WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for the APRIL 13, 2024 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 better or best 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 – my 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 my scores in the early 1980s. 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 by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit 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 the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
MAJOR THEME: PERFECT FOOD-WINE PAIRINGS -- [really?]
BUT FIRST -- There are 12 chardonnays being released April 13...here are my recks:
*NEW* CHARDONNAYS AT VINTAGES APRIL 13, 2024 RELEASE --
ARGENTINA +918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY 2022 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
AUSTRALIA +33566 JIM JIM CHARDONNAY 2021 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
ONTARIO +68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY 2021 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ONTARIO +256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2020 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ONTARIO +20455 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2020 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
CHILE +17617 ESCUDO ROJO RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +226936 RODNEY STRONG CHARDONNAY 2021 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +441089 ROMBAUER CARNEROS CHARDONNAY 2022 $69.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY 2022 $55.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
BURGUNDY +42374 DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2022 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
BURGUNDY +23988 TERRES SECRÈTES LES PRÉLUDES MÂCON-VILLAGES 2021 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
UMBRIA +176792 ANTINORI BRAMÌTO DELLA SALA CHARDONNAY 2022 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
Recommended Wines UNDER $20 [my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)]
==========================
Fizz+536607 EMILIANA AMALUNA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING CHILE $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
AUSTRIA W+37419 ECKER-ECKHOF GRÜNER VON ECKHOF 2022 $19.95
PFALZ W+37824 RUDI RÜTTGER LE TENDRE RIESLING 2022 $16.95
TUSCANY W+36345 VILLA DA VINCI STREDA VERMENTINO 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
NEW ZEALAND W+14199 INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 $18.95
PORTUGAL W+37848 FREIRE LOBO VIGNO BRANCO 2021 $17.95
R+36389 AMASTUOLA NEGROAMARO 2020 PUGLIA $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+983742 L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH 2021 MEXICO $14.95
ARGENTINA R+114983 H J. FABRE BARREL SELECTION MALBEC 2021 $18.95
LANGUEDOC +35995 CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN SOLEIL DE SCHISTE 2022 $18.95
ABRUZZO +36340 FERROVIERI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
+36358 CARPINETO CHIANTI CASTALDO 2020 $18.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20 [my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)]
========================
Fizz+388603 PIERRE SPARR BRUT RÉSERVE CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ROSE+279117 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA 2022 $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC RIESLING 2019 VQA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+431593 TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH RIESLING 2021 VQA $21.95
W+36546 DOMAINE GÉRARD MILLET SANCERRE 2022 $34.95
OREGON W+36496 CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL PINOT GRIS 2022 $21.95
R+279059 LAURENT GAUTHIER GRAND CRAS VIEILLES VIGNES MORGON 2021 $22.95
R+20422 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC GAMAY 2021 VQA $29.95
R+274753 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+117960 CREEKSIDE LAURA'S RED 2018 VQA $25 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
BORDEAUX R+550244 CHÂTEAU LA CARDONNE 2015 $25.95
BURGUNDY R+34247 PASCAL BOUCHARD IRANCY 2018 $32.95
RHONE R+35974 BROTTE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE 2019 $51.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
SPAIN +37272 MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA RESERVA 2018 $16.95
APRIL LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale Monday April 1 through Sunday April 28...
W+84988 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay, now $29.95, save $3
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, now $29.95, save $2
W+13311 Lone Birch Chardonnay Yakima Washington, now $19.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+18631 Sebastiani California Chardonnay, now $16.90, save $2
W+350900 Robert Oatley Chardonnay Margaret River, now $19.95, save $2
W+268342 Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay VQA, now $17.95, save $2
R+30957 Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenere La Pataguas Vineyard Rapel Chile, now $16.95, save $3
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.94, save $3
R+626390 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir New Zealand, now $19.95, save $3
R+727636 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2020 IGT Toscana, now $31.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE CGU FINE WINES WINTER PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING 2023
The Event: CGU Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Terrace Room, Park Hyatt
The Target Audience: licensees and wine media, with private collectors later.
The Availability/Catalogue: a one-page sheet listed the wines at five tables, with label names, regions, vintage dates, prices, case sizes, and order information.
The Wines: I had the opportunity to try most of the wines. Prices are licensee only.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Michel Voarick Pernard-Vergelesses 2021 Aloxe-Corton Rouge $65.76
-Domaine des Ardoissieres Silice Blanc 2022 [biodynamic] $34.12
-Niew Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 Willamette $111.11 [my second fave]
-Chantereves Marsannay Rose 2021 Savigny-les-Beaune $59.35
-Domaine Derey Fixin Les Echalais Marsannay 2021 Rouge $60.86
-Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Terre Blanches 2020 $101.76
-Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 1er Champans 2020 Rouge $187.10
-Domaine Boyer-Martenot Boyer de Bar Chardonnay 2021 $30.70 [my fave of the day]
-Domaine Boyer-Martenot Puligny-Montrachet Les Reuchaux 2020 $140.89
-Domaine Garcia Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grandes Vignes 2021 Rouge $160.14
-Thiriet Cote de Nuits Villages aux Montagnes 2021 $136.54
-Domaine Guillemot-Michel Vire-Clesse Quintaine 2021 [biodynamic] $65.87
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesse [white] $64.71
-Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV Meursault $38.78
-Laurent Ponsot Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosc 2019 $226.84
-Le Chai Duchet Vire-Clesse 2021 $33.86
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Reinhard & Beate Knebel Rottgen GG 2021 Mosel [white] $88.75
-Weingut A. Christmann Aus den Lagen Riesling 2021 Pfalz $38.81
-Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg GG 2022 Mosel $72.81
-Weingut Schloss Lieser Juffer Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2020 Mosel $42.10
-Domaine Michel Voarick Corton-Charlemagne 2021 Grand Cru Aloxe-Corton $328.68
-Clement Lavallee Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre Rouge 2020 Ma Pierre $56
-Clement Lavallee Saint-Bris Les Copains d'Abord 2021 $47.07
-Domaine Derey Bourgogne Montre Cul Marsannay 2021 Rouge $40.64
-Armand Heitz Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles 2020 $150.03
-Domaine Garcia Marsannay Clos du Roy 2021 Rouge $96.09
-Thiriet Bourgogne Aligote au Jardin Comblanchien 2021 $82.61
-Domaine Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Aligote 2021 Meursault $47.91
-Domaine Georges Glantenay Volnay 2020 $77.81
-Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee du Perce-Neige 2019 $61.67
-Le Chai Duchet Macon Blanc 2022 $24.96
The Downside: there was a Greek wine trade show immediately afterwards.
The Upside: there were only 35 wines to taste.
The Contact Person: info@cgufinewines.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
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 better or best 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 – my 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 my scores in the early 1980s. 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 by overuse and "inflated numbers"; thus I have quit 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 the GOOD wines. Just the BETTER (86-89) and the BEST (90+ ) wines. This spread of points will relate to SILVER and GOLD medals, with GOOD being BRONZE. This also fits into my scheme for trade tastings.
MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
MAJOR THEME: PERFECT FOOD-WINE PAIRINGS -- [really?]
BUT FIRST -- There are 12 chardonnays being released April 13...here are my recks:
*NEW* CHARDONNAYS AT VINTAGES APRIL 13, 2024 RELEASE --
ARGENTINA +918805 CATENA HIGH MOUNTAIN VINES CHARDONNAY 2022 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
AUSTRALIA +33566 JIM JIM CHARDONNAY 2021 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
ONTARIO +68817 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC CHARDONNAY 2021 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ONTARIO +256552 CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY 2020 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ONTARIO +20455 LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2020 $29.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
CHILE +17617 ESCUDO ROJO RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +226936 RODNEY STRONG CHARDONNAY 2021 $21.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +441089 ROMBAUER CARNEROS CHARDONNAY 2022 $69.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
CALIFORNIA +395699 BERINGER LUMINUS CHARDONNAY 2022 $55.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
BURGUNDY +42374 DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2022 $31.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
BURGUNDY +23988 TERRES SECRÈTES LES PRÉLUDES MÂCON-VILLAGES 2021 $20.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
UMBRIA +176792 ANTINORI BRAMÌTO DELLA SALA CHARDONNAY 2022 $32.95 MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)
Recommended Wines UNDER $20 [my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)]
==========================
Fizz+536607 EMILIANA AMALUNA ORGANIC BRUT SPARKLING CHILE $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
AUSTRIA W+37419 ECKER-ECKHOF GRÜNER VON ECKHOF 2022 $19.95
PFALZ W+37824 RUDI RÜTTGER LE TENDRE RIESLING 2022 $16.95
TUSCANY W+36345 VILLA DA VINCI STREDA VERMENTINO 2022 $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
NEW ZEALAND W+14199 INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 $18.95
PORTUGAL W+37848 FREIRE LOBO VIGNO BRANCO 2021 $17.95
R+36389 AMASTUOLA NEGROAMARO 2020 PUGLIA $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+983742 L.A. CETTO PETITE SIRAH 2021 MEXICO $14.95
ARGENTINA R+114983 H J. FABRE BARREL SELECTION MALBEC 2021 $18.95
LANGUEDOC +35995 CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN SOLEIL DE SCHISTE 2022 $18.95
ABRUZZO +36340 FERROVIERI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2022 $16.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
+36358 CARPINETO CHIANTI CASTALDO 2020 $18.95
Recommended Wines OVER $20 [my basic standard is MVC/QPR=BETTER (86-89)]
========================
Fizz+388603 PIERRE SPARR BRUT RÉSERVE CRÉMANT D'ALSACE $20.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
ROSE+279117 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC CABERNET FRANC ROSÉ VQA 2022 $23.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+183491 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC RIESLING 2019 VQA $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+431593 TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE-NORTH RIESLING 2021 VQA $21.95
W+36546 DOMAINE GÉRARD MILLET SANCERRE 2022 $34.95
OREGON W+36496 CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL PINOT GRIS 2022 $21.95
R+279059 LAURENT GAUTHIER GRAND CRAS VIEILLES VIGNES MORGON 2021 $22.95
R+20422 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC GAMAY 2021 VQA $29.95
R+274753 HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE ORGANIC PINOT NOIR 2021 VQA $37.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+117960 CREEKSIDE LAURA'S RED 2018 VQA $25 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
BORDEAUX R+550244 CHÂTEAU LA CARDONNE 2015 $25.95
BURGUNDY R+34247 PASCAL BOUCHARD IRANCY 2018 $32.95
RHONE R+35974 BROTTE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE 2019 $51.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
SPAIN +37272 MARQUÉS DE LA CONCORDIA RESERVA 2018 $16.95
APRIL LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these are "better" value...on sale Monday April 1 through Sunday April 28...
W+84988 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay, now $29.95, save $3
W+68817 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Chardonnay VQA Beamsville Bench Niagara, now $29.95, save $2
W+13311 Lone Birch Chardonnay Yakima Washington, now $19.95, save $3
W+89037 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Chardonnay VQA, now $19.95, save $2
W+18631 Sebastiani California Chardonnay, now $16.90, save $2
W+350900 Robert Oatley Chardonnay Margaret River, now $19.95, save $2
W+268342 Henry of Pelham Estate Chardonnay VQA, now $17.95, save $2
R+30957 Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenere La Pataguas Vineyard Rapel Chile, now $16.95, save $3
R+274753 Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA Beamsville Bench, now $34.94, save $3
R+626390 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir New Zealand, now $19.95, save $3
R+727636 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2020 IGT Toscana, now $31.95, save $3
** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---
REPORT ON THE CGU FINE WINES WINTER PORTFOLIO TRADE TASTING 2023
The Event: CGU Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Terrace Room, Park Hyatt
The Target Audience: licensees and wine media, with private collectors later.
The Availability/Catalogue: a one-page sheet listed the wines at five tables, with label names, regions, vintage dates, prices, case sizes, and order information.
The Wines: I had the opportunity to try most of the wines. Prices are licensee only.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Michel Voarick Pernard-Vergelesses 2021 Aloxe-Corton Rouge $65.76
-Domaine des Ardoissieres Silice Blanc 2022 [biodynamic] $34.12
-Niew Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay 2021 Willamette $111.11 [my second fave]
-Chantereves Marsannay Rose 2021 Savigny-les-Beaune $59.35
-Domaine Derey Fixin Les Echalais Marsannay 2021 Rouge $60.86
-Domaine Patrice Rion Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Terre Blanches 2020 $101.76
-Domaine Pierrick Bouley Volnay 1er Champans 2020 Rouge $187.10
-Domaine Boyer-Martenot Boyer de Bar Chardonnay 2021 $30.70 [my fave of the day]
-Domaine Boyer-Martenot Puligny-Montrachet Les Reuchaux 2020 $140.89
-Domaine Garcia Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grandes Vignes 2021 Rouge $160.14
-Thiriet Cote de Nuits Villages aux Montagnes 2021 $136.54
-Domaine Guillemot-Michel Vire-Clesse Quintaine 2021 [biodynamic] $65.87
-Domaine des Terres de Velle Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Vergelesse [white] $64.71
-Domaine Francois Mikulski Cremant de Bourgogne NV Meursault $38.78
-Laurent Ponsot Meursault 1er Cru Blagny Cuvee du Myosc 2019 $226.84
-Le Chai Duchet Vire-Clesse 2021 $33.86
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Reinhard & Beate Knebel Rottgen GG 2021 Mosel [white] $88.75
-Weingut A. Christmann Aus den Lagen Riesling 2021 Pfalz $38.81
-Weingut A.J.Adam Hofberg GG 2022 Mosel $72.81
-Weingut Schloss Lieser Juffer Sonnenuhr Spatlese 2020 Mosel $42.10
-Domaine Michel Voarick Corton-Charlemagne 2021 Grand Cru Aloxe-Corton $328.68
-Clement Lavallee Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre Rouge 2020 Ma Pierre $56
-Clement Lavallee Saint-Bris Les Copains d'Abord 2021 $47.07
-Domaine Derey Bourgogne Montre Cul Marsannay 2021 Rouge $40.64
-Armand Heitz Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles 2020 $150.03
-Domaine Garcia Marsannay Clos du Roy 2021 Rouge $96.09
-Thiriet Bourgogne Aligote au Jardin Comblanchien 2021 $82.61
-Domaine Francois Mikulski Bourgogne Aligote 2021 Meursault $47.91
-Domaine Georges Glantenay Volnay 2020 $77.81
-Laurent Ponsot Bourgogne Blanc Cuvee du Perce-Neige 2019 $61.67
-Le Chai Duchet Macon Blanc 2022 $24.96
The Downside: there was a Greek wine trade show immediately afterwards.
The Upside: there were only 35 wines to taste.
The Contact Person: info@cgufinewines.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85
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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