everything was available via QR code
The Quote/Background: Having the food samples from Don Alfonso was a nice touch.
The Wines: All prices are retail.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Miner Chardonnay Napa $63
-Corezza Spumante Method Traditionale $35.99
-Argyle Vintage Brut Oregon 2018 $43
-Textbook Sonoma Chardonnay 2022 $41
-J. Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2021 $43
-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Reserva NV $27
-Pierre Sparr Cremant Brut Rose Reserva NV $28
-Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Vieilles Vignes 2021 $60
-Deux Roches Pouilly Fuisse Les Crays 2021 $70
-Deux Roches St Veran Rives de Longsault 2021 $45
-Palmaz Chardonnay Amalia 2019 $139
-Palmaz Cedar Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $123
-Palmaz NAPA 2018 $277
-Chateau Mailliard Gregory NV $62
-Chateau Mailliard Prestige Blanc de Blanc 2016 $85
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Phermento Lambrusco di Sorbana 2021 $34.99
-Borgo Conventi Ribolla Gialla 2022 $30.99
-Borgo Conventi Isonzo Pinto Grigio 2021 $26.99
-Villa Sandi La Rivetta 120 Valdobbiadonme Prosecco NV $35
-Cristom Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2020 $69
-Solid Ground Chardonnay California 2022 $20
-Dough Chardonnay California 2020 $25
-Markham Chardonnay 2021 $40
-Casale del Giglio Bianco Lazio $24
-Madame Veuve Point Chablis 2022 $44
-Madame Veuve Point Beaune 1er Cru Pimants 2020 $94
-Madame Veuve Point Gevrey Chambertin Rouge 2019 $113
-Chateau Mailliard Alexia Rose NV $75
-Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2021 $25
-Wakefield Jaraman Chardonnay 2021 $25
-Morambo Creek Chardonnay 2021 Australia $35
-Satrco Bianco Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 2022 $26
The Food: platters of sundried tomatoes, a mix of artichoke hearts, pepperettes, capicola, mortadella, ham, parmesan chunks, pickled beets, eggplant, grilled zucchini, marinated mushrooms, mixed olives, whipped gorgonzola, fig syrup, foccacia. As a special treat, Don Alfonso restaurant provided both La Rissiola (cured amberjack, chives, yogurt, fava bean) and Il Raviolo (pheasant, oyster mushrooms, parmesan cheese, black truffle).
The Downside: it got crowded really fast.
The Upside: a chance to experience some really great wines.
The Contact Person: aprodhon@profilewinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87
Dean Tudor, Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism
Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.comhttp://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures
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