WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for FEBRUARY 1, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  FEBRUARY 1, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine 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)=my basic recommendation  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEME:  Top French Wine Regions

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
Fizz+42007 CELENE CUVÉE ROYAL BRUT CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX  NV $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+37912 D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP SAUVIGNON BLANC AUSTRALIA 2023 $14.95
W+224626 JOSEPH CATTIN GEWURZTRAMINER ALSACE 2023 $18.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+38155 CHÂTEAU MARIE PLAISANCE LE BRIN SOUTH OF FRANCE 2022 $14.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+19691 PATERNOSTER VULCANICO FALANGHINA BASILICATA 2022 $19.95
W+707950 ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO FRIULI 2023 $19.95
W+231282 KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC SOUTH AFRICA 2024
$18.95
R+35672 EMILIANA NOVAS STELLAR SELECTION CABERNET CHILE $17.95 2022 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38266 CAVE DU CHÂTEAU DES LOGES LES 3 MADONES BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2022
$19.95
R+32040 FONCALIEU VIA NOSTRUM LANGUDOC 2020 $18.95
R+539916 ROC DES TEMPLIERS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 $15.95
R+134544 MONTE DEL FRÀ BARDOLINO VENETO 2023 $16.95
R+431064 HERDADE PESO TRINCA BOLOTAS TINTO PORTUGAL 2022 $16.95

Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
Fizz+267039 NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT ROSÉ NV CHAMPAGNE $64.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+17633 LAKEVIEW BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY VQA 2020 $24.95
W+38077 DEUX ROCHES TRADITION MACON-VILLAGES 2022 $27.95
W+695908 JEAN PABIOT ET FILS DOMAINE DES FINES CAILLOTTES POUILLY-FUMÉ 2022
$30.20
R+42612 HINTERBROOK RESERVE CABERNET FRANC VQA 2017 $49.95
R+418111 TRIUS SHOWCASE CLARK FARM PINOT NOIR VQA 2022 $45.00
R+42111 MORANDÉ VITIS ÚNICA PINOT NOIR CHILE 2022 $20.95
R+41082 CHÂTEAU HAUTS DE PLAISANCE BORDEAUX 2016 $24.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+38093 VIGNERONS DE BEL-AIR BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2022  $29.95
R+643205 CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO $24.95
2020
R+132597 ESCONDIDO TEMPRANILLO SPAIN 2020 $18.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...especially since there is also no HST in the price (most of these wines are now about $5 less on  "double" sale  through Sunday February 2 -- better hurry!!

W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2...now $24.50 since there is no HST! a total savings of $5.45 a bottle.
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
R+36483 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes, now $17.95, save $2
R+328567 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa, now $16.95, save $3
R+295410 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais 2021 Costieres de Nimes, now $23.95, save $2
R+383018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza Rioja $16.95, save $4
FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---


REPORT ON STEM WINE PORTFOLIO TASTING OCTOBER 30, 2024

The Date and Time: October 30, 2024, 2PM to 9PM
The Event: 20th Anniversary Edition of Stem Wine Group Inc.'s Portfolio Tasting
The Venue: Globe & Mail Event Centre
The Target Audience: wine media, sommeliers, collectors, private clients, etc.
The Availability/Catalogue: everything in the catalogue is available. The book itself weighs over a pound.
The Quote/Background: It was a walkaround tasting, moving at its own pace, with plenty of wine to sample. The majority of wines came from Italy, followed by France, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Ontario Canada. The book gave us a label reproduction, grape names, regions, vintage dates and prices. Many producers and/or their North American reps were pouring. It's always an interesting experience.
The Wines: I could only taste a few of the wines: there were so many, plus beers and spirits and sparklers. Prices do not include HST or bottle deposit.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Anno Domini Vyds Moscato IGT Veneto Frizzante $14.99
-Tombacco Pecorino IGT Terre di Chieti $16.99
-Delibori Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOCG $52.99
-Zyme From Black to White Il Bianco 2020 IGP $33.99
-Zyme 60 20 20 Cabernet IGP 2020 $82.99
-Zyme Kairos IGP 2020 $132.99
-Zyme Amarone dell Valpolicella Classico 2018  DOCG $209.99
-Zyme La Mattonara Amarone Classico Riserva 2009 DOP $519.99
-Zyme Harlequin 2016 IGP $519.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Brut DOCG $39.99
-Corteaura Franciacorta Rose DOCG $47.99
-Ronco Del Gelso Siet Vignis Chardonnay 2022 DOC $36.99
-La Chiara Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2023 DOCG $23.99
-Giulia Negri La Tartufaia Barolo 2020 DOCG $89.99
-Giulia Negri Serradenari Barolo 2020 DOCG $129.99
-Giulia Negri Marassio Barolo 2020 DOCG $189.99
-Arnaldorivera Rocche di Castiglione Barolo 2020 DCG $184.99
-Gaja Alteni di Brassica 2021 DOP $239.99
-Castello Monsanto Il Poggio Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 DOCG $109.99
--Settesoli Vermentino 2022 IGT $14.99
-La Manufacture Blanchot Chablis Grand Cru 2022 $139.99
-Tome Arzabal Albarino 2023 Yakima Valley AVA $34.99
-Citation Chardonnay Oregon 2015 $59.99
-Citation Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2015 $61.99


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Delibori Garda Chardonnay IGT 2023  $13.99
-Schreckbichl Colterenzio Altikirch Chardonnay 2023 $24.99
-Deltetto Il Fondatore Barolo 2017 DOCG $74.99
-Ca' del Baio Luna d'Agosto Langhe Chardonnay 2023 DOC $23.99
-Villa a Sesta Sarleone Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2018 $59.99
-Gaja Rossj Bass 2022 DOP $139.99
-Gaja Dagromis Barolo 2020 DOP $169.99
-La Manufacture Bourgogne 2022 Cote d'Auxerre $33.99
-Castell d'Or Cava Rose NV $18.99
-Precision Adorn Chardonnay 2021 California $18.99
-Butternut Chardonnay 2021 California $23.99

The Food: Piano Piano was present with rigatoni Bolognese and cavatelli mushrooms and truffles; Edna + Vita fed us with tuna crudo, whipped ricotta and beet crostini, mortadella grissini and pistachio pesto, polpette and polenta; kb from Whitby provided us with beef tartare, wild boar crisps, deep-fried rabbit and polenta balls. Amazing food.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast
The Upside: I could not taste every wine that I wanted to - I ran out of palate. So sad.
The Contact Person: tania@stemwinegroup.com  or  tony@stemwinegroup.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON INSTITUTO GRANDI MARCHI TORONTO OCTOBER 16, 2024

REPORT ON INSTITUTO GRANDI MARCHI TORONTO   OCTOBER 16, 2024

The Date and Time: October 16, 2024, 11AM to 4:30PM
The Event: Wine tasting of Instituto Grandi Marchi in Toronto
The Venue: Arcadian Loft
The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers, wine trade agents
The Quote/Background: Grandi Marchi here means "wine family heritage" -- these are some of the oldest wineries in Italy. There are 18 members but only 14 were at the show.
The Wines: We tasted 54 wines that were available. The masterclass explained the nature of the families and wine samples augmented this.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Ca" del Bosco Annamaria Clementi Franciacorta DOCG Riserva 2015
-Umani Ronchi Vecchie Vigne Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Superiore 2022
-Vinchio Vaglio Moscato D'Asti
-Podere Casanova Settecento 2018
-Vinchio Vaglie Barbera d'Asti Vechie Vigne 2021
-Vinchio Vaglie Nizza Laudana 2020
-Castello di Selvole Chianti Gran Selezione 2019
-Castello di Melet Chianti Gran Selezione 2020  
-Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Gran Selezione 2020
-Tasca d'Almerita Rosso del Conte Contea di Sciafani DOC 2018
-Tenuta San Leonardo Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 2016
-Michele Chiaro Cerequio Barolo DOCG Riserva 2016
-Col d'Orcia Poggio al Vento Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva 2016
-Masi Costasera Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Riserva 2018
-Serego Alighieri Possessioni Veneto 2013
-Jermann Bianco Venetia IGT 2022 Where Dreams Have No End
-Michele Chiaro Barbaresco 2021

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Carpene Malvolti 1868 Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut
-Jermann Vintage Tunina Venezia Giulia IGT 2022
-Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute Cabreo Il Borgo Toscana Chianti Region  IGT 2021
-Lungarotti Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2020
-Mastroberardino Stilema Taurasi DOCG Riserva 2016
-Cantina Nativ Fiano d'Avellion 2023
-Cantina Nativ Greco di Tufo 2023
-Obiz Friulano 2023
-Cecci Chardonnay 2023
-Feudi di Romans Ribolla Gialla 2023
-Mezzacorona Rotari Prosecco
-Rivera Marese  Bombino Bianco Castel del Monte DOC 2023
-San Leonardo Vette Sauvignon Blanc 2023
-Michele Chiarlo Gavi 2023
-Lungarotti Torre de Giano 2023
-Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo 2013
-Masterberardino Fiano de Avellino 2023

The Food: we had the cheese and charcuterie platters, Atlantic salmon salad sandwich, quinoa and eggplant wrap, crispy chicken ciabatta and tomatoes, beef flat iron pretzel sandwich -- all with smoked cheddar cheeses available as well as  smoked jalapeno aioli. Catered by Oliver & Bonacini
The Downside: I missed tasting Donnafugata and Antinori wines (these families did not come to Toronto)
The Upside: the foods were a great match for the various wines.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Wine Tasting, January 2025....

Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Wine Tasting, January 2025....


1. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery "Sustainable Premium Series" Reserve Riesling 2023 VQA Niagara Lakeshore, $24.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com) is new to me. It's an unoaked off-dry drink with elements of orchard fruit such as peach or apricot following a lime opener through to a mild honeyed (botrytised?) ending. The grapes were late-harvested on November 2, 2023, the juicy wine was stored in stainless steel tanks, and it was bottled in June. The acid level was brisk and stifled any overt sweetness. It can be stored for several years (5 - 6 years is suggested) to bring out its Alsatian nature of mineral-petrol. Screw-cap closure works well here in the traditional Riesling bottle. It's a great all round wine, from sipping as an aperitif to accompanying a wide variety of South-East Asia (SEA) dishes from Vietnam, Thai, Indian -- or actually anything spicy. 8.3 g/L residual sugar, 12.1% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


2. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery "Summer Series" Jennifer's Pinot Gris 2023 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $24.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). It's more Alsatian-like in its complexity with orchard fruit (pear, peach, apricot,  apple), some melon notes and no oaking. It's medium weight and finishes dry, but can be used either as a social drink or with first-course food such as chicken or seafood. It's also useful as a "rose" since it's not called "gris" for nothing: the grape pressing gives it a pinkish tone. We've seen this in many other pinot gris bottles from other wineries. It is a light, aromatic quaff, stored in stainless steel until the June bottling. Screw-cap closure and a classy label. 2 g/L residual sugar (lower than in previous vintages), 12.8% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


3. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Premium Series Cabernet Franc 2021 VQA Niagara Escarpment, $35.15. (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This is one of Kacaba's  upscale labels. Very reminiscent of Right Bank (St. Emilion) cabs but without the stuffing of, say, Cheval Blanc. It is just as durable at this young age. Currently it is mute until tasted later after aeration. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a sealed bottle for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't want to do this, then you may want to wait a bit longer as the wine will be ready in six to ten years. Complex aromas and tastes begin to ascend and descend as the week rolls on. First, some black cherries followed by red tones on the palate from Ontario cranberry tartness. Some vanilla smoke, savoury herby spiciness, even mocha. The 2021 was fermented for two weeks before being racked into a combination of French and American oak. Maturation was 14 months. Aged or gamey red meat is mostly called for with this classic European-styled wine. 2.2 g/L residual sugar, 13.1% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



4. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Meritage 2021 VQA Niagara Escarpment, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This blend has changed every time since it is determined by the percentage of the grape varieties used based on how the harvest went. This year (2021), it is cabernet franc 33.5%, cabernet sauvignon 41.1% and merlot 25.4%. Everything was vinified separately in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in French and American oak for 12 months. The final blend from 24 casks was determined, and this blend went into stainless steel tanks. A racking into older neutral barrels followed, and the wine was aged for a further five months in wood. This is a value wine driven by black fruit (black currants, blackberries, plums, dark cherries) and vanilla-mocha. It's still tannic but with nuances of smoke and spices. I usually do a double-decant, taste, and then put it in a bottle with a cork for up to a week, with daily tastings. If you don't do this, then you will miss the evolution of the wine. The wine will be fully mature in a few more years, and should keep even longer. Umami food pairings may probably be best, with cured meats, older cheeses, even vegan mushroom risottos. 2.4 g/L residual sugar, 13.2% ABV, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.


Kacaba has been renowned for its syrahs:

5. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Proprietor's Block Vineyard Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2021, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com). This syrah is still a young wine, three years old, and with a lot to resolve among the complexities of toasty smoke, vanillins, and black cherries, cracked pepper and other spices.  7.4% of Kacaba viognier was added, in true Northern Rhone fashion style. I've tasted various Kacaba syrahs back to 2000 with the Wine Writers' Circle of Canada. [See below...] You'll get a whiff of anise, rosemary, and red fruit, and with the viognier fruit it is a bit refreshing with some soft textures. Storage was in both French and American oak for 14 months. Definitely a red meat wine but also excels with anything grilled, whether meat or vegetable. What I usually do is a double-decant, taste, and then leave it in a sealed bottle for a week, with daily tastings. If you do this, then you can taste the progress of the wine to its maturity. The grapes come from the youngest syrah plantings at Kacaba. Currently it is plummy but could turn jammy with age. Very good balanced finish emphasizes smooth tannins with a juicy length. The previous vintage was a multiple wine award winner (Gold at Ontario Wine Awards 2022, Gold at the All Canadians 2022, and Silver at the National Wine Awards 2022). 13% ABV. 2.4g/L residual sugar, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

6. Kacaba Vineyards & Winery Escarpment Series Terraced Vineyard Syrah VQA Niagara Escarpment 2021, $35.15 (currently at the winery boutique and kacaba.com).
The fruit here was hand-picked. In true Rhone style, there was a 9.3% addition of estate viognier. The major expression here is that of black cherry-berry tones, mocha, and black and white pepper.  It's way too young to consume without double-decanting or other aeration.  This is one for the cellar, tight and still developing. Try in a few years as the tannins need a bit more time to smooth out. It is well worth waiting for that delicious syrah intensity: more leaning to a deft Euro style with peppery spices, some leather, smoke, vanilla, red and black fruit. It has been in French and American oak for 14 months. Expect black fruit and berries, coffee and chocolate tones. It is a big plummy wine: dark, deep, and rich, cedary and jammy. Double-decanting a necessity at this point for that "Rhone tone". Silver medalist at the All Canadian Wine Championships 2024. 13% ABV, 2.1g/L residual sugar, cork closure. Quality/Price rating is 91 - 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

Kacaba winery began in 1997, and soon made its first syrahs. The original winemaker was Sue Ann Staff, followed by Jim Warren and John Tummon;  Vadim Chelekhow made the 2021 syrah wine. In 2005, no syrah was harvested. The 2001 showed ladybug presence and is not rated. The Wine Writers' Circle of Canada tasted the wines below in 2014.
 
**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2000, harvested  Oct 26
-Kacaba Syrah 2006, harv. Sep 30, 12.2% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2007 Proprietor's Reserve, harv. Oct 3, 12.8% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Reserve Main Vineyard, harv. Sept 27, 13.1% ABV, co-fermented (as are all below) 5% or more Viognier $69.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2010 Single Vineyard, harv. Sept 29, 13.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2012, harv. Oct 2, 13.7% ABV, 5% Viognier $39.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Terrace Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
 
*** BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2002, harvested. Oct 7, 14.3% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2004 Reserve, harv. Oct 25, 13.8% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2009 Single Vineyard, harv. Oct 30, 12.9% ABV, $29.99
-Kacaba Syrah 2011 PS Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 4, 12.9% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2011 Ravine/Main Vineyards, harv. Oct 8, 13.3% ABV, 5% Viognier $29.95
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Main Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
-Kacaba Syrah 2013 Flats Vineyard, harv. Oct 26, 7% Viognier [barrel sample]
 
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Kacaba Syrah 2003, harvested Nov 4, 12% ABV
-Kacaba Syrah 2008, harv. Oct 23, 12.4% ABV

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for JANUARY 18, 2025 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for  JANUARY 18, 2025 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of wine 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)=my basic recommendation  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )=superior wine

MAJOR THEMES:  California Sustainability; Local Talent Reds

Recommended Wines UNDER $20
=========================
W+447425 MOUNT RILEY LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC NEW ZEA 2024 $19.95
W+117945 TAHBILK MARSANNE 2023 AUSTRALIA $19.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+981175 DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES 2023 $19.95
R+452029 PIATTELLI LUJÁN DE CUYO RESERVE MALBEC 2022 ARGENTINA $15.50
R+360636 SISTER'S RUN BETHLEHEM BLOCK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  $19.95
R+13434 ESCUDO ROJO GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHILE 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+195107 SAINT-ROCH CORBAROL SYRAH/GRENACHE FRANCE 2022  $16.95
R+38858 CAMPET SAINT MARIE VIEILLES VIGNES SAINT-CHINIAN 2022 $15.95
R+38650 DOMAINE CHANTEPIERRE LIRAC 2021 $18.95
R+120907 VESEVO BENEVENTANO AGLIANICO  CAMPANIA 2022 $17.95
R+455220 SAN MARZANO TALÒ PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA PUGLIA 2022 $17.45

 Recommended Wines OVER $20
========================
FIZZ+515262 DE CHANCENY BRUT CRÉMANT DE LOIRE $21.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+36895 KONRAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 SOUTH AFRICA $22.95
W+38089 ALAIN GEOFFROY VAU-LIGNEAU CHABLIS 1ER CRU $44.95  MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
W+466144 J. MOREAU & FILS GLORIE DE CHABLIS 2023 $31.95
R+42483 STONEY RIDGE SMALL LOT BUCKNALL VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2022 $22.95
R+41303 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2023 $34.95
R+41302 CHÂTEAU FERRAN 2019 $37.95
R+42482 FOGOLAR PICONE VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC VQA 2021 $34.95
R+320986 THIRTY BENCH WINEMAKER'S BLEND RED 2020 $24.95
R+418830 SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE ORGANIC MERLOT VQA 2019 $27.95 MVC/QPR=BEST (90+ )
R+19875 IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE TUSCANY 2019 $36.95

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offer selections...these  are "better" value...on sale  January 6 through February 2  (and don't forget the HST reductions through Feb 15) --

FIZZ+302752 Santa Margherita Brut Rose Sparkling Italy, now $19.95, save $2
W+18947 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, now $17.95, save $3
W+158683 La Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2023, now $27.95. save $2
R+36483 Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon Penedes, now $17.95, save $2
R+328567 Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon South Africa, now $16.95, save $3
R+295410 Michel Gassier Nostre Pais 2021 Costieres de Nimes, now $23.95, save $2
R+383018 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza Rioja $16.95, save $4

LTOs for all of  the  600-800 wines, beers, spirits, etc. can be found at --
https://www.lcbo.com/en/products#t=clp-products&sort=relevancy&layout=card&f:@lcbo_current_offer=[On%20Sale]


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past Season ---


REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO OCTOBER

REPORT ON ALSACE ROCKS! IN TORONTO  OCTOBER

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024  1PM to 5PM
The Event: Alsace Rocks! in Toronto
The Venue: Storys Building, Toronto
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: I had no cell phone to QR.
The Quote/Background: there were 36 or so wines spread around three stations, about 12 wines each.
The Wines: I did not sample every wine (I only had 15). I passed on the sweeties and the reds. And on the sylvaner and the muscat.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Zinck Rose NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Allimant Rose Brut  NV (all pinot noir)
-Domaine Allimant Gewurztraminer 2023
-Justin Boxler Riesling Grand Cru Florimont 2018
-Pfersigberg Riesling Grand Cru 1999
-Pfersigberg Gewurztraminer  Grand Cru 1999
-Jean-Louis Schoepfer Gewurztraminer 2020   [my fave of the day]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (87 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Cremant d'Alsace Bott Geyl NV
-Cremant d'Alsace Domaine Gilg NV
-Cremant d'Alsace J. Louis Brut NV
-Wilm Gewurztraminer Reserve 2021
-Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer 2023 Reserve
-Zotzenberg Gewurztraminer Grand Cru
-Domaine Gilg Riesling Grand Cru 2022
-Domaine Allimant Laugner Riesling 2023

The Food: lovely canapes such as smoked fish fritter, beet manti (goat cheese and beet), warm mini-shrimp po boy, wild mushroom katai fi, oysters, ahi tuna crudo, chicken satay. -- some of the best I'ver had all year!
The Downside: too few wines but crowded tasting tables (only three tables with one server each)
The Upside: some interesting musicians named Stereoflavour, and low crowd numbers
The Contact Person: ctouchette@hopscotchgroupe.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 91

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures